I don't let Ari drive until we reach the back roads. For the first part of her lesson, I teach her how to kick start the bike. After several failed tries, she gets it running, and I climb on the back, placing my hands over hers to show her the clutch. She catches on quickly, and we move on to driving.

I'm tense the entire time, anticipating any and everything that can go wrong. To add to my stress, she has no intention of driving the speed limit, but I can't bring myself to tell her to slow down...not that she would listen if I did. So, I keep a loose grip on her waist in case I need to make a correction to save her from disaster. Thankfully, she is an excellent student, and the terrible images of her skidding across the asphalt which have been flashing in my head all afternoon never come to fruition. Instead, I'm surrounded by her laughter as it carries on the wind. For now, she's happy and the ultimate goal for the afternoon is achieved.

After a couple of hours, I let her drive us home so she can prepare for the tougher part of her day.

There is no formal service for Nonna. Her final request before passing away was for her family to spread her ashes over a meadow just at the edge of their property. From what Rob told me, Ari's grandfather had his ashes scattered as well, and Nonna wanted to reunite with her beloved husband, and together they would give back to the earth. She was a diehard romantic until the end.

I don't plan on taking part in today's goodbye. I want to give the family space, so I sit on the back porch of her father's house and watch as the three of them walk away. Ari holds her father's hand while wearing one of the dresses Nonna bought her in Italy. Nicky cradles a simple black box containing the remains of his grandmother. Together they cut through the trees and out of sight.

I'm not sure what compels me to do it, but I stand and walk after them. I stay far enough behind that they don't hear the crunching leaves under my boots but close enough to not lose sight of them. When they reach their destination, I stop at the border of the meadow and remain hidden in the brush. Leaning against one of the tall trees, I watch them in the middle of a field covered with purple, white, and yellow wildflowers. They huddle together and Rob wraps his arms around his children. I can't hear what they say, but Rob's expression is reassuring.

Nicky gives the box to Ari. With the remains of her grandmother in hand, she steps forward with her back to a breeze blowing through the open field. Her hair trails down her back and reflects the late afternoon sun while smaller strands flow across her tear-streaked face. It's the most painfully beautiful thing I've ever witnessed.

She removes the lid protecting the remains and slowly pours out the gray ash. The dust intertwines with the wind and blows away from her. Within seconds, it is gone. Nonna's final journey on this earth is complete. She's free to go wherever she wishes and reside in destinations unknown.

I wipe the tears from my eyes, I say, "Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow." Romeo and Juliet only seems fitting.

Releasing the family from my prying eyes, I return to the cottage to wait for Ari. I don't know if she'll need me, but I'll be right here if she does.

I sit on the new, overstuffed couch with my leather-bound journal. I replay the day, forming the words into rough song lyrics. I lose track of time and resurface from thoughts to discover the house is dark, and the sun has vanished from the sky. After making a small dinner, I retire to the bedroom for the night, discard my clothes, and lie on the bed. I revel in the feel of the soft, warm sheets around my naked body, lulling me to sleep.

For hours, I stare at the ceiling and think about the girl I love lying alone in her bed. The notion of her crying with no one there to hold her and dry her tears rips me apart. I see the way her family is so protective of her, and now, I understand why. Her quiet entrance into my life had an overwhelming effect on me. Anyone looking in as I first laid eyes on Ariella James Carmichael would not have seen what drew me to her. She was just a girl in exceptional surroundings with celebrities and extravagant decorations. Maybe I was lured by the fact she didn't belong—she was unusual and too perfect for the counterfeit beauty around her. She set in motion a sequence of changes within me. She turned me inside out and had me acting in ways that were not part of my character. My reaction confused the hell out of me, but I now know it was all due to a longing to be close to her and fearing I could not.

The sound of the front door opening and closing pulls me from my thoughts. I watch the entryway to the room as bare feet pad down the hall. Ari's still wearing the cream-colored dress she had on in the meadow. Not saying a word, she walks into the room and holds my gaze. I question if I am really awake as she pulls the dress over her head and drops it to the ground. I study the curves of her body and struggle to stay in bed—I want to touch her. She removes the rest of her clothing and stands before me naked.

I have experienced a lot of things in my twenty-three years, but none of it compares to the woman before me.

She walks to the bed, and I lift the blankets for her to lay beside me. I fold her into my arms, and she pulls my face to hers, brushing her lips against mine.

Her soft body sends my heart racing. I want to keep a clear head and not make any assumptions about what she wants, but my body fails me miserably. If she just wants me to hold her, I need to give her that with no fear of taking things too far. I pull back, putting some space between us, but she stops me by taking my hand and placing it low on her stomach.

My voice is hoarse as I ask, "Are you sure?"

Her breath is warm against my mouth as she replies, "Yes. I want to make this my home and to create my own memories here. I want this to be the first one."

The typical uncertainty that is present when someone makes love for the first time isn't evident with Ari. It's clear she's thought this through, and it's what she desires. I told myself I'd make her first time what she deserved. I wanted to give her the cliché trimmings—candles and roses, but this could not be more perfect. All I have to give her is me.

It has been a long time since I wanted anything as desperately as I want her, but there is no reason to rush. I pull her close and kiss her before touching every inch of her skin with my hands and mouth, taking my time to savor the feel of her. I smile as shudders of pleasure rock through her, and she closes her eyes lost in the sensation.

What's to come will not bring her the same feeling of bliss; the first time is hardly ever pleasurable. There won't be any wild throes of passion, no fireworks, and she most likely won't ask me to try again tonight. All I can do is take my time and make sure she knows how much I love her before I show her with my body.

Ari is eager to touch me in return. I guide her hand down my stomach and give her affirmations when she does something I like. When most of her nerves have subsided and she relaxes, I reach for my wallet. With shaking hands, I slide on a condom and lay my body over hers. I hold one of her delicate hands and fumble with the other to center myself. My breathing is labored as I hold her eyes with mine, and we become one.

"Are you all right?" I ask when she winces.

She swallows a deep breath and nods. "Yes. I don't want you to stop."

I kiss her forehead and rock into her until the feel of her around me is overwhelming. I bury my face into her neck as my world explodes into tiny fragments which slowly piece themselves back together. When everything comes to a standstill, I roll on to my side, taking her with me. Tucking her in my arms, I hold her with the last ounce of energy I have left.

We hold each other for some time before she breaks the silence. "Hey, Kade."

"Yeah," I say, fighting to stay awake.

"Why do you call me Ari when everyone else you know calls me A.J.?"

It's a question I knew she would ask one day. It took me a while to figure it out myself, and I'm quick to share what I have discovered. "I wanted something that was my own when it came to you, so I chose to call you Ari."

Her cheeks flex with a smile. "You have all of me now."

I squeeze her and place a kiss on the top of her head. "I suppose we're even then."