“Allen! Put me down!” I laugh. We’re walking back to the resort from the beach and he’s carrying me every step of the way. “I can walk, you know.”

“I know. I just like having you in my arms,” he says and he bends down to kiss me briefly.

“See, Babe? Told you.”

Allen and I look up to see a man with dark hair and a broad, golden-tanned body. In his arms is a woman with dark curly hair that’s swept up into a messy bun. She’s as beautiful as he is good looking. They look like they belong on a movie set, although I don’t really recognize them.

“Asher, you’re not as young as he is. Put me down.”

“I’m going to smack that ass for that later,” the man growls playfully in the woman’s ear, but he puts her down. Thankfully, Allen does me too, because I was feeling kind of strange.

“We’ve been married for years, raised kids, and have grandbabies and he still insists on carrying me around,” the woman says with a laugh and I grin back.

“You have grandchildren?” I say and I blush, because I feel stupid. “I’m sorry. It’s just… you look younger than I do,” I add, hoping I didn’t offend her.

“Aren’t you a sweetheart! You remind me of my daughter July.”

“July, that’s an unusual name. I like it,” Allen answers, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. I notice the woman’s husband is doing the same, as if it’s like a universal signal to show This is my woman. Whatever it is, I won’t deny I like it and I lean deeper into my man.

“We wanted to keep up a tradition,” she answers, taking her sunglasses off. “I’m November, and this sexy caveman next to me is my husband, Asher.”

“Nice to meet you,” Asher says, holding out his hand to Allen. Once they shake he does the same to me.

“I envy you,” I tell her.

“Why’s that?” November asks.

“I’ve always wanted an unusual name. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone named November.”

“It’s okay. My wife is an original,” the man says with a wink. That’s when I realize we haven’t given our names. I don’t know what it is about this couple; they just have this connection that even I, as an outsider, can feel and you just kind of get caught up in it.

“I’m Jessie and this is my husband, Allen.”

I look up at Allen when I say those words and I get lost in the look in his eyes. It still feels strange to call him my husband. Strange…but definitely good.

“Oh, I know that look. How long have you been married?” November asks.

“We’re on our honeymoon,” I confess. “We got married yesterday on the beach in front of the resort.”

I get lost in my memories. It was a quiet wedding with just me and Allen, Roman, Ana and their little boy. I didn’t really have family or anyone I wanted there. Roman and Ana came along to be our witnesses. I said “I do,” in a beautiful white gauzy dress and barefoot and Allen wore a white dress shirt and relaxed slacks and was barefoot too. It was simple, beautiful and exactly what both of us wanted.

“Oh, wow. Do you remember those days, Asher?”

“Babe, every damn day with you is like our first,” Asher says and from the look in his eyes you can’t doubt it. He’s completely in love with his wife. It’s a look I know, because that’s the exact same look that Allen has given me from day one. Asher pulls his wife close, so that her back rests on his stomach and he tucks her into his body. He kisses the top of her head and keeps his arms locked around her. November tilts her head back to kiss under her husband’s chin and it’s so obvious that they’re completely in love, I can’t help but pray that Allen and I will be like that after we raise kids and have grandchildren.

“How long have you two been together?” I ask, unable to stop myself from finding out more about this couple.

“Not nearly long enough, though Asher does move fast, so we’ve packed a lot in over the years.”

“I know that feeling,” I laugh. “Allen and I have only known each other for maybe two months,” I tell her and I don’t want to take the time to count and tell her it’s probably less.

November laughs and breaks away from her husband, claiming my hand. We walk together toward the resort, our husbands following us.

“Girl, Asher had me moved in with him within days.”

“Days?” I gasp, feeling better.

“Days,” she confirms. “I did manage to go a little longer before he made an honest woman out of me.”

“She only married me for my pool,” Asher laments from behind us.

“A pool?” Allen asks.

“Some women want jewelry. My girl just wanted a pool, so I gave it to her. When a man finds his woman he does whatever he can to make her happy.”

“You’re right about that,” Allen says. “Do you want a pool, Jessie?” he asks as we make it inside the resort. Instantly cool air hits me and it feels terrific.

I look back at my husband and grin.

“Nah, but I wouldn’t mind some children with unique names and someday maybe some grandchildren,” I tell him honestly.

Allen’s eyes seem to heat as he stares at me.

“You better keep that one, son,” Asher tells him.

“I plan on it,” Allen responds, and he picks me up again, and carries me to the elevator.

“Where are we going?” I ask, already knowing, but I’m enjoying the way he’s looking at me and the need he can’t disguise that’s in his voice.

“To get started on those kids you want.”

In the background I can hear November laugh. I look over Allen’s shoulder to see Asher carrying her. They’re headed in the opposite direction, but I have no doubt what’s on Asher’s mind either.

November and I are very lucky women.