38. Silas
Chapter thirty-eight
Silas
As I’m down on one knee, my heart pounding so loud I swear the crew can hear it, I’m struck by how crazy this is.
Here I am, a guy who’s spent years avoiding anything that even hints at forever, on my knees, proposing to the woman who flipped my life upside down in the best way. Leah’s face is a picture—shock, disbelief, and, just for a second, something else that gives me hope she might actually say yes.
Please say yes.
She hasn’t spoken yet, though, and I can see her trying to process everything. It hits me how much I want this—her, us, a real future together.
And she looks good.
Her hair seems thicker and shinier under the stage lights; her skin has this radiance, and all I want is to reach out, wrap my arms around her, and breathe her in. But right now, I’m still on my knees, still waiting for her answer. And it feels like the entire world is holding its breath with me.
Leah sputters, “Silas, I—” She looks stunned like she’s barely holding herself together. “There’s something you don’t know—”
I cut her off, my heart already too full, bursting with things I need her to hear. “You’re pregnant.”
“You—"
“I already know, Leah,” I say softly, trying to steady my voice, “and it’s the best news I’ve ever gotten.” Her hands fly to her mouth, eyes wide, her shock slowly melting into something softer, something that almost looks like relief.
I reach for her hand, the one that’s trembling, and hold up the ring I picked out just for her. “Marry me, Leah. I want forever with you, and this isn’t just for the baby. I want to be here every single day, no matter what.” I pause, glancing at the crowd around us, but I keep my gaze steady on her. “Harvey won’t stand in our way anymore,” I tell her, squeezing her hand. “All I want is for you to be happy. And if you agree to this, I promise to try my hardest to make you happy for as long as I breathe.”
That’s when Caleb steps forward, a little white rose in his hand. I notice his dropped shoulder and darting eyes. Poor kid’s nervous with the crowd staring at him, and I see Leah’s eyes start to glisten with tears as he holds it out to her.
She collects the rose. “Oh, Caleb.”
Caleb fetches a note from his pocket, and Leah chuckles. “You wrote me a letter.”
“I promise he wrote it himself,” I add.
He was beside himself with joy when I sat him down last night and told him what I wanted to do. He’d smiled at me for the first time in over a week, and all had felt right with the world again.
“Home hasn’t felt the same without you, Leah,” he says, reading his letter like he isn’t affected, caught between being boy and man. “I haven’t been happy since you left, and I couldn’t stand Dad when he told me you were gone, and he wasn’t going to fight for you. I didn’t smile once; you can ask him.”
Everyone laughs, and I see a small smile creep onto Caleb’s face.
“Leah, please come home. And . . . I can’t wait to meet my little brother or sister.”
Leah’s hand covers her mouth again. She glances down at me, and I raise a brow. She nods, and that’s all the answer I need.
My chest feels like it will explode with relief, happiness, all of it. I slide the ring onto her finger, and the world erupts in cheers and applause. I can barely hear any of it because all I can focus on is Leah’s face, the way she’s looking at me like maybe I really am her forever, like she can see a life with me that goes far beyond this moment.
It’s perfect.
I lean in, catching her in a kiss, and she melts into me, all soft and warm, the weight of her body against mine like an anchor holding me steady. “I’ve got a surprise for you tonight,” I whisper against her lips.
She pulls back just enough to arch an eyebrow at me, her lips curving into her mischievous smile. “Another surprise, huh?” she teases, wiping at the tears still clinging to her lashes. “You’ve already made me the happiest woman in the world, Silas.”
I kiss her cheek again and touch her belly. “And I, the happiest man.”
Later, I have her blindfolded in the car, and I’m practically buzzing with anticipation.
She’s in this new dress I got—black, silky, and hugging every curve like it was made just for her. She’s practically vibrating with curiosity.
“Where are we going?” she asks, but I just smile and tell her to be patient, savoring every second of her excitement. “You’re killing me here, Silas.”
The car finally stops, and I lead her out, guiding her with a hand at her waist.
She keeps asking where we are, her voice full of that playful frustration that just makes me want to laugh. I pull the blindfold off, and she gasps, eyes widening as she takes in the view in front of us: the harbor, the lights, and, of course, the giant white yacht decked out with balloons and strings of fairy lights.
She stares at me, wide-eyed. “Silas, w-what is this?”
I shrug, trying to act nonchalant, even though my heart’s pounding with how much I want her to love this. “Thought our first night as a real, engaged couple deserved something special. So, I bought a yacht. You know, for dinner.”
She blinks, clearly stunned. “You bought a yacht for dinner?”
“Wasn’t a big deal,” I say with a shrug. “Do you like the name?”
