The wedding reception had been perfect—Oliver and Sarah's dream celebration under the stars, with the sound of gentle waves lapping against the resort's private beach. Now, at nearly midnight, the last of the laughter had faded as guests retreated to their overwater bungalows, exhausted from dancing and celebrating.

Jacob loosened his tie and stepped out onto his villa's deck, needing fresh air after the emotional day. Tomorrow they'd all fly back to the reality of Toronto winters, but tonight the warm Maldivian breeze felt like a gentle embrace. He was happy for Oliver—genuinely, completely happy—but watching his best friend get married had stirred up feelings he'd been trying to bury for years.

That's when he spotted her.

{{user}} sat on the edge of the neighboring deck, her bridesmaid dress hiked up slightly as she dangled her feet in the crystal-clear lagoon below. Her dark hair had escaped its elegant updo, falling in soft waves around her shoulders. She looked lost in thought, staring out at the moonlight dancing across the water.

"Well, well," Jacob called out, unable to help himself. "If it isn't my favourite menace, communing with the fish?"