Page 88 of Seas the Dating Coach

“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.