Page 83 of Out of the Dark

"Likewise." He smiles down at me. "There’s a whole world out there for you to experience, and I want to show you everything it has to offer. I want to give you everything you’ve ever dreamed of."

I lay my head on his chest and let out a contented sigh. I don’t bother explaining to him that everything I’ve ever dreamed of is right here, in his arms.

Because of him, I’ve been able to start the life I’ve always wanted, and in the process, I’ve fallen in love with a man who loves me for who I am beneath all the fear and guilt, who gives me the space to be myself unapologetically.

Despite all of my flaws, he loves me just as much as I love him. In our vulnerability, we’ve discovered the chance tobegin life anew together—a life of freedom, joy, peace, and pleasure. And with him at my side, I know that it will be the greatest adventure of all.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

CLAIRE

The sea breeze carries laughter and music across the sand as I watch Dani and Shane sway together under a canopy of twinkling lights. Their wedding is everything I expected—joyful, vibrant, and filled with so much love it radiates in every inch of space. The sky is painted with deep blues and purples as the sun sets, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore in the distance is a calming soundtrack to the night.

Shane’s parents dote over Mark. His mom leans in, but her voice is loud enough for me to hear. "Is this the girl?" she whispers with a knowing smile, her eyes darting to me.

Mark’s lips curve into a sheepish grin. "Yes, this is Claire. Claire, this is Shane’s mom, Kathryn."

Her gaze softens, and she introduces herself and tells me how glad she is to finally see Mark with a deserving woman. He smiles at the interaction, and she reaches up to pat his arm before returning to her husband’s side. Mark’s hand splaysacross the small of my back as he leans down to speak to me over the slow music. "Would you like to dance?"

"Sure. But only because you look so damn good in a suit," I tease. He flashes me a grin and guides me toward the makeshift dance floor.

"Wait until I take the jacket off. You might swoon."

We find a spot near the edge of the crowd, and he pulls me close. I lose myself in the music and his touch, and his body moves effortlessly with mine. When the chorus of the song swells, he dips me low, and I giggle while gripping his shoulders.

I can’t help but think how different this is from the weddings back home—those ceremonies were so stiff and formal, heavy with tradition and often fear, especially from the woman’s side. Here, the joy is all-encompassing, permeating every interaction. People laugh and dance without a care in the world.

"It’s so clear how much they love each other," I say.

Mark’s gaze follows mine to Dani and Shane, who are caught in their own private moment despite the crowd. "Yeah," he agrees. "They’re perfect for each other."

We dance until my feet ache as the songs shift from slow and romantic to fun and upbeat until I finally collapse into a chair at the edge of the dance floor. "Okay, I surrender. My heels are winning this battle."

Mark chuckles. "Would you care for a walk on the beach? No shoes required."

"Yes, please." I slip off my shoes and sigh with relief. "Barefoot is definitely the way to go."

The sand is cool beneath my feet as we leave the reception behind. Moonlight glints off the water, and the night air is warm but comfortable. We walk in silence. I’m lost in my ownthoughts, and I’m sure he is too.

"It’s crazy to think that the last time we were here, things were just beginning between us," I muse. "It feels like so long ago."

"It really does."

I glance at him, trying to read his expression. He’s been unusually quiet as the night has gone on, but it’s been a long day—an exhausting one, in the best way possible.

I stop, crossing my arms against the cool breeze, and stare out over the black waters. There’s something about the ocean that’s calming in a way I can’t explain, like it reminds me how small I am in the grand scheme of things. That there’s an entire world out there to explore.

I turn around, wondering why Mark doesn’t have his arm around my waist or my hand in his. He’s always been physically affectionate, even more so since we made our relationship official. To my surprise, he’s a couple feet away, down on one knee with a ring in his hand.

My breath catches in my throat.

"Claire," he starts in a shaky voice, "I never thought I’d be the kind of guy doing this. Hell, I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find someone like you, let alone deserve you."

My eyes brim with tears as I smile down at him. Is this really happening?

"You make my life brighter than I ever thought it could be," he continues. "You make me want to be the best man I can possibly be, because you’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. And I want to spend the rest of my life proving that I’m worthy of you."

Tears spill down my cheeks with the overwhelming joy bursting in my heart.

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