Page 25 of Claimed by my Stepbrother

We drive to the Amalfi Coast to meet our tour boat. This cruise takes us to secluded beaches and offers us an opportunity to snorkel in crystal blue waters. The parents pass on the snorkeling, but Gabby can’t wait to get in the water.

“I’ve never seen water this clear before. I can almost see the bottom,” Gabby says as we gear up for our snorkeling adventure.

“That’s why it makes such an excellent location for diving. Who knows? Maybe we’ll find some treasure down there,” I reply.

“If you do, be sure to bring it up and share it with us,” her mother calls out to us.

I hold her hand as she takes her seat on the rear deck of the boat. Then, we both hop off into the water. We swim into the middle of a school of bluefish and drop further to view the colorful vegetation below. Gabby taps my arm and points as an octopus brambles by. She’s like a kid at the candy store, peering into every crevice in the reef to spy on the mollusks, urchins, and shrimp.

We capture the attention of a large moray who swims over to check us out. We were told by the captain not to exceed twenty minutes in the water, so I point to the timer on my watch to let Gabby know that it’s time for us to resurface. I can see she’s a little disappointed, but I have a surprise waiting for her that, hopefully, will top this little adventure.

The captain helps Gabby onto the deck, and I climb on behind her. I look over at her mother who is brimming with excitement. Gabby sees her too and says, “I don’t think I’ve seen my mother this happy in years. What happened on this boat while we were gone?”

“I don’t know but let’s savor this moment. Who knows when we’ll see that smile again.”

Gabby swats my arm but can’t help but laugh along with me.

We towel off and join the parents who are sitting in the shade, sipping on wine and eating from a fruit tray. Gabby sits beside her mother, but I remain standing and nod to her mother.

“Did you find any treasure down there?” she asks.

“No treasure but it was amazing. The plant life and the sea creatures were so beautiful,” Gabby replies.

“But no treasure? Well, that’s a bummer,” her mother shakes her head.

“What is this? Did someone in the village sell you a treasure map or something?”

“Actually, I found some treasure down there while you were busy playing mermaid,” I break in.

“What? What are you talking about? What could you have possibly found?” Gabby asks.

“Hang on. It’s in my pocket,” I reach into the pocket of my swim trunks and pull out my closed hand.

“There’s nothing in your hand, is there?” Gabby grins, thinking I’m playing a joke on her.

“Come and find out,” I tell her, holding out my hand.

As she steps toward me, I drop down on one knee and open my hand to expose the diamond ring that I’ve been holding. She gasps and tears well in her eyes.

“Gabby, I didn’t believe in love at first sight until I first saw you. I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?”

The sweet, innocent American girl stares at the ring and into my eyes. It only takes a second, but for me, it feels like an eternity.

“Yes,” she says with tear-filled eyes.

I slip the ring onto her finger and take her into my arms.

“I love you, baby girl.”

“I love you, too.”

Her mother leaps out of her chair and hugs us both.

“I’m so happy,” she cries and Gabby finally knows my secret.

“Is that why you decided to stay in Italy? He told you he was planning this that night?”

“Yes, dear. He did and I couldn’t miss it.”

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