Page 112 of Captivating Anika

“Come on, let’s dance it off.”

I am far from a dancer, I’m more of a swayer, and the last time I did that I was in my twenties. I don’t give a rat’s ass how ridiculous I look, as long as I get to have this woman in my arms.

We walked here through the sand, barefoot, and were greeted with a section of beach marked off with large firepots. We had dinner at a simple wooden picnic table, and the food was served in paper-lined baskets. But you can’t buy the ambiance of a star-studded sky above, warm sand under your feet, the sounds of live music, and ocean waves rolling onto shore.

Anika smiles up at me, the hue of her skin almost matching the amber of her eyes, as I take her in my arms. We’re in our own little world, only aware of the space we occupy. Nothing touches us, but I’m holding my whole world in my arms.

“You are so beautiful.”

She must know, but looks almost shy when I tell her.

“The most beautiful person I know,” I continue, as I dance her closer to the water’s edge. “I can’t imagine anyone else by my side as we navigate the inevitable bumps we’ll encounter in our path.”

“Noah…”

I cut her off with a kiss, bending her back over my arms, before setting her back on her feet. When I lift my mouth from hers, she’s smiling.

Gently holding her left hand in mine, I reach inside my pocket with my right hand, and sink down on a knee, ignoring the creaks.

Tears are already running down her face before I even have a chance to ask the question.

“You’ve had my heart a long time. I’m yours, Sweetheart. If you’ll have me.”

I show her the ring I bought last week.

“Anika, will you?—”

“Yes!”

“Marry mumph…”

I never quite manage to finish my question because she’s on her knees, her mouth already plastered to mine. When I finally manage to create enough space between us so I can slide the ring on her finger, it doesn’t last long.

“I. Love. You. So. Damn. Much.”

She peppers my face with kisses, punctuating each word.

“Was that a yes?” I make sure.

“That was a hell yes,” she confirms.

I can’t help the grin that seems engraved on my face when we return to our table, and we’re met with congratulations as Anika flashes her diamond at everyone. One of the servers offers to take our picture, for which Anika climbs on my lap, and makes sure the ring on her finger is featured.

We’re walking back to the hotel with our feet in the surf when she tugs at my hand to stop me.

“You mentioned bumps…” she starts.

“Hmmm.”

“I can’t be a hundred percent, but my period was due last week.”

Fuck me.

All the blood rushes to my head and my ears start ringing. I have to bend over and brace myself with a hand on my knee.

“Noah?”

Anika sounds worried, so I stand up, suck air into my lungs, and wrap her up in my arms.

“Best day of my life. Bar none.”

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