I took his left hand in both of mine.
“Over a year ago, you changed my life in the most incredible way. And every single day we’re together—” I paused and swallowed past the lump in my throat. “Every single day, I love you more. You’re my best friend, my lover, and I hope, one day, my husband. Will you marry me?”
Charlie
Kiernan was crying. I was crying.
And once I’d wiped away the tears, I nodded and said ‘yes’.
He slipped the platinum Claddagh ring on my finger, and we reached for each other.
“I love you so much,” I finally managed to whisper.
Kiernan was going to be my husband. Holy shit. I knew today was going to be special, but I had no idea just how much.
“I love you more,” he replied and kissed me.
I could survive without a lot of things.
But not without Kiernan. And not without his kisses.
“Wait a sec,” Kiernan pulled back suddenly. “How did you get the dog on board? Neither of us left the boat this morning.”
I grinned and pointed to the far end of the pier. Familiar figures walked towards us, waving, and smiling: my mom, my brother Trav, as well as Korry and Keltie.
Kiernan wiped his face. “You flew our family down here?”
I smiled at him. “Merry Christmas, baby.”
It certainly was.
* * *