It was Monday evening when I finally made it back to New York, back home, back to my wife. The moment I stepped inside and saw Peyton sitting on the couch, a wave of pure joy washed over me. She stood up, came straight into my arms, and we held each other tight. I slipped the small velvet box into her hands. When she opened it and saw the beautiful diamond necklace, her eyes widened in amazement. I was so glad she loved it.
All I wanted that night was to pour every ounce of my love into her. I kissed her gently at first, then softly, then deeper, ready to lose myself in her. Even though I was exhausted and my mind was tangled with everything going on with Elizabeth—and the guilt I carried toward Peyton—I knew I had to make things right. But she gently stopped me and told me to go take a b
