The soft hum of the hot tub's jets filled the silence between them, but it felt different now. The air was thick with a sense of connection, of something deep and meaningful finally falling into place.

Isabella rested her head on Roman's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her cheek. It was comforting, grounding-his presence more than just a physical one. She felt him, truly, in a way she hadn't in years.

Roman's hand gently stroked her back, his touch tender, as though he was afraid to break the fragile peace they'd built together in the quiet of the night.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The weight of their past-of the time apart, of the mistakes, the distance-felt lighter now, like it was finally starting to fade away in the glow of something new.

Roman finally broke the silence. "I'm sorry, Bella. For everything. I've... I've been an idiot."

Isabella looked up, meeting his gaze. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the regret and the rawness of his emotions. She could feel it. She had never wanted to see him suffer, but seeing him like this-vulnerable and open-made something inside of her shift.

"You're not an idiot, Rome," she said softly. "You were lost. I understand that now."

Roman's hand found hers under the water, his thumb gently brushing over her knuckles. "I was lost, yeah. But I'm not anymore. I don't want to be without you, Bella. I want to make things right, for us-for our family."

Isabella's heart swelled at his words. She wasn't ready to jump into the future, to make promises, but right now, in this moment, it felt like the beginning of something new. Something they could rebuild together.

She leaned in, brushing her lips against his in a soft, lingering kiss. Roman responded, deepening the kiss with a slow intensity, as though he wanted to savor every second. His hands gently cupped her face, guiding her closer.

It was gentle, unhurried-like they were both testing the waters, seeing if they could finally pick up where they left off.

Roman's lips trailed down to her neck, and Isabella's breath caught in her throat as a wave of warmth spread through her. She closed her eyes, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. She had missed this-his touch, his presence, the feeling of being cared for in a way she hadn't let herself feel in so long.

Roman's lips found hers again, this time with a deeper hunger, as though they both craved this moment more than words could express. He slid his hands under her shirt, the contact sending a rush of heat through her body.

Isabella let out a soft gasp, her hands sliding up to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart under her fingertips. She could feel how much he wanted her, how much he had always wanted her.

But tonight, it wasn't just about passion. It was about rediscovering something they'd lost. It was about reconnecting, not just physically, but emotionally-about finding the space to let go of everything that had once stood between them.

With a quiet groan, Roman pulled her closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice low and rough with need.

Isabella met his gaze, her chest tight with emotion. "I'm sure."

And with that, there was no more hesitation between them.

They moved together in a way that felt natural, like they had never been apart. Their bodies found a rhythm that felt like home, like they were always meant to be here, together in this moment.

The world outside the hot tub faded away, leaving just the two of them. And for the first time in a long time, Isabella felt whole again.