I led him over to our gathered family, but before anyone could get another word in, Rowan lifted his glass.
“Thank you everyone for being here this weekend.” He cleared his throat. “I would like to kick things off by making a toast. To my love, Andrew. The very first day we met, I accidentally sprayed him with my hose…”
“Is that a euphemism?” Rafe interrupted with a smirk, and I elbowed him.
Rowan shook his head and continued. “As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by my younger but much older-looking brother…” He paused, and everyone chuckled. “I was so distracted by this gorgeous man boarding my ship that I accidentally sprayed him with a hose full of cold water. Then he proceeded to insult me, and I was smitten. I’d reached a point in my life where I didn’t think I could get diverted by anyone, but I felt an immediate connection with Andrew. Try as we did, we couldn’t ignore our hearts’ desire for each other. And now this wonderful man is a permanent part of my life, and I couldn’t be happier.” He gazed at me with such devotion that I felt my eyes well up. “To this amazing journey we’re embarked on, my love. I can’t wait to share it all with you.”
“Cheