When I climb back up, ready for our sunset picnic, I see he is waiting for me, relaxed on a large fluffy white blanket, with pillows scattered around. There is soft music playing in the background.
Very romantic.
“Dinner is served.” I smile, walking towards him, relishing the way his eyes feel on me, like he can’t get enough.
“I wanted to ask your opinion on something first.” He starts as I began to unpack the meal and he uncorks the wine.
“Anything.” I smile as I pop a grape into my mouth, it’s sweet juice refreshing.
“Well, I know you are my favorite view, but I think the view is missing one tiny detail.” His tone is very serious.
“Who’s cheeky now?” I pop another grape into my mouth and lean over to kiss him.
His tongue invades my mouth and some of the juice from the grape drips down my chin. Cohen laps it up and sets the wine aside as he leans back with me in his arms.
“I was thinking this might help.” He takes my hand and slides something cool on my finger.
Lifting my hand, my breath is stolen as I see the fading sunlight glinting off of a stunning cushion cut diamond surrounded by a halo of tiny black diamonds and set in a smooth platinum band.
“Cohen?”
“Scarlett, I love you… marry me.” He rolls me towards him, and I stare into his cobalt eyes. Eyes that see me, everything I am, everything I’m not but could be… eyes that see what no one else does. I know without a doubt, I’m going to say yes.
“Is that a question or demand?” I keep him waiting, his eyes widen.
“I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to say yes now.” He teases, but I see the brief flash of panic.
Taking his face between my hands, my lips brush his. “Yes, yes. A million times yes.”
“That’s more like it.” He kisses me back, invading all my senses. The sweet taste of grapes in his lips, the feel of his hardened body next to me, the smell of his dark ocean scent, the sounds of the waves lapping against the hull and his moan of desire as his kisses me. And the sight of him silhouetted as he rolls on top of me, the fading sunset over endless blue at his back is my new favorite view.
“I know you said you didn’t need my ring, because you have my heart, but now you have both.” He presses up on his arms to look at me. “And as long as I have you, I have everything I need.”
“I’ll cherish both for as long as I live.” I whisper, as I try not to cry. “I stopped believing in fairytales, until I met you.” My never say never.
“Here is to happily ever after all.” His mouth seals over mine once more. “My queen.”
“My sexy pirate.” I mumble into the kiss.
The End of Being Alone
Our journey has just begun…
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Bruce and our sweet babies...My pirate and my princess,
Thank you for understanding when Mommy had to work, when you wanted my attention.
Bruce, you’ve had to listen to me talk about fictional characters and word count for months! Thanks for hanging in there! You've put up with the late nights, the mood swings and me "checking out" to make this dream come true, thanks! I love you all! #myworld
Cary - My partner in crime!!! I can't imagine not being on this journey together! Even when we're both tired and grouchy, and in desperate need of coffee, we kick each other's asses and we pick each other up! You have listened to me talk about this book, this series, these characters as I plot it, dream it and write it... chapter by chapter. You have pushed me and asked the questions that needed asking! You helped make this book what it is, because you never accepted less than my very best! Thank you! #BFF #TwinningIsWinning #nosleep #ever #messybungettingshitdone #HartandHolland #HyH #rideordie before #writeordie
Mom - Thanks for stepping in and helping out! I couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for believing in me and this crazy dream! #myhero
Olivia - Thanks for answering my endless random questions all hours of the night and believing in me! Xoxo #sisterlove
Fabiola Francisco - Thank you for talking things out and talking me down! Your help with this series has been invaluable! #despacito
Tammy - My Beta Queen!!! Thank you for your incredible eagle eyes! You’re the best beta a girl could ask for!!! Xoxo #eagleeyes
Najla Qamber - Thanks for getting inside my mind and bringing my vision to life in the form of a breathtaking cover! You are magical! Xoxo! #goddess
To my After Hours Book House bitches - You're my favorite country song, my favorite pair of high heels, my favorite trip, and my heart all in one! I’m continually learning from you!!! #therealmrshunt #classypineapple #jetlagged #hartbreaker #imtheoneinglasses #AHBH
Antonette, Monica, Stracey & all the Holland Hustlers,
A million thank you’s for all you do!!! Every post, tag, nomination, share, gif and meme is appreciated!!! #PimpsRus #HollandsHustlers
Last but not least!!! My Binge Readers,
Thanks for all your support!!! Having you in my group, in my corner, pushes me on days I want to stay hidden away!!! Jen Williams, Heather Nobbs and Meagan Brino, who have been with me since book one! Thanks for always participating and for my daily dose of Jon Snow! You’re amazing! Thank you! <3 #8inchesofsnow #getyourbingeon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brittany Holland is a leggings wearing, Starbucks drinking, Spotify addicted, self-proclaimed book nerd. Her love of reading and an active imagination inspired her to pursue her dream of writing. When not creating worlds on the page she enjoys traveling, photography and catching up on her favorite Netflix shows.
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Never Say Never (Written in the Stars Book 2) Page 26