(It was around this time in 2021 that I wrote the first chapter of this series predecessor "Good Neighbors". The premise was the first time Leo (before he was named) caught Marcie (before she was named) having a moment before he joined. This was inspired by a friend who lost her husband I met on Lit. Since then, the story saw Leo and Marcie start dating, get engaged, marry (starting "Marcie and Leo") and watch events happen with their friends and family. Likewise in real life, I have seen the woman behind Marcie grow and thrive. It is no secret I think about her every time I write a chapter even if we are living our lives in separate states. I felt like I had to write another chapter, especially around the fourth anniversary of the start of this. I hope you, as the reader, enjoy it. As always, I dedicate it to "Marcie.")
I was looking outside our windows at the rain pouring down. It felt weird to see rain at this time of year. There were many ideas running through my mind the previous night considering our neighbors were traveling to the beach over the weekend. I thought about Marcie in her swimsuit as we enjoyed the quiet near the pool. The thoughts were all but dashed as I saw the lightning cross the sky. A part of me was hoping Aubrey and Wes were okay where they went.
My attention was diverted before I felt soft hands on my arm before I turned to see my bride. The first thing I saw was her auburn eyes looking into mine. They had that sparkle in them I enjoy so much. Her smile was next framed by her gorgeous lips before she pressed them together for me to kiss. The kiss was gentle, calming in a way. It was not until I opened my eyes that I saw what she was wearing.
"What's the occasion?" I asked as she let me scope out her figure in a certain turquoise swimsuit that I was familiar with.
"Look what I found," she said. "How does it look?"
I smiled.
"You always look amazing, Amor," I responded.
She smiled back.
