With their love having deepened through their shared experiences and newfound openness, Sarah and Alex began to envision a future together. Their coastal cottage, nestled by the sea, had become a symbol of their love, a place where they found solace and comfort in each other's arms.

One clear summer evening, as they sat on the porch, the sun setting over the horizon, Alex turned to Sarah with a tender smile. "You know, I've been thinking a lot about our future lately, about the life we want to build together."

Sarah looked at him, her eyes filled with curiosity and affection. "Tell me, Alex. What are you dreaming of?"

He took in a deep breath, the warmth of the evening air around them. "I dream of a life where we create a home together, a place filled with love and laughter. I see us starting a family, raising children who will grow up surrounded by the same love we've built."

Sarah's heart swelled with emotion as she considered the future he painted for them. "That sounds wonderful, Alex. I can imagine it so clearly. But it's not just your dream; it's ours."

He nodded, his gaze fixed on the sea in the distance. "I know. I want to be the best husband and father I can be, to create a life where our family is the most important thing."

She reached for his hand, their fingers entwining. "I believe in us, Alex. I believe we can build the life we dream of."

Their conversation continued, as they shared their hopes and aspirations. Sarah talked about her desire to continue making a positive impact through her journalism, to report on stories that mattered, and to create a better world through her work.

Alex, in turn, shared his passion for giving back. He expressed his desire to work with veterans who had experienced similar traumas, to provide support and guidance to those who needed it most.

"Wow that's amazing" Sarah said "But what about your bookstore business, aren't you doing that as well"

Alex thought about it for a while "Well, that was my first initial dream but with what I went through, the trauma, the pain, the anguish, and now going for therapy and especially having you by my side" which made her smile "I think I will put a hold on that since I still have my fish investment business going which I am grateful to my dad for. If he hadn't run the business for me while I was away, I don't know how I would have coped." Sarah nodded as she adjusted herself in Alex's arms.

"So, I guess I will leave that for later in the future" Alex continued "Right now, I want to help those who went through the trauma of war and are struggling to find their way out." Alex said hopefully.

"Alex, that's so inspiring, leading those who experience PTSD through the path you went through to their journey to healing." Her eyes shined with pride "Lexi, I'm so proud of you. Ugh, I wished I had my camera, this would make a really good story." She said playfully.

"Well, thank you very much milady Siri. By the way, there's a therapy company having a reality show and need some kind of publicity. I don't know why they're doing that, it's people's feelings they are playing with but people do what they do for fame." Sarah made a sound of agreement. "Anyways" Alex continued, "It seems like they need someone to do a cover story for them and you look like the perfect person for that."

"Of course, I am." Sarah said flipping her for effect which made Alex laugh. "I would really be up for that. That could make me reach my TV station dream. I will talk to my team about that and we will work it out. Thanks Alex." She said giving a grateful smile for his support.

"Don't thank me, thank yourself. You're a hard worker, I see you work day and night and still make an effort to spend time with me. If there's anyone that should say thank you, it's me. I feel like I am a needy boyfriend, always demanding for attention and love." Alex said feeling his insecurities slipping in again and judging his worthiness in their relationship.

Sarah turned to look at him and saw the disturbed look on his face. "Alex, I have told you already. Never see yourself in that way okay? You're not needy, in fact, you showed me what true love is like. I have to confess this, you're the only guy I have ever dated that accept and support my career." Sarah confessed.

Alex looked at her surprised "Really" he asked and she nodded "What about Jason?"

Sarah sighed " I thought he liked me for who I am but it was for his ego. He only let people know that we are dating ever since I got that BBC gig, nothing else mattered to him. I found out months later that he was cheating on me with my best friend." Sarah said scrunching her face in disgust as she remember her Ex and best friend together on her bed.

Alex sat up straight on his seat "He and Laura cheated on you?" He asked his eyes burning with anger.

Sarah shook her head "No, not Laura."

"But you said he and your best friend cheated on you."

"Yes but not Laura, it was Bianca." She said her name with disgust like as if remembering makes her want to puke.

"You had another best friend asides Laura?"

"Yeah" Sarah nodded. "And to think that I knew Bianca before Laura just makes me hate her more." Sarah said anger welling inside of her. Alex notice this and calms her down.

"Hey princess, relax okay. They're not worth it." Sarah calmed down and sinked back into Alex's arm and whispered "Yeah you're right."

"So back to our previous conversation, you're not needy, you take of my heart and support my career even when it disrupts our relationship. I left you for my career on our first anniversary Alex, I honestly thought you were going to break up with me but you didn't." Sarah said honestly.

"Why would I? You were pursuing your dreams."

"Any guy would have done that but you didn't, which is why I would always try my best to spend time with you no matter how busy I am. It's a self dedication I made to our relationship."

"Thanks Sarah, I appreciate that. And I will never stop you from achieving your goals and making your dream come true." Alex assured her.

"I love you Lexi."

"I love you too Siri" he said which made Sarah chuckle.

"We really need to work on those nicknames." Sarah said  laughing softly.

"Well you started it first." Alex said and they shared a good laugh on it.

As they talked about their individual goals, they found common ground in their shared values. They both had a deep commitment to making the world a better place, whether through Sarah's journalism or Alex's work with veterans.

The more they shared their dreams, the more their dreams intertwined. They spoke about the places they wanted to visit, the adventures they hoped to have, and the simple joys of life that they looked forward to sharing.

In the approaching months, they began to make concrete plans for their future. They talked about the type of home they wanted to create, the values they hoped to instill in their future children, and the traditions they wanted to establish as a family.

Their coastal cottage, where their love had flourished, became the epicenter of their dreams. They envisioned a life of simple pleasures, of morning walks on the beach, cozy evenings by the fireplace, and shared meals filled with laughter and love.

Their journey together was marked by resilience, understanding, and the unwavering belief in the power of their love. With each plan they made, each dream they shared, their bond grew stronger, a testament to the unbreakable connection they had built.

As they continued to look ahead, their dreams for the future filled their hearts with hope and excitement. Their love story was a testament to the power of love, the strength of shared dreams, and the enduring belief that, together, they could create a life that was even more beautiful than they had ever imagined.