I slow slightly, turning toward him as the sky deepens behind us.
He stops too. And then he drops to one knee. My breath catches instantly. “Asher…”
The words die in my throat as he looks up at me. His expression is solemn and open. As if he doesn’t care to bare it all. My heart starts racing.
“I wasn’t planning some big speech,” he says, his voice calm but deeper than usual, more intentional. “You know I’m not good at that.”
I nod my head slightly, already overwhelmed, my chest tight.
“But I know this,” he continues. “Everything I had before…it doesn’t compare to this. To you. To what we’ve built. You came into my life when I didn’t know what I wanted, and loving you gave me the direction I needed. You’re my North Star, Nora.”
My vision blurs slightly.
“I don’t want anything else,” he says. “Just this. Just you.”
He pulls out a small octagonal aquamarine ring. Simple but perfect, and my breath stutters.
“So stay with me,” he finishes, his gaze locking onto mine. “For good.”
There’s no hesitation. No doubt.
“Yes,” I say immediately, my voice breaking slightly. “Yes.”
Relief flashes across his face for just a second before he stands. He slips the ring onto my finger, and then I’m in his arms, laughing and crying at the same time as he pulls me close.
“You didn’t even let me finish,” he murmurs against my hair.
“I didn’t need you to,” I reply, smiling up at him.
He pulls back, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. I sigh softly. It’s like every feeling I’ve held inside bursts to the surface. A wave of love and longing floods me. I melt into him, my hands tangling in his hair as I deepen the kiss, pouring all my emotions into it.
The kiss is filled with everything we don’t say out loud. Everything we’ve been through, everything we’re choosing now.
As he pulls back, his eyes dark with desire, I catch my breath, feeling myself flush under his gaze. “Let’s make this moment unforgettable,” he murmurs, his voice thick with need.
I nod, my heart racing as he takes my hand, leading me farther down the beach. He stops again and kisses me as if he can’t get enough. His lips move with a hunger that ignites a fire within me. I can feel the coldness of the beach fading, replaced by the warmth of his body against mine.
We’re completely alone here, the world falling away, leaving just the two of us.
“Asher,” I breathe, pulling back slightly to catch my breath. “This feels magical.”
“It is,” he agrees, his thumb brushing my cheek. His touch sends shivers down my spine. “But I want to make it even more special.”
With a swift motion, he lifts me effortlessly, carrying me deeper into a secluded cove. The sand is untouched here, and the waves crash softly against the rocks. He lays me down gently, the fine grains cradling me as he hovers over me.
“This is perfect,” I whisper, gazing up at him, my heart racing.
He lowers himself beside me, kissing me deeply, his hands roaming over my body, exploring every curve. The heat between us builds, and I can’t help but respond, arching into him, my body craving his touch. He slowly unzips my dress, then breaks the kiss to pull it off.
“Asher,” I moan softly as his lips trail down my neck, sending shivers racing through me. “I need you.”
He slowly kisses his way down my chest, pressing soft kisses to my exposed breasts. He glides his lips down to my stomach, then to the hem of my panties, leaving a trail of heat in his wake. Suddenly, I’m drowning in pleasure when he pulls my panties aside and closes his mouth over my clit.
I jerk suddenly as a soft whimper leaves my lips, but the sound is drowned out by the waves. I tremble and shudder with every expert movement of his tongue and mouth until I’m bucking and gripping his hair tightly.
He slides two fingers into my pussy, pumping hard and fast. “Asher!” I moan aloud as my orgasm washes over me like a tidal wave.
“I love you, baby girl,” he rasps against my skin just as he curls his fingers and touches that sensitive spot that drives me wild.
