Page 153 of Mr. Aster

“Why else do we carry backup tanks and respirators?” she chuckled.

“But have you experienced a situation where you were hurt or feared for your life while diving?”

“I have,” she said more seriously.

“And yet, you still dive.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I love being in that world. It’s worth the risk every time,” she answered.

“That is how I feel about you.” I kissed her nose. “For you, I would risk everything a thousand times over.” I stepped back and cradled her face in my hands. “I beg you to look at this in thesame way you do diving. Allow us to be worth the risk you would take every time.”

“You’re good,” she said, arching her eyebrow.

“I’m a skilled businessman,” I played back. “I was raised to convince people to trust me.”

“Dear God,” she said, poking my ribs. “You’re a dick.”

“You know I’m teasing,” I grinned, loving her fighting personality. I traced her bottom lip with my thumb, aching and yearning for more of her, “You and Charlotte are the most important people in my life. You are treasures that bring me happiness I can’t put into words. You are the only woman I’ve ever loved, and if it is your wish, I will keep things on a friendship level, so you feel safe and protected. I just want you to know that you have nothing to fear anymore. From this moment on, your heart will always be safe with me. I will protect and tend to it each day you allow me the privilege.”

“I…”

“I know you’re nervous,” I said. “I am, too, but I love youprofoundly, Darcy Burke. I would marry you today if you would allow me to.”

Her arms wrapped around my waist, and I saw the renewed love and trust return to the blue eyes that I’d missed so desperately all these months.

“I love you, Sebastian, and I trust you. I believe in us,” she said, tears filling her eyes. “Let’s follow our hearts,” she smiled. “Together.”

“I love you so much,” I said, bringing her tightly into a hug and never wanting to let her go again.

Her head rested against my chest, and I stared into the moonlit ocean. I inhaled deeply, knowing this was one of those precious moments in life that changed everything, and I wanted to appreciate every ounce of it. I had the other half of my soul wrapped securely in my arms, and she loved me as I loved her;it gave me a level of contentment I probably didn’t deserve but wouldnevertake for granted.

Funny how being sent to save the winery had felt like a prison sentence, but in the most unexpected twist of fate, it ended up being the thing that would ultimately save my life. I would be forever indebted to this woman for showing me how to live and be the best version of myself.

One day, I would beg her to be my bride, but until that time came, I was happily contented with having her in my arms again and loving me in return. I was the luckiest man in existence, and I planned to work every day to show my gratitude. I had so much love to give her, and I was only getting started.

Stay tuned….an extended Happily Ever After continuation of Sebastian and Darcy’s love story is coming. I wanted to stop here, but these characters aren’t done sharing their lives with us yet.