Page 87 of Seas the Dating Coach

My toes unfurl, and my shoulders settle as a bright smile lifts my lips. “I made that wish, and then I ran into you—quite literally—in my sister’s coffee shop and then again at the library.”

“Vivian.”My name is little more than a gruff whisper. “Are you saying…”

“We were always meant to be together,” I tell him, pressing the stone into the center of his twitchy palm.

Finn takes a deep inhale as he slides the rock into the inside chest pocket of his suit, his hand pressing it against his heart. Then he leans back, the subtle upward tilt of his chin and curl of his fingers an unmistaken invitation. Blood shimmies in my veins when I forsake my chair for his.

Looks like we’re not quite done kissing.

Finn

Epilogue

One year later

It’s a habit by now to forgo my front door and wind around the side of my rental after leaving work on a Saturday. I know my gorgeous girlfriend will be waiting for me on my back deck before we walk to Bayside Table and enjoy whatever band is playing tonight. I’d given her a spare key months ago when the weather chilled, but Vivian prefers to relax outside whenever she isn’t building new dress collections for the boutique on the mainland or seeing to the tailoring needs of Wilks Beach.

There are two distinct reasons a broad smile splits my lips when I see Vivian. The first is that she’s engrossed in a paperback copy of the latest Wellington novel. Since it released yesterday, I’m surprised Vivian hasn’t finished it already. Earlier today, I’d found her tucked into the reading nook overlookingthe nature preserve at the library, unable to resist a covert kiss before returning to work.

Vivian likes to pop by the library unexpectedly, usually demanding kisses. It’s always been one of my favorite parts of our relationship but has become a bit of an issue lately. Since the library has been pretty demanding about placing wedding planning books on my desk at every opportunity, it forces me to quickly stash them in awkward places when Vivian arrives unannounced. Even Letitia asked, after an impromptu meeting, whyThe Ultimate Wedding Plannerwas face down under my office trash can.

The second reason my ribs feel pumped full of helium is that Vivian isn’t sprawled out on a deck chair. She’s perched on the far edge of the floating dock that stretches into Back Bay, her legs kicking leisurely in the water.

My fingers pat the ring box that’s been in my pocket for weeks. The ring is a perfect marriage of antique styling around the largest center diamond I think Vivian will accept without fighting. I don’t want her stubborn tornado tendencies to come out in the middle of our proposal. I’d almost asked Vivian to marry me earlier today when the late-afternoon sun had haloed her chestnut hair, but it hadn’t felt quite right. Since I know Vivian wouldn’t want an outlandish proposal, I’ve been waiting for the perfect intimate moment—something that’s uniquely us.

I set my shoulder bag down at the edge of where the dock connects to my backyard, toeing out of my shoes and tucking the ring box inside one. I consider removing my suit vest but figure that will give me away. Vivian doesn’t even look up when I hover above her, just murmurs a quiet, “One moment.” Since she’s clearly finishing the last page of the book, I wait, sliding my hands into my pockets and surveying the peaceful bay surrounding us.

Being this close to water used to make my heart spin circles in my chest. My heart is racing now, but it’s out of sheer joy and anticipation, not out of fear. Overcoming my fear of drowning had been slow going, requiring not only Vivian’s encouragement but also the help of a licensed professional. Two months ago, on a warm May day at the beach, when I hadn’t panicked after a wave capsized us both, I realized I was finally ready to ask Vivian to be mine forever.

Vivian sets aside her book, giving me that smile—the one just for me—as she tilts her head back. “That one was sooo good. I can’t believe I have to wait a year for the last in the series.”

“Maybe you can pump the author for information when you meet her next month.”

I booked us tickets to Annie Ardent’s Regency-themed book signing in Wilmington as soon as Vivian told me about the event. Though she prefers to live our everyday lives like normal people, Vivian lets me spoil her when we travel. I’ve already begun tentative plans for an elaborate and extended tour of Europe for our honeymoon.

“Are we re-wearing our outfits from the ball or fashioning something new?”

When Vivian simply bites her lip, I laugh.

“Something new it is.”

“I was thinking an almost jewel-toned navy for you, with a white damask waistcoat, and using a complementary wedgwood blue for my dress. There’s this beautiful brocade I’ve been eyeing online, and I just need the right project for it.”

“Sounds like you found it,” I say, bending down to kiss her. “You already know my favorite thing is coming in for a fitting.”

When Vivian’s lips drop from mine with a delicious pop, I send her a devilish wink. Instead of her nose wrinkling, my girlfriend’s stunning green eyes grow unfocused with the sizzling memory of her tailoring my spring/summer wardrobe. Cordeliastill likes to send me clothes, saying it gives her something to do besides starring in the reality TV show that has America hooked to their screens.

Satisfaction races through my bloodstream as I straighten, tugging at the collar of my shirt. “It’s a bit hot out here.”

Vivian watches me with a curiously pinched brow as I back up a few steps. I’ve gotten into the water whenever Vivian has asked me, but I’ve never initiated it myself.

“I think I’ll go for a swim.”

Then I rush forward, launching myself off the dock and into a flip before disappearing beneath the surface.

The cool bay water inundates every sensation, nearly blocking out the sound of Vivian’s bright laughter and her coinciding splash as she jumps in. I find myself smiling as I resurface, quickly wiping my eyes and looking for the love of my life. She pops up a bit to my right, her grin luminescent.

“I can’t believe you did that.”

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