Two years later

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Cindy eased out from under the covers, careful not to disturb Ethan as she padded across the plank floor in her bare feet. The door opened soundlessly, swinging in on well-oiled hinges. She stepped out onto the balcony and closed the door behind her, the soft click nothing more than a whisper in the night.

She moved past the overstuffed patio furniture. The wood of the deck was still warm under her feet, the railing of the balcony smooth and comforting under her arms as she leaned against it.

Darkness surrounded her, thick and warm, heavy with tropical perfume. She closed her eyes and breathed in, held the breath of air in her lungs until she thought they'd burst.

Then she opened her eyes and gazed out into the darkness. At the expanse of water, shadowed by the night. Up to the sky, it's midnight silk broken only by the sharp pinpricks of the stars.

Darkness surrounded her. But not the darkness of before. This was different: quiet, peaceful, soothing. She closed her eyes and breathed in again, feeling. Clear. Sharp. Alive.

She had slipped into the other darkness during these last two years, just once. But it hadn't been as bad as that first time and she had made it through, knew she'd make it through again.

Because of Ethan.

Friends. Lovers. But so much more.

Her other half.

So much had happened these last two years. A whirlwind of life, of love. Adjustment. Learning to deal with the separation that came with being a hockey wife, learning to enjoy every moment when they were together.

And growing stronger because of it. Knowing she was stronger now. That their love was stronger.

And learning to deal with a different kind of disappointment, a different kind of heartbreak.

The Banners had made it so close last year, losing to Nashville in a heartbreaking Game 6 of the final round.

And this year…this year they hadn't made it past the first round, being swept by Carolina in four surprisingly quick games. She had thought Ethan would be more disappointment, was surprised when he merely smiled and said it would give them more time to spend together this summer.

Time to spend with each other. Time to spend in the new house, time they hadn't had before.

Two years later, and Cindy still couldn't believe he'd gone through with it. But he had, drawing up plans and then scratching them, starting over a dozen times until finally deciding on what he wanted.

No, what they wanted.

And dealing with all the unexpected obstacles and delays that came with building in such a secluded, overgrown spot of paradise.

But they'd done it. And it was beautiful. Perfect. A private oasis just for them, filled with unspoken promises and bursting with love.

Just like her own heart. 

She heard the door open behind her, smiled when Ethan's hands slipped around her waist and rested on her growing belly. She leaned against him, sighing when he pressed a kiss against her neck.

"Couldn't sleep?" His voice was soft, filled with need and desire. She folded one hand over his and slid it to the side, pressing in. He laughed, a small sound of wonder when the baby kicked in response.

"No. Your son has been doing somersaults all night."

"You mean your daughter."

Cindy smiled but didn't contradict him, not this time.

The night settled around them, cloaking them in its warm shadow, the sound of the water humming a gentle lullaby as it lapped against the sandy beach. Ethan's arms tightened around her. Warm. Secure.

"You should try to get some sleep. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

"I'll be fine."

"You shouldn't overdo it."

"He's not due for another two months. I'll be fine." And she would be—her obstetrician and her therapist had both assured her of that. It was early June. Plenty of time.

"I still want you to take it easy when everyone gets here. No hiking or swimming or—"

Cindy turned in his arms and cut him off with a kiss. "You worry too much."

"That's what husbands do."

Cindy smiled and kissed him again then rested her head on his shoulder, breathing in the warm scents of his body. "I know. But we're not planning on having a huge party. We're just going to take it easy while you men go out and do manly stuff. Like fishing or whatever it is you do."

Ethan chuckled, the sound rich and comforting in her ear.

"Manly stuff? Yeah, okay." He tightened his arms around her then sighed, the sound almost pouty. "I still don't understand why you invited everyone down here."

"It's not everyone. Just Maggie and Dillon and Christine. And Brad and his girlfriend. Corbin. My mom—"

Ethan pulled back, his brows lowering over his eyes. "Is Corbin bringing someone?"

"I don't know. Maybe."

"Please don't tell me—"

"I don't know. Honest."

"Retired or not, Ian will seriously kick his ass if he brings Lori down here. Hell, he'll kick my ass."

"I don't think he's bringing her. Besides, they're just friends."

"Just friends?" Ethan laughed, the sound almost choked. Then he tightened his arms around her and claimed her mouth in a searing kiss. Cindy clung to him, her body melting into his, her breath coming in short gasps when he finally pulled away.

"Don't you know by now that friends make the best lovers?" His voice wrapped around her, husky and filled with promise. She smiled and leaned up on her toes, her mouth brushing against his when she spoke.

"I don't know. Maybe you should show me again."

And he did, right there on the oversized lounge as the stars watched from the midnight sky.

 

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