~ 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 ~

"Gracie, hurry up, we'll be late again," Spencer groans, shifting his weight from one foot to another.

"Just a sec," I shout over my shoulder and draw the lipstick one last time on my bottom lip, fluffing up my curled hair as I survey my reflection in the vanity table's mirror.

Satisfied with my appearance, I jump to my feet and hurry to Spencer, grabbing my bag along the way and slinging it over my shoulder.

I flash him a grin. "How do I look?"

"Five minutes late," he mutters, though his gaze roves from my head to toe and the corner of his mouth twitches to a satisfied smile.

I lock my arm with his, and we walk out of the hotel suite, making our way straight to the elevator.

The past two months have been hectic, even though I decided not to get back at Julia and Nathan for spreading all those rumors about us—primarily for Spencer and I's peace of mind.

Being rich is turning into a literal pain in the ass.

One thing I never took seriously, or even consider, was the amount of workload breaking loose on me once I went back to work as the CEO of both Stewart Inc and MK industry.

I might complain from time to time, but it's great. I'm happy. So are Mom and Mason.

Some nights I have to stay well past the typical working hours, meaning less time with Spencer in those days. I hate those nights, so does he, but it's my work and responsibility, we've learned to make our peace with it.

We walk out of the hotel's building and set down the paved sidewalk, with our hands locked.

It was his idea to go on a vacation. Spencer said it was more for me to relax and take a break from the work pressure, but I think he just wanted to spend more time with me.

Either way, I'm perfectly fine with spending four more days in Amsterdam with him.

The city is beautiful, with its architecture and tourist attractions. From visiting Anne Frank House to every museum dotted around the city, they all were great.

Everything seems better when Spencer's with me, so my judgment on good and bad is slightly biased, but who cares?

We make our way to the canals for a boat ride, something we've been meaning to do for the past three days but failing.

"Savannah and I were thinking about going to Milan for a shopping spree weekend in about two weeks," I tell him, glancing at him briefly before enjoying the orange and yellow hues the sun is casting on the buildings.

"Does it mean I'm not invited?" he asks, raising an eyebrow and feigning offense.

"Yes." I grin up at him.

He rolls his eyes playfully. "Do you see me leaving you behind and going anywhere without you for an entire weekend?"

I giggle as he pulls me to himself, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "Well, no one's stopping you." A soft wind blows past us, and chills run down my spine. Pressing myself closer to Spencer to take advantage of his warmth, I add, "And I'm going with your sister, so there's nothing to worry about, just in case you thought a hot Italian dude might snatch my heart."

He laughs, such a soft, wholesome sound, making the butterflies in my stomach go crazy.

"I trust you, sweetheart, even if you weren't going with Saff I still wouldn't be worrying," he says, kissing the side of my head.

I beam. "But you'd object to it," I complete the part he didn't say.

"Obviously. I don't want to spend an entire weekend away from you, and now I have to."

"Maybe you can go back to the club for another round of golf with your dad?" I offer, barely holding back my laughter.

"Don't remind me," he huffs, rolling his eyes and pushing his glasses up. "Even the memory is... traumatic."

I giggle.

About three weeks after I got discharged from the hospital, William invited Spencer to one of his favorite golf courses. Upon my relentless insisting, Spencer gave in and agreed to go. Though he hated it, and Savannah and I spend the bigger part of the day laughing our asses off at the father and son, I still call it a successful day.

They bonded, even though Spencer would highly disagree, I know it wasn't that bad. It was the first time ever he spent quality time with his father.

They have a long way to go, but they've taken the first steps, as small as it might be, but I'm choosing to be optimistic.

I don't want Spencer to miss out on the feeling of having a dad because one day it might be too late and nothing can be done for it.

"Maybe you can hang out with Mason," I suggest, biting my bottom lip to suppress my grin.

He shoots me an incredulous look. "Even joking about it isn't funny."

I titter and kiss his cheek. "No harm in trying, baby."

"We're trying to be civil towards each other, and that's already too much. I doubt things will get better between us, so stop trying," Spencer speaks sternly.

I sigh and nod. "I know, but I'm not going to stop trying, I want you guys to be on good terms."

"Highly unlikely."

I roll my eyes. Time will change that, I'm certain. If they can put up with each other during an entire lunch together, I'm sure things can get better in the future. For now, the fact that they're trying is more than enough for me.

Spencer rents a private boat for us. With his help, I climb onto it and the skipper starts the boat.

Carefully, we head to the back of the boat, sitting in the farthest corner. I lean into Spencer as he snakes his arm around my shoulder.

The gentle wind blows on our faces. Resting my head on his shoulder, I glance up at him just as he looks down at me and flashes me a breath-taking grin.

"See, we didn't miss it this time," I softly mumble, shifting on my seat to face the sunset. Spencer hugs me to himself, his chest pressing against my back.

We gaze at the setting sun, turning the sky to mesmerizing shades of pink, orange, and yellow as it slowly descends. The sun rays glint off of the water as we glide through the canal.

"It's beautiful," I whisper.

"It's beautiful because you're here with me," he murmurs next to my ear.

My skin tingles as my breath hitches. My heart swells with love.

I interlace our fingers together. "Because we are together," I correct him in a soft voice.

Nuzzling my neck, I feel him smile against my skin. "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me."

A blush creeps up to my cheeks as I watch the sun go further down.

At this perfect moment, with the gentle wind, and setting sun, I can't help but acknowledge, despite the hardship we've been through, the numerous times we hurt each other, and the pain we caused and suffered, we became the remedy to each other's aches... we're perfect for each other.

Spencer is the best thing that has happened to me. He showed life to me in a different light.

His love made me see money, status, and those parties and fake people I surrounded myself with aren't the most important aspect of my life. I can happily live without all of them, as long as I have Spencer by my side.

I face him, gazing into his beautiful dark blue eyes, over the frame of his glasses. "And you make me the happiest I've ever been." I lay my hand on his cheek, drawing my face closer to him.

"Gracie," he softly says, his voice hoarse.

I know our future won't be free of troubles and problems, but I'm sure we'll stick together and overcome every single obstacle.

Magnificent serenity and content course through my veins. Only Spencer can make me feel like this. And I know, there's nothing I won't do for him and our love.

"I love you, Spencer Wright."

The deepest affection of all time, pure love, gleams in his eyes. "I love you, Gracie Stewart."

I see a beautiful future with Spencer, and it's no longer a dream, I've started living it.