The feel of Jace's arms around my waist made me jump. "Crap! You scared me."
Jace pulled my hair away from my neck and pressed his soft lips under my ear. "I just had to come over and tell my beautiful wife how much I love her and appreciate her. And that she means the world to me," he whispered. "Her and our beautiful daughter."
I threw my head back and laughed. "Oh yeah," I teased, "I'll be sure to tell her when I see her."
Jace gripped my waist and turned me around to face him. "You be sure to do that." He kissed my nose and then my lips. "Also, be sure to tell her that I accidently broke her favorite Vase."
"What!" I playfully slapped him as he laughed. "How-"
"I didn't," he said calmly. "I love you, Avery." He pressed his forehead to mine and looked me in the eye. "I truly do."
I reached out and touched his soft face. It felt so good under my palm. It still felt like a dream world to me. "I love you too, Jace. More than you can ever know."
"Mommy! Daddy!" Zari yelled. "Come swim with us." She brushed her wet locks from out of her face and laughed at her friend Ellie. "Come on. Please," she begged.
Jace looked at Zari and then over to me. "Anything for my princess."
Jace hoisted me over his shoulder and walked toward the pool.
Lucky followed behind us barking the whole way. He was very protective of us girls.
"Oh no! No you don't." I slammed my fist against his muscular back and screamed. "No, Jace. Don't throw me in. Don't think that I won't-"
Jace walked over the edge of the pool, with me on his shoulders, and soon we were both sinking into the deep end. The warm chlorine water surrounded us as he cupped my face and pressed his soft lips to mine. Even under the water, his kiss was perfect.
My family was perfect.