Her eyes find the name by its side, and her eyes widen impossibly. “ Leah’s ? Silas, this isn’t—”
“Yours?” I cock my head. “Yes, it is.”
Her hand flies to her mouth. “Holy sh—Silas, this is too much. You can’t—”
I take her face in my hands and kiss her lightly, her gloss attaching to my lips. I plant another kiss on her forehead, and when I pull back to look at her, her cheeks are bright red.
“I can, and I did.” I smile. “I promised to do everything I can to make you happy, and that starts tonight, my darling. It starts tonight,” I say, leading her up the ramp and onto the deck, trying not to let my grin get too smug.
Once we’re onboard, a string quartet starts playing, soft music drifting across the deck as the yacht moves. The night is perfect, the city lights glimmering on the water as I pull her close, and we dance, both of us caught up in this moment that feels like something out of a dream.
Dinner is an intimate affair, with just us and the stars overhead. And we barely make it through our plates before we’re both leaning closer, hands brushing, glances lingering just a second too long. It feels like forever since I’ve had her this close, and I realize just how much I’ve missed her—all of her.
Every little touch, every laugh, every smile that’s just for me.
Leah’s eyes darken, and she gives me a half-embarrassed, half-sultry look. “So, is it normal for pregnancy to make you this . . . ?” She trails off, blushing, but I get what she’s trying to say.
“Oh?” I lean in, teasing her. “This . . . ?”
She rolls her eyes, but there’s that spark in her gaze. “You know. Horny. It’s like I couldn’t stop thinking about . . .” She bites her lip, then laughs, a bit self-conscious. “You.”
“Even when we were broken up?”
She scowls. “Even then! I hated how much I missed you!”
That’s all the encouragement I need. I stand, sweeping her into my arms, and she laughs, clinging to me as I carry her toward the cabin. Inside, the room’s bathed in warm, golden light, the bed made up of soft white linens that practically invite us in. I set her down, and she gives me a look that’s pure fire.
I take my time undressing her, savoring every inch of skin as it’s revealed until she’s down to a matching black lace set that takes my breath away. She gives me a coy smile, glancing up at me through her lashes.
“Are these new?” My eyes rake over the lingerie. I can feel myself hardening as she nods. “You look unbelievably hot in them.”
Her eyes flicker to mine. “Do you mean that?”
My voice drops to a murmur, rough with how much I want her. “You’ve got no idea how much I’ve missed you,” I whisper, kissing the line of her jaw, feeling the way she shivers under my touch.
“I missed you too,” she breathes, her hands reaching up to slide over my shoulders, down my back, pulling me closer until there’s nothing between us but heat and need.
The room is awash in soft, silvery moonlight, streaming in through the wide cabin windows and casting a delicate glow across Leah’s bare shoulders. The subtle sway of the yacht is barely noticeable, but it feels like even the water beneath us is holding its breath.
I’ve wanted this moment for so long that it’s a little dizzying to realize it’s finally here. She’s here, with me, looking at me with that unmistakable spark in her eyes.
“I thought I’d never experience this again.” I tongue her lower lip, and her fingernails dig into my skin. “I thought I fucked it all up.”
“Boy, am I glad you came to your senses.” She chuckles.
Her skin, warm and inviting, is smooth under my fingertips as I trace the curve of her shoulder. Her scent lingers in the air—something floral, heady, with the faintest hint of salt from the sea air outside, making me even more aware of how close we are. She tastes like the wine we shared at dinner, slightly sweet with a richness that lingers.
“Silas,” she whispers, her voice low and breathy. “I missed you,” she reaches down and slowly strokes my hard cock, “all of you.”
I run my hand along the curve of her hip, letting my thumb trail slowly over her skin.
“You have no idea what being away from you has done to me,” I murmur against her shoulder, my mouth grazing her softly. “Can’t stop thinking about you, about how good you feel,” I lick her collarbone and her fingers tighten around my cock, “how great you taste.”
Her skin is soft, impossibly so, and I can feel her pulse quicken beneath my mouth. I trail kisses down to the hollow of her throat, the rhythm of her breaths matching the movement of my mouth as I travel lower, taking my time.
This isn’t just about the physical; it’s about reuniting in every way possible.
She lets out a soft sigh, a sound that ignites every nerve in my body, and her fingers trail along my shoulders, urging me lower as she strokes my hardness. I kiss my way down her body, savoring her warmth, her scent—intoxicating mixed with the salt of the sea air.
The taste of wine lingers faintly on my tongue as I move down, leaving a path of kisses along her abdomen and her inner thigh until she’s trembling beneath me.
“Stop teasing me, Silas,” she chokes out the words, writhing on the bed.
