Recovery by Shyla Colt Page A

on her forehead. Her fingers brushed the hair from his eyes and she spoke.
    “You submitted my book, you beautiful bossy man,” she said, as she punctuated each word with a kiss.
    “I knew you just needed a little push,” he teased rolling on go to his back, entwining their fingers.  Gazing up at the stars he felt a peaceful calm seep into his bones. “I feel like we’ve been holding our breaths waiting for this moment to happen.”
    “I’m sorry, Max; I shouldn’t have doubted you like that.”
    “No, you had every right, this was the first time my dedication to my sobriety has truly been tested, but now that I’ve passed with flying colors I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind for the past couple of months.” He turned his head to face her, and lifted her hand in the air so the moonlight kissed her ring. The twinkle of diamonds was a beautiful testament to the depth and strength of their love. “I want to make this official as soon as possible.”
    Her dark eyes widened and he found himself lost in their mysterious depths. Oceane was like a complex work of art, each time he looked at her he saw something new to admire.
    “After all the leg work we did for the last one, we could do it this time inside of a month,” she said. Her answer was so swift and sure he knew they were going to be okay. Desire spread through him and his cock twitched with the need to mark her as his own.
    “We need to get off the lawn before we’re arrested for indecent exposure,” he said, as he scrambled to his feet, pulling her with him before he scooped her up into his arms.
    “What are you doing?” she squealed, throwing her head back and laughing as he began a hurried walk towards their apartment.
    “I’m taking you home so we can have passionate makeup sex.”
    “In that case, you should pick up the pace.”
    Maxim chuckled, but complied.  They had been tested and come out victorious. It was time to leave the drama of the past behind, and move forward into the light.
    Oceane and Max were quite ready to leave the drama of the past behind.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 
     
     
     
    Epilogue
     
     
    Snuggled up beside Maxim, Oceane beamed with pride and happiness as she took in the group of family and friends all gathered in her parent’s home. Their intimate wedding at the church where she’d received first communion had been the highlight of her life until now. Her hands slid up to caress the rounded bump that held the precious life they were currently celebrating.
    “I can’t believe you guys still don’t know what you’re having,” Aurelie said, placing a plate full of fresh beignets on the table in front of her as she sat beside her on the couch.
    “It’ll make the birth more special,” Max said with a shrug as Oceane reached to grab one of the mouthwatering beignet. Her mom would give Café Du monde a run for their money. Of course that could be the pregnancy hormones talking. Food had never tasted so flavorful!
    “Of course you would want to know what you’re having, Aur. How else could you color coordinate the clothing and the nursery,” Henri said, making them all erupt with laughter.
    “Like you wouldn’t do the same,” Aurelie replied.
    The gentle ribbing continued as Oceane inhaled her coveted treat, smirking as Emile offered to refresh Aurelie’s beverage. The man had the tenacity of a bulldog. After being turned down by Aurelie once he’d refrained from asking her out again, but ever since he’d become a frequent addition to their close knit group; his eyes and actions showed his continued interest.
    Oceane had sighed in disappointment when Aur declined his offer. If he was ever going to win her big sister over, he would need her help. Her pregnancy gave her a free pass to get away with eccentric behavior. It was time she used it for more than late night trips to random diners.
    “I sense the little devil on your shoulder is working overtime,” Max whispered into