His gaze was intense, on anyone else it could have been frightening, but from Samir she could only gaze back and feel a fresh wave of feelings rise through her, and she was once again struck by how fortunate she was in that moment.

She squeezed his hand and glanced up at the sky and the fireworks creating a hazy smoke that almost blocked out the moon. Aubrey then smiled at him with a nod.

"With you beside me, it will be the best year yet."