Page 103 of Pause

“How about a walk on the too-perfect beach?”

I adore this man. I’d like to shout it into the waves so the news can be carried from shore to shore. “Sounds romantic.”

Hand in hand, we run out onto the beach, our smiles huge. In my mind, we run in slow motion, my dress flying behind us. Imaginary wind makes my hair float through the air. I imagine Blu is watching us run away. Symbolically, it’s significant. I feel as though I’m leaving Blu behind once and for all.

Once we’re walking near the surf, I kick off my sandals and hold them in one hand. Slade does the same with his socks and shoes. He rolls up his pants, loosens his bow tie, and unbuttons the button at his neck. He looks even sexier in a state of undress.

“You were a little overdressed for a beach wedding, anyway,” I tell him as he stuffs his socks in his shoes.

“I was dressed for you.” He tucks his shoes in one hand. “Only for you.”

“I can’t believe you wore a tux just for me.” I take his hand in mine again as we walk along the surf, letting the ocean lap at our feet.

“Special occasion.”

I look up at the night sky, the stars twinkling just for us. “This was a special occasion?”

“I had to win my girl back. Pulled out all the stops.” He squeezes my hand.

“It worked.” In truth, it was me who needed to win him back. But that’s Slade. I love him for it.

“Darn right it worked.”

I hide a smile at his confidence. He knew he had me. I know he did.

He stops and faces me. “Remember ourto-be-continuedconversation? It’s time for it to continue. It wasn’t the right moment earlier. I thought you wanted to attend the wedding reception and have your say to the blue man. You know, let your spittle hit his face and all.”

I cringe, knowing I did actually say such a thing. Still, I can’t hide my surprise. “Now is the right time?”

“It is.” He drops his shoes and pulls something out of his pocket. It sparkles in the moonlight, making me gasp.

“I don’t want to be like dumb and dumber, making foolish choices. Let’s call ourselves engaged, but let’s give ourselves plenty of time. I promise I won’t hurt you. I’m sure I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But…”

I reach out and cover his mouth with my fingers. “I understand.” He kisses my fingers several times.

He falls to one knee and says, “Marin James, you made this easy for me, since I already know your answer. Let’s make this official anyway. Will you marry me some time in the future when we both know it’s right and we haven’t only known each other for four weeks?”

I laugh at his perfect proposal. “Yes,” I say through tear-filled eyes. “Absolutely and completely, yes.”

He slips a circle of diamonds on my finger. It’s a beautiful ring. Simply perfect.

He stands up and pulls me in for a sweet kiss. A sweet kiss that turns into a deep kiss. A deep kiss that turns into a long kiss.

“Thank you for coming for me, Slade.”

“Are you kidding? I wasn’t about to lose you to some blue man. A purple man, maybe, but not a blue man.”

We both laugh as the breeze carries the happy sound out to sea.

As we walk hand in hand, I say, “Where will we go for our honeymoon? Don’t say Cancun.”

“Hmmm. How about the most romantic city in the world? It would be nice to go back there and actually do the things that were lurking in the back of our minds.”

I guffaw so loudly, I’m sure the whole world hears it. “Okay, I agree. It would be nice to get in the hot tub with you without our bathing suits on. Just saying.”

He stops and faces me. “Wait. Hold up. Is that what married people do? I mean, gross.”

Here we go.

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