‘So. Still want to do this?’ Ash came up behind her, wrapping his arms around the waist of her bright pink wedding dress and holding her close.
‘Where’s Charlie?’ she asked.
‘Playing with his grandpa. He’s having a great time,’ Ash assured her. ‘And I told Dad not to let him eat any more sand, so we’re probably fine.’
Zoey wasn’t entirely sure how thrilled Arthur would be about playing babysitter instead of enjoying the free bar, but it was true that Charlie adored his grandpa—and his grandpa loved him too. Maybe even more than Carmichael Luxury Travel, much to everyone’s amazement.
‘I ask you again. Are you sure you want to go through with it this time? Marrying me, I mean.’
Zoey twisted around in his arms and smiled up at him. ‘Is that why you wanted us to stay here together last night? In case I decided to run again?’
Ash shook his head. ‘No. I wanted to stay here with you because I can’t bear to be apart from you. And if you want to run, I’d run with you, if you’d let me.’
‘And if I wouldn’t?’
‘Then I’d let you go. Reluctantly, because it would break my heart. But seriously, Zo.’ He looked down at her, all laughter gone from his eyes. ‘If you need to run, just tell me.’
Oh, but she loved him. So much.
‘Ash, you and Charlie, you’re my home. My future.’ She placed a hand against his cheek. ‘Where on earth could I run to without leaving my heart behind? There is nowhere in the world I would rather be right now than here with you. Besides, I told you. No more running. Ever.’
‘So we’re getting married?’ Ash asked.
She pressed a kiss to his lips. ‘We’re getting married.’
‘Thank heavens for that.’ Ash’s gaze shifted away from hers and over her shoulder. ‘Um, that no running thing, though. Does it still count if Charlie’s eating sand again?’
Zoey glanced back at where her son was sitting at Arthur’s feet, feeding himself sand as Arthur chatted to one of his many business contacts.
‘Come on.’ She grabbed Ash’s hand and together they ran across the sand towards their son, the altar, and their happily-ever-after.
* * *