"The sky is filled with stars," I whispered.

Braeden tucked the blankets around us and pulled me into his chest. "They're our stars, Blondie."

I leaned back into him and sighed. "I like that."

"Everything seems easier for us when we're under the stars. Ever notice that?"

"Yeah, I have."

"You know why?" His voice was a mere rumble against my ear. I felt his breath with every syllable he spoke, like my personal lullaby.

"Why?" I snuggled in closer to him, and his arm tightened around my waist.

"Because the stars don't have rules. Anything goes out here beneath them. There is no right or wrong. They twinkle and shine no matter what. The stars see everything, baby. They see us for exactly who we are."