Finn
One year later
It’s a habit by now to forgo my front door and wind around the side of my rental after leaving work on a Saturday.
I know my gorgeous girlfriend will be waiting for me on my back deck before we walk to Bayside Table and enjoy whatever band is playing tonight.
I’d given her a spare key months ago when the weather chilled, but Vivian prefers to relax outside whenever she isn’t building new dress collections for the boutique on the mainland or seeing to the tailoring needs of Wilks Beach.
There are two distinct reasons a broad smile splits my lips when I see Vivian.
The first is that she’s engrossed in a paperback copy of the latest Wellington novel.
Since it released yesterday, I’m surprised Vivian hasn’t finished it already.
Earlier today, I’d found her tucked into the reading nook overlooking the nature preserve at the library, unable to resist a covert kiss before returning to work.
Vivian likes to pop by the library unexpectedly, usually demanding kisses.
It’s always been one of my favorite parts of our relationship but has become a bit of an issue lately.
Since the library has been pretty demanding about placing wedding planning books on my desk at every opportunity, it forces me to quickly stash them in awkward places when Vivian arrives unannounced.
Even Letitia asked, after an impromptu meeting, why The Ultimate Wedding Planner was face down under my office trash can.
The second reason my ribs feel pumped full of helium is that Vivian isn’t sprawled out on a deck chair. She’s perched on the far edge of the floating dock that stretches into Back Bay, her legs kicking leisurely in the water.
My fingers pat the ring box that’s been in my pocket for weeks.
The ring is a perfect marriage of antique styling around the largest center diamond I think Vivian will accept without fighting.
I don’t want her stubborn tornado tendencies to come out in the middle of our proposal.
I’d almost asked Vivian to marry me earlier today when the late-afternoon sun had haloed her chestnut hair, but it hadn’t felt quite right.
Since I know Vivian wouldn’t want an outlandish proposal, I’ve been waiting for the perfect intimate moment—something that’s uniquely us.
I set my shoulder bag down at the edge of where the dock connects to my backyard, toeing out of my shoes and tucking the ring box inside one.
I consider removing my suit vest but figure that will give me away.
Vivian doesn’t even look up when I hover above her, just murmurs a quiet, “One moment.” Since she’s clearly finishing the last page of the book, I wait, sliding my hands into my pockets and surveying the peaceful bay surrounding us.
Being this close to water used to make my heart spin circles in my chest. My heart is racing now, but it’s out of sheer joy and anticipation, not out of fear.
Overcoming my fear of drowning had been slow going, requiring not only Vivian’s encouragement but also the help of a licensed professional.
Two months ago, on a warm May day at the beach, when I hadn’t panicked after a wave capsized us both, I realized I was finally ready to ask Vivian to be mine forever.
Vivian sets aside her book, giving me that smile—the one just for me—as she tilts her head back. “That one was sooo good. I can’t believe I have to wait a year for the last in the series.”
“Maybe you can pump the author for information when you meet her next month.”
I booked us tickets to Annie Ardent’s Regency-themed book signing in Wilmington as soon as Vivian told me about the event.
Though she prefers to live our everyday lives like normal people, Vivian lets me spoil her when we travel.
I’ve already begun tentative plans for an elaborate and extended tour of Europe for our honeymoon.
“Are we re-wearing our outfits from the ball or fashioning something new?”
When Vivian simply bites her lip, I laugh.
“Something new it is.”
“I was thinking an almost jewel-toned navy for you, with a white damask waistcoat, and using a complementary wedgwood blue for my dress. There’s this beautiful brocade I’ve been eyeing online, and I just need the right project for it.”
“Sounds like you found it,” I say, bending down to kiss her. “You already know my favorite thing is coming in for a fitting.”
When Vivian’s lips drop from mine with a delicious pop, I send her a devilish wink.
Instead of her nose wrinkling, my girlfriend’s stunning green eyes grow unfocused with the sizzling memory of her tailoring my spring/summer wardrobe.
