Page 31 of Summer with a Navy SEAL

“You okay?” I ask, concern creeping into my voice.

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “More than okay. I just... I have something I want to say.”

Before I can respond, he’s calling for everyone’s attention. My heart starts to race. Surely he’s not about to...

“First of all,” Brogan says, his voice carrying across the terrace, “I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. It means the world to have all of our loved ones together.”

He turns to me, taking both of my hands in his. “Willy, these past four months have been both the hardest and the best of my life. Hard because being away from you is like being away from a part of myself. But also the best because every day, I’ve watched you chase your dreams and succeed beyond anyone’s expectations.”

I can feel tears welling up in my eyes as he continues.

“You’ve shown me what it means to be brave, to be passionate, to be true to yourself no matter what. You’ve challenged me to be a better man, a better partner. And now, I’m hoping you’ll give me the chance to spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of your love.”

Gasps and excited murmurs ripple through the crowd as Brogan drops to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket.

“Willy Genaro, will you marry me?”

For a moment, I’m speechless. I look around at the faces of our family and friends – my parents beaming with pride, Lorraine dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, Preston giving me a thumbs up and Crystal clapping her hands with glee. And then back to Brogan, his eyes shining with love and hope.

“Yes,” I manage to say, my voice choked with emotion. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you!”

Cheers erupt as Brogan slips the ring onto my finger – a stunning emerald-cut diamond set in a simple platinum band. It’s elegant and understated, perfectly ‘me’ in every way.

As Brogan stands and pulls me into a kiss, I’m overwhelmed by the love surrounding us. This is more than I ever dared to dream for myself.

Later, as the celebration winds down, Brogan and I find a quiet moment alone on the beach. The sound of the waves provides a soothing backdrop as we walk hand in hand.

“So,” Brogan says, a teasing lilt to his voice. “Ready to take on Love Beach as the future Mrs. Hollister?”

I laugh, bumping my shoulder against his. “I think you mean to say, ‘Are you ready to take on the world with the future Mrs. Genaro-Hollister?’”

He grins, pulling me close. “I like the sound of that.”

“You know,” I say, looking up at him, “tomorrow’s presentation doesn’t seem nearly as daunting now.”

Brogan nods, his expression serious. “That’s because you’ve got this, Willy. Your ideas for this eco-development are brilliant. The board is going to love it.”

His faith in me, unwavering and strong, fills me with confidence. “We’ve got this,” I correct him. “This project is going to change Love Beach for the better, and we’re doing it together.”

“Together,” he repeats, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “I like the sound of that.”

As we make our way back to the house, I feel a sense of rightness settling over me. This is where I’m meant to be. Not just in Love Beach, but by Brogan’s side, building a future that honors both our pasts and our dreams.

Tomorrow, I’ll present my vision for a sustainable, eco-friendly Love Beach to the board. It’s a project that combines my passion for design with Brogan’s business acumen and our shared love for this community.

But tonight, surrounded by the love of our families and friends, with the promise of a future together shining bright on my finger, I allow myself to simply be happy. To be in love. To be Wilhelmina “Willy” Genaro, soon to be Genaro-Hollister, the girl who found her happily ever after in the most unexpected of situations.

Just before we reach the house, Brogan pulls me in for one more kiss. This time, it’s a kiss that sweeps me off my feet, leaving me weak in the knees.

When we finally break apart, both breathless, Brogan’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “You know,” he whispers, his voice low and husky, “with both our families in there, we might not get another moment alone for... oh, I don’t know, the next decade or so.”

I laugh, but I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks. “Why, Mr. Hollister, what exactly are you suggesting?”

He grins, that boyish smile that never fails to make my heart skip a beat. “Well, future Mrs. Genaro-Hollister, I was thinking we could take a little detour, say, to that cozy guest house down the hill? I promise not to hog the bed this time.”

I playfully swat his arm, remembering our first night together in the beach house. “As I recall, you were quite the gentleman back then. Well, mostly.”

“Mostly?” He feigns offense. “I’ll have you know, it took all my willpower not to cuddle you senseless that night.”

---