Gap Year • JIARA •

chapter 22

JJ's POV:

We were officially married. We were on the helicopter and enjoying the view, taking pictures, and stealing kisses. We got checked into the igloo hotel and we were making out in our room. Kie asked about the helicopter and I told her I'd explain later.

I didn't know how she'd react and I didn't was to kill the mood here. And I'm glad I didn't because holy shit the sex was amazing. After a few rounds, we were both breathless.

I pulled Kie into my arms and told her that I had to tell her something. She seemed nervous and I was nervous too.

"So, you know how you've always asked how I've been able to afford to travel"

"Yeah... Wait is there a problem and you're in legal trouble?"

"No, don't worry. It's nothing like that, I promise.. You know the treasure hunt rumors, they aren't rumors. We actually found the gold"

"What?"

"Yeah, John B, Pope, and I found it. 400 million, Kiara.." I said handing her my phone to show her my bank account

I had a financial planner who was helping me to invest, open up another account, etc. and keep my money in other things besides the account so it wasn't all there but a large amount was.

She got up and grabbed one of my t-shirts out of a suitcase. She didn't say anything. She just stood off to the side facing away from me.

"You okay?"

"Just processing" She said

"Babe, we're rich... You don't ever have to work again. Our kids won't ever have to work again. We can keep traveling"

She looked at me and I said, "By the way, I plan on telling your parents once we go back to the Outer Banks. I'll repay them for our wedding and return the money your dad gave me for working at the Wreck"

"Jayge, why didn't you tell me before?"

"I didn't want you to freak out or for you to tell anyone. I know I can trust you and you're my wife... My money is your money"

"You didn't want me to sign something saying if we get divorced, I can't take your money?"

"You fell in love with me before you knew about the money. I trust you and I love you"

"I love you too"

She came back into bed curled up next to me and admired the ring on her finger. I told her the whole story about gold and explained where all the money was (in what accounts, investments, and all that).

I explained how I didn't want the money to change me. I didn't want anyone to know I had the money. She promised to keep it a secret and not live a kook life. We both wanted experiences, not things.

Kie's POV:

Last night, JJ told me about the gold. He was rich, we were rich. It was a relief to know that the money was real and that JJ didn't get dirty money.

We spent three days in Finland and then we packed our bags and headed to Bora Bora for a few days in the sun. We then went back to the Outer Banks to see my parents and they asked all about our travels. We told them and then JJ handed my dad a check and said, "Here is a check that should cover the wedding and some extra from when I picked up a few shifts at the Wreck while Anna was recovering"

"JJ, you don't need to repay us for anything"

"Actually, I do because I can afford to... The rumors aren't rumors. We really did find that gold and I ended up pocketing 400 million dollars off of it"

My dad laughed and then he saw that I was being serious and JJ told them the whole story. They were in shock and of course, JJ being JJ said, "And you were pissed your daughter loved me because I was a broke pogue"

I couldn't help but laugh and my mom said, "I'm really happy for you, JJ"

"Ehh, it's just money... Listen, this stays between us. I don't want anyone to know about the money. No one liked me growing up but now that I have money, they'll magically forget the shit they said and did to me"

"Your secret is safe with us" My dad said

I was glad this went well. We spent a few days in the Outer Banks while we planned out our next few months of travel. We spent a few months traveling before returning home around the holidays. The Wreck was getting busy and JJ and I were working to help my parents out. This is what I loved about JJ. He was filthy rich, he could buy all the houses on Figure Eight, but he didn't. He wore the same t-shirts and cargo shorts that he did throughout high school, he didn't buy material things that most rich people do (well, my engagement ring but I'm not complaining)

He was here, helping my parents out with their business. They see the kind of man JJ is and they respect him. They love him like their own son now and it has nothing to do with him having money. My gap year changed my life and I'm so lucky that I got to know JJ and travel the world with him. Our life together was only beginning and our travel list was always growing. 

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sorry for such a short ending but i wanted to finish this story! :)