‘I want no title,’ she said aloud, eyes locked with his and filled with such emotion that her voice shook, ‘nor kingdoms or a throne to sit upon. Being your wife will be my greatest honour, for all I want is you, a life that we will share together, and pray that we will be blessed with children to shower our love upon. Yes, Drake Taylor, I will marry you. I will dedicate the rest of my life to being your wife.’
He let out a little whoop, picked her up, and twirled about in a circle, before he kissed her. Kissed her until she was dizzy.
Then he kissed her some more.
With what felt like pure joy swirling around them, he ended the kiss and tucked her head in the crook of his neck as he continued to hold her in a tight embrace. ‘You have made me the happiest man on earth.’
‘I hope so, because I certainly am the happiest woman on earth.’
They stood there, for what could only be described as an endless moment, because all else ceased to exist, except for the two of them.
Reality slowly returned and as Drake eased the tightness of his hug, she lifted her head, looked up into his smiling face.
His eyes were already twinkling, but slowly, that mischievous glint Meridith knew so well shone through. She cocked her head to one side. ‘What?’
‘How do you feel about a second elephant at the zoo?’
She bit down on her bottom lip at the new version of delight rising up inside her. Any elephant brought to the zoo would be brought by Drake, and that would be the exact kind of adventure she would love to share with him. ‘How do you feel about sharing the captain’s cabin on theLondon Star?’
‘I have assigned a new captain to theLondon Star.’
Excited for him, she said, ‘Oh! Your new ship is done!’
‘No, it won’t be done for several months.’
Confused, she asked, ‘Then what ship will you sail?’
He glanced around the room. ‘I will remain on land. Overseeing the operation.’
‘What will your cousin do?’
‘He’ll be overseeing certain aspects, as well.’
Easing herself backwards, so she could fully examine his face, Meridith said, ‘You love sailing. Love the sea.’
He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. ‘I love you more. There is nothing I love more than you.’
The shiver that rippled her spine reminded her of the day that Hugo had sprayed him with cold water. It hadn’t gotten her wet, but had made her shiver. The shiver she was experiencing right now was caused by his words and what she’d realised they meant. Planting her hands on his chest, she pushed herself backwards, breaking the hold of his arms around her.
Taking another step back, she shook her head. ‘No. No. No.’
He stared at her, looking bewildered.
‘I won’t be the reason you stop sailing,’ she said, taking yet another step backwards. ‘I will not.’
‘Sailing isn’t a life for a married man,’ he said.
She crossed her arms and planted her feet firmly on the floor. ‘Then I won’t marry you.’
Copying her, he crossed his arms. ‘Yes, you will. You just said you would.’
‘I changed my mind.’
‘Well, Ihaven’tchanged mine.’
Other than a slight shrug, she didn’t move, just stood there silent, staring at him.
He didn’t move, either, just stood there, silent, staring at her.
