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“What’s running through that head of yours?”
“Just thinking how strange it is that it took us this long to go on a date, like a real one. Yeah, we’ve been out, and we fuck A LOT, but now nothing is standing in our way.”
He smirks. “My thoughts exactly.”
“Let’s dance until our food arrives,” I say, kicking off my beach sandals. I lead him to the dance floor and through the crowd. Sexy Salsa music plays, and I throw my arms around his neck as we move to the music. I grind myself against his cock on purpose.
“You keep doing that, and we aren’t even going to get to drinks,” he laughs, and I kiss his lips.
“You need more resilience, Duke. It isn’t all about sex, you know,” I tease.
“Oh, but the sex is so good,” he whispers in my ear. Now that is something I can’t deny.
Our food arrives, and the sushi is to die for, we order a bit of everything on the menu, and I decide that the tempura prawn sushi is my new favorite.
“I’m happy, Duke,” I tell him as I watch the waves crashing to the shore. “Really happy.”
“You will not believe how glad I am to hear you say that.” I turn back, and he isn’t in his seat. Instead, he’s on one knee next to me.
“Denton, what are you doing?” I whisper, looking around, all eyes are on us.
“Brianna Kent, I can’t believe that it has taken me this long to ask you this. I fell in love with you when I was eighteen years old. I fell in love with your laughter, your voice, your heart, and that beautiful soul. I know life with me hasn't been easy, and I know it may not get any easier. I have never fought with anyone like I fight with you, but I have also never loved anyone like I love you. I promise to love you every day of my life and kiss you every chance I get. You have always beenthewoman for me. Will you marry me?”
I feel the tears sting my eyes. I look between him and the ring between his fingers, and all I see is the stupid boy who let me use his jacket when I was sixteen years old. The years dissipate before me.
“Yes,” I say. “Yes, a million times over.”
Everyone around us cheers.
I wrap my arms around his neck, and he picks me up, kissing me with all he has. He sets me down and slips a single solitaire diamond ring on my finger.
“I love you. I love you so much.” I tell him.
“It took a fucking ring to get you to say that?” He laughs.
“Shut up,” I say and bring my lips to his.
I’m nervous about sharing the news, which contrasts to Denton, who just wants to tell everyone. It’s hard to step out of the shadows when you’ve been hiding there for as long as I have been. It’s been a year since Savanna passed away, and being this happy seems unfair.
“Everyone, I have some news I’d like to share.” He says in true Denton style when we walk into the backyard. “I have asked Brianna to marry me, and she’s said yes.”
The claps and cheers surprise me. I’m at a loss for words when my parents, Amanda and Keaton, come to hug and congratulate us. Justin beams, and tears I didn’t even realize I’d been suppressing spring free.
“Excuse me,” I say as I walk to the gate that leads to the beach.
“Bre, hey,” Denton stops me.
“Can you give me a minute?” I spin around, and he stands there looking scared and confused. I reach up and touch my palm to his cheek. “A minute.”
He walks back to everyone else, and I watch him for a while. I open the gate and walk along the section of the beach that’s lit by the houses, sitting on the sand. The wind howls and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore bring me a sense of comfort. Loving Denton isn’t the hard part. The hard part is knowing that none of this would be happening if my best friend were here. And the most painful thing is wanting her here. Wanting her to see Ty grow up and all the firsts she’s already missed. I want her to be the one teasing Justin and building a friendship with him. I can’t help but feel like I’ve stolen everything from her.
I look up to see Amanda walking toward me. She takes a seat on the sand next to me.
“I was angry at first when Savanna told me that she suspected you two were having an affair. It hurt to think that a girl my daughter loved like a sister could be so cruel. But you know what she told me?”
I shake my head, the tears streaming down my face.
“She said thata human without flaws is no human at all. Our hearts barely ever see reason, Bre, I should know. I met Keaton when he was in a relationship,” she laughs.