“Tell me how much you want it,” I say, my breath warm against her skin. “How much you want to feel my tongue inside you.”
She arches her back, her breath catching, and her hands press against my shoulders. “Please, Silas,” she says softly, desire in her eyes. “I want to feel every inch of you. Don’t hold back.”
I meet her gaze, holding it as I kiss her again, lowering this time until my tongue covers her warm wetness, taking my time, savoring every reaction, every small gasp as I bring her closer to the edge. Her fingers tangle in my hair, and she lets out a shuddering moan, her hips pressing up to meet me.
“God, Silas. Don’t stop,” she rasps. “Oh my God. This is so g-good. Fuck!”
I feel the tension building, her body trembling as I keep going—sucking and slurping like she’s all I need to survive, pushing her higher till my face is buried in her wetness.
“I’m gonna come. Oh, God, Silas, I’m so close. Just right there.”
I don’t change a thing, holding her legs in place as she grinds her wetness against my flattened tongue. I feel her tense up, and I know it’s gonna happen—any second now. She twitches and flails, groaning wildly.
There it is.
She finally comes undone, her back arches, her fingers gripping me, and the sound of her release fills the room, echoing in my ears. I stay there for a few seconds, letting her bask in the afterglow of her release.
Then, I kiss my way back up, watching her face as she catches her breath, her lips parted, eyes still dark with desire. I can feel her still coming down from that high, and the taste of her mixes with that lingering sweetness from the wine. Heady and addictive.
“That was—”
“Far from over.”
“I was going to say it was the best orgasm I’ve ever gotten.” She pulls my head down and tastes herself on my tongue. “Silas,” she whispers my name with urgency when she pulls away, and I know neither of us wants to wait any longer.
She looks at me with that look I can’t resist, and when I kiss her, there’s a hunger there, something that tells me she’s not nearly finished.
“Are you ready?” I whisper against her lips. “I need to feel every part of you.”
She smiles and takes my cock in her fingers, her legs wrapping around me as she presses her hips to mine. “Then what are you waiting for?” she murmurs, her voice a low, seductive challenge.
I enter her slowly, savoring the sensation of being connected in every possible way. The rhythm starts gentle, a slow build as we move together, and I can feel her nails dig into my back, urging me deeper. She moans softly, pressing closer, and her voice, low and breathy, sends a thrill through me.
“Go deeper,” she purrs against my ear, and I feel goosebumps break out on my skin.
“God, you feel incredible,” I tell her, my voice rough.
“Harder, Silas,” she whispers, her voice a desperate plea. “I want all of you. Don’t hold back.”
I do as she says, raising her legs and entering at an angle that makes her eyes widen and lips form an O.
“Just,” she grabs my arm, “like, oh, God—just like that!”
Jesus, she’s heartbreakingly sexy.
The rhythm quickens, our bodies moving in sync, each thrust bringing us closer, building to something we can’t control. She holds me close, her fingers tangled in my hair, and her mouth finds mine, tasting of wine and longing.
Our breaths mingle, and she whispers soft, breathy words between kisses.
“Silas, yes,” she murmurs, her voice breaking, raw with desire. “You’re the only one, you know that? I’m yours, Silas. Only yours.”
I hold her closer, moving faster, deeper, feeling her body tighten around me as we both reach that edge.
“Tell me that again,” I groan as I sink deeper into her. “Tell me you’re mine.”
“Silas, I’m—” Words fail her as I hit the spot just right for the both of us.
Her moans fill the room, and I lose myself in her, in the way she feels, the way she calls my name, and then, we reach that peak together, our bodies shuddering in unison.
“Holy shit.” I collapse atop her, and she holds me tight. Then, I remember. “Oh my God! The baby!” I jump.
“No!” She pulls me back, laughing heartily. “It’s a baby, not a kitten. She’ll be fine.”
I cock my head, skeptical, but she pulls me back, laughing. “How do you know it’s a she?”
“Just a feeling I have, you know?”
“I think it’s a boy.”
She strokes my back as I bury my face in her shoulder and hair. “I guess we’ll see.”
Later, as we lay tangled together, her head resting on my chest, I’m hit by a wave of something I can’t quite name. It’s bigger than happiness, deeper than just love. It’s like every piece of my life has clicked into place, and I finally have exactly what I need.
Leah drifts off, her breathing evening out as she snuggles closer, and I hold her, feeling her warmth seep into me. My mind drifts to Caleb, our future, and then, unexpectedly, to Ezra. I wonder if he’s watching somewhere, if he’s proud of the life I’m finally building.
And as I fall asleep, my last thought is a silent promise to him:
I won’t mess this up.