Cordelia still likes to send me clothes, saying it gives her something to do besides starring in the reality TV show that has America hooked to their screens.
Satisfaction races through my bloodstream as I straighten, tugging at the collar of my shirt. “It’s a bit hot out here.”
Vivian watches me with a curiously pinched brow as I back up a few steps. I’ve gotten into the water whenever Vivian has asked me, but I’ve never initiated it myself.
“I think I’ll go for a swim.”
Then I rush forward, launching myself off the dock and into a flip before disappearing beneath the surface.
The cool bay water inundates every sensation, nearly blocking out the sound of Vivian’s bright laughter and her coinciding splash as she jumps in. I find myself smiling as I resurface, quickly wiping my eyes and looking for the love of my life. She pops up a bit to my right, her grin luminescent.
“I can’t believe you did that.”
“How many times do I have to tell you I’d do anything for you?”
It only takes one sure stroke before Vivian is kissing me again.
I tug us closer to the dock so I can use one hand to hang onto the edge and the other to palm the small of her back, bringing her close.
Her legs wrap around my waist, her fingers framing my jaw as she pours herself into me.
The fact that water is surrounding my chest should make anxiety spiral down my spine, but I’ve never been happier.
We play a bit after catching our breath—her splashing me, me setting a hot kiss over her neck before darting away, her chasing me and starting the whole thing over again. When my abs hurt from laughter, I subtly lead her toward the aluminum dock ladder.
“Come on. We’ll have to get cleaned up and changed before we can head out.”
Vivian pauses, keeping one hand on the ladder to set her smiling lips on mine. “Worth it.”
We hold hands walking to shore, our sodden clothes dripping on the wooden planks. I pause beside my belongings, dropping onto my knee instead of crouching to pick them up. Vivian’s fingers fly to her lips, her eyes misting immediately.
“Finn?”
“Yes, gorgeous. I’m asking you to marry me.”
“I do!” Her hands clasp over her heart as she bounces slightly.
A chuckle rumbles from my chest. “Let me ask you properly first.”
When Vivian bites her lip, I transfer the ring box to one hand, using my other thumb to soothe her bottom lip.
“I never expected a love like ours.” My thumb traces her freckled cheekbone, tucking away a saturated curl.
“How I feel about you rivals the most poetic words ever printed on paper. I debated collecting some of the best quotes on love but decided that honesty is better. Because I know, in the depth of my bones, that you and I are forever, Vivian. You’re what my soul needs to be happy.
All I want is to spend the rest of my life loving you.
” I open the box, the ring glistening in dwindling sunlight.
“Will you, Vivian Hutchinson, do me the immense honor of being my wife?”
She hiccups a happy sob. “You had to be dramatic, didn’t you?”
“Just a little bit,” I say, my grin doubling.
Her trembling fingertips trace my cheeks, my temples, before sliding into my wet hair.
The hue of her eyes deepens as she slowly leans closer to whisper, “Yes,” over my lips.
I shoot to my feet, banding my arms around her and taking her with me.
Vivian laughs, tears shaking free before we settle into a soft kiss.
There’s an understanding with this subtle brush of lips, an agreement between her heart and mine.
“I love you.”
I loosen my grip until Vivian slowly slides to the ground. “I love you,” I tell her, my words a throaty rasp.
My hands shake as I slip the ring over Vivian’s finger.
She briefly glances at it before her fingertips frame my face again, her gaze steady on mine. “You know all I want is you, right?”
The corner of my mouth quirks with a flirty smirk. “Come on, gorgeous. We all know you’re just fulfilling your bookish dream of marrying the sexy librarian.”
Vivian fights the grin trying to lift her lips. Then my heart nearly incinerates when she gives me that nose wrinkle.
“You smell more like marsh water than books right now.” She leans into my throat, taking a noisy inhale. “I might have to rescind that yes.”
When Vivian giggles, making a move to bolt toward the house, I scoop her into my arms, holding on to her like I plan on doing for the rest of my days.
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