Stacy and Zoe's honeymoon blurred into a collection of sunlit moments and saltwater laughter.
They snorkeled until their skin wrinkled and their legs ached, floating side by side over reefs bursting with color. They hopped from island to island, toes sinking into unfamiliar sands, pretending for hours at a time that the world beyond the water didn't exist. Every night meant a different restaurant, new flavors, clinking glasses, stolen kisses across candlelit tables. Zoe bought things they didn't need. Stacy pretended to protest and paid anyway.
Happiness came easily there.
They deserved it.
After months of separation that felt more like years, after the near disaster of Stacy almost marrying someone else, this honeymoon wasn't just a vacation. It was a return. A reclaiming. Proof that they had found their way back to each other after everything that tried to pull them apart.
Too soon, the last morning arrived.
Zoe flopped onto the bed dramatically, staring at the ceiling. "Ugh. Can we not go back yet, baby?"
Stacy laughed softly and sat beside her, brushing Zoe's hair away from her face. "You know I love that idea. Staying here with you forever sounds perfect." She pinched Zoe's nose gently. "But I still have a company to run. And you have a team waiting for you."
Zoe turned and wrapped her arms around Stacy's waist, holding on like she might actually succeed in keeping her there. "Nope. I already handed in my resignation to Nichole before the wedding. I'm completely free." She looked up, eyes bright and hopeful. "So we can stay. As long as you want."
Stacy froze for half a second. "You what?"
Zoe grinned. "Surprise."
Stacy shook her head, smiling despite herself. "You're impossible."
"And persuasive," Zoe added, tightening her embrace.
"Okay," Stacy said finally, wrapping her arms around her wife. "Here's the deal. We come back next month. Same island, same room, no work calls." She kissed Zoe's temple. "I just need to attend some important meetings tomorrow."
Zoe searched her face. "Promise?"
"I promise."
Satisfied, Zoe smiled and rolled off the bed. They packed together, hands brushing over folded clothes, reluctant but content, sneaking kisses between zippers and suitcases.
The next day, the island disappeared behind them in a haze of blue sky and water.
On the drive back, Zoe watched the city slide past the windows. Familiar streets. Familiar buildings.
"Um," she said slowly, glancing at Stacy. "We already passed your penthouse. And mine is the other way." She squinted ahead. "Are we... going somewhere else?"
Stacy kept her eyes on the road, lips curved in a quiet smile. "Just wait. You'll see."
A few minutes later, the traffic thinned. Trees lined the streets, manicured and green. The car turned into a gated subdivision so pristine it looked like it belonged in a magazine.
Zoe sat up straighter. "Stacy..."
The car slowed and stopped in front of a modern two-story mansion. Clean lines. Tall glass windows. A garden spilling with flowers and sunlight.
Stacy turned off the engine and stepped out, walking around to Zoe's side. She opened the door and offered her hand.
"Surprise," she said. "Liked our new home? My wedding gift to you."
Zoe stared at the house, then at Stacy. "Oh my God," she whispered. "Really?"
She looked around, eyes already shining. "It's beautiful. Look at the garden."
Stacy nodded. "I can already picture it." She squeezed Zoe's hand. "You, me, and our future little Holloways running around."
Zoe's breath hitched. She threw her arms around Stacy, tears finally spilling. "I love it. I love you."
Stacy held her tighter, pressing a kiss into her hair. "Anything for you, my love."
Hand in hand, they walked toward the front door, stepping into the life they had fought so hard to claim.
Later that evening, after the last box had been unpacked and every picture frame set in its place, the house finally fell quiet.
Zoe stood barefoot on the balcony of their bedroom, hands resting on the railing. Below, the neighborhood slept in soft pools of light. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of roses from nearby gardens. For the first time, the silence didn't feel empty. It felt earned.
Stacy stepped out behind her and pressed a cool glass into her hand.
"A glass of wine for Mrs. Holloway," Stacy said, her voice warm with quiet pride.
Zoe turned, surprise softening into a smile as she accepted it. "Every time you say that, my heart feels like it's going to explode."
Stacy chuckled and moved to stand beside her, shoulders brushing. "You should get used to it. That's you for the rest of our lives."
Zoe lifted her glass. "To being Mrs. and Mrs. Holloway."
Stacy clinked hers gently against it. "Cheers."
They sipped, letting the moment settle between them.
Stacy glanced sideways at Zoe. "Do you want to hear another surprise?"
Zoe's eyes lit up. "There's more?"
"Look at the house next to ours," Stacy said, nodding toward the neighboring property.
Zoe followed her gaze. "It's beautiful. Very CEO-coded," she teased. "And I love the roses in their garden."
"Well," Stacy said casually, "you could ask the owner for some. She'd probably give them to you for free."
Zoe frowned slightly. "Why?"
"Because that house belongs to Alex."
Zoe's mouth fell open. "Alex? Our Alex?" She laughed in disbelief. "Wait. You're telling me we're neighbors now?"
Stacy nodded. "And not just her. Those two houses across the street, the ones still under construction?" She pointed. "That one's for Lesley. And the other is Athena's."
Zoe stared out at the quiet street, stunned. "That's incredible. So we'll never have neighbor problems because they're literally your friends." She glanced at Stacy. "Did you all plan this?"
Stacy smiled, nostalgia softening her voice. "Yeah. Back when we were still in business school in Paris. Late nights, too much coffee, and a lot of big dreams."
"That's some serious friendship," Zoe said softly.
"We wanted our partners to be part of the circle," Stacy said. "Friends with the four of us, and friends with each other too."
Zoe grinned. "Aww, that's so sweet. But... I haven't met Athena yet."
"She's still in Italy," Stacy said, a smile tugging at her lips. "Busy as ever. But she's planning to settle here next year—that's why her house is already being built. And soon enough, you'll meet her... and before you know it, you'll be out shopping together."
Zoe smiled and leaned her head against Stacy's shoulder. "I'm happy for you," she said. "You're now surrounded by people you love. And who love you back."
Stacy smiled, her chest warm, and took another sip of wine. The air was cool. The street was quiet. Everything felt steady—safe in a way she hadn't known before.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Zoe shifted, then turned to face her, eyes softer now, more vulnerable.
"Babe," she said softly.
"Hm?"
"Thank you." Zoe's voice wavered just slightly. "For taking care of me. For choosing me. For making me feel special every single day. And for loving me the way you do."
Stacy set her glass down and stepped closer, slipping an arm around Zoe's waist. "No," she said gently. "I'm the one who should be thankful. With you, I found the happiness I'd been missing for so long. I felt loved again. Seen. Truly seen."
Zoe lifted her hand and cupped Stacy's cheek. "I love you," she said. "And I will love you for the rest of our lives."
Stacy smiled, eyes soft, and leaned in to kiss her. The kiss was slow, tender, full of promise.
She pulled back just enough to whisper, "I love you more, my Zoe."
Zoe's breath hitched, and Stacy smiled again, leaning in once more. This time, their lips met with a quiet certainty, a seal on the life they were choosing together. Around them, the world seemed to hush, the night folding gently around their hearts, as if holding them in this perfect, endless moment.