**Chapter 16: A New Beginning**

As we sat on the couch, Lex's head on my shoulder, I could feel her heartbeat slowing down, her body relaxing into mine. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, and took a deep breath, trying to process what had just happened. Lex broke the silence, her voice soft and hesitant. "I...I think we need to talk about what just happened," she said, her eyes searching mine. I nodded, feeling a sense of inevitability wash over me. "Okay," I said, my voice soft. "Let's talk." We sat there for a moment, just looking at each other, the world around us melting away. I could feel the tension between us, the electricity that still crackled through the air. Lex took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving mine. "I know we've been dancing around this for a while now," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I think it's time we faced the truth." I raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of trepidation creep in. "What truth?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light. Lex's eyes sparkled with mischief. "The truth that we've been together for two years now, and we're still not officially a couple," she said, her voice teasing. I chuckled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "I guess you're right," I said, my voice soft. Lex leaned in closer, her face inches from mine. "So, what do you say?" she asked, her voice full of hope. "Are you ready to make it official?" I smiled, feeling my heart swell with emotion. "I've been ready for a long time," I said, my voice full of conviction. Lex's face lit up with a radiant smile, and she leaned in, her lips brushing against mine. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible. I pulled back, looking into her eyes, and I knew in that moment, that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. "Lex," I said, my voice full of emotion. "I love you." Lex's eyes sparkled with tears, and she smiled, her voice trembling. "I love you too," she said. We sat there for a moment, just looking at each other, the world around us melting away. And then, without another word, I knew what we both wanted. A year after that conversation, we stood before our friends and family, exchanging vows on a beautiful beach. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the waves, and Lex looked stunning in her white wedding dress. As I placed the ring on her finger, I felt a sense of joy and completion wash over me. "I do," I said, my voice full of conviction. Lex smiled, her eyes shining with tears, and said, "I do" as well. We sealed our love with a kiss, as the waves crashed against the shore, and our loved ones cheered and applauded. And as we walked hand in hand, into our new life together, I knew that our love would last a lifetime.