Dinner had ended, but the warmth lingered in the garden. The plates were nearly empty, the glasses half full, and the candlelight still danced gently on the table between them. The stars overhead sparkled like scattered diamonds, casting a quiet blessing over the two figures seated side by side.
Jr leaned back in his chair, content and smiling. "You're always so good at creating these unique meals. I swear, every time I eat your food, I taste something new."
Bella chuckled softly. "Thanks for enjoying it."
He laughed, pointing at his empty plate. "Our African chef can't let us rest. Fresh, tasty, and unforgettable—just like you."
Bella smiled, her eyes warm. "Thank you for more than just enjoying my food. Thank you for giving us a home… for loving us unconditionally… and for bringing those criminals to justice. You saved so many lives, Jr."
Jr reached across the table and took her hand gently in his. "I would do it a hundred times over if that's what it takes to protect you and the girls."
She squeezed his hand, her voice softer now. "Now that it's all over, what's next?"
Jr's expression darkened slightly. He looked down for a moment, then back up at her. "I got a call today. It's about Bonita's mother… She passed away."
Bella's breath caught in her throat. "What? What happened?"
"She died of depression," he said quietly. "She was a single mother. After Bonita was taken, she just… broke. There was no one to pull her out of it. The pain swallowed her whole."
Tears welled up in Bella's eyes. "Oh my God… that poor woman. That poor child. She'll never see her again."
Jr nodded, his own voice heavy with emotion. "I think it's time we adopt them officially. Lisa, Bianca, Bonita… They need to know they're home for good."
Bella nodded quickly. "Yes. We have to. We can't leave any room for uncertainty in their hearts."
Jr gave a half-smile. "After we get married… we'll do it together. And after that, we'll visit your home. I want to meet your people. I want them to see how much you mean to me."
Bella looked at him, surprised. "You really want to go back with me?"
He smiled fully now. "I want a grand wedding, Bella. The kind that makes headlines. I want the world to know that you're mine. That I chose you. That you're my queen."
Bella blushed, laughing through her tears. "That sounds like too much, Jr…"
"Don't forget who I am," he teased. "I'm Hampton Jr. Big is the only way I know."
She laughed again, the sadness momentarily lifted by his charm. "You're impossible."
"I know," he said, standing up and offering her his hand. "But you love me anyway."
She placed her hand in his, rising to her feet. "Unfortunately for me… I do."
He scooped her into his arms effortlessly, making her squeal in surprise. "Come on, my lady," he said, carrying her toward the mansion. "Tonight… I don't want anything else but you."
As they entered the house, the night grew even quieter. The girls were fast asleep, the staff had retreated to their quarters, and the world outside had stilled. Jr carried her all the way up to his bedroom, his steps slow and intentional.
He set her down gently by the bed, brushing a curl from her forehead. "Today," he whispered, "is the moment I've been waiting for. I want you, Bella. Not just emotionally… but fully. Every part of you. Here. Now."
Bella looked into his eyes, heart pounding but steady. "My king… You know I've always wanted to give myself to you completely. But it never felt like the right time. Until now."
He stepped closer, cupping her face in his hands. "You've been tormenting me with those curves, that smile, those lips… Every time I looked at you, I had to hold back."
She smiled shyly, heart racing. "And every time I looked at you, I had to remind myself we had more important things to face first."
"Well," he murmured, "now we've faced them. And won."
His lips brushed against hers—tender, unhurried, filled with promises that didn't need words. His hands moved to her waist, drawing her close, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, sighing into his embrace. The electricity between them had always been there, but tonight, it was different. There was no fear. No threat looming. Only love, safety, and the deep, burning desire to become one in heart, body, and soul.
He kissed her again, this time deeper. His fingers traced the line of her back as he whispered her name against her lips. She responded with a soft moan, pulling him down onto the bed beside her.
The room was filled with only the sound of their breathing, their murmured words of love, and the soft rustle of sheets as two people who had survived hell finally let themselves feel heaven.
Be gentle my heart, I will dear baibe.
Time slowed. Nothing else mattered—not the pain of the past, not the struggles they had overcome—only the present moment, where every touch and glance reaffirmed their bond.
And when their bodies finally became one, it wasn't just an act of passion—it was a promise. A promise of forever, sealed beneath the moonlight that filtered through the curtains and onto their entwined forms.
Later, as they lay wrapped in each other's arms, Bella rested her head on Jr's chest, her fingers gently drawing circles on his skin.
"I never thought I'd feel peace like this," she whispered.
"You deserve peace every day," he replied, kissing the top of her head. "And I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you have it."
She closed her eyes, her heart full. "I love you, Hampton Jr."
"I love you more, Bella. Always."
And just like that, the night embraced them—two souls, one heartbeat, and a future worth fighting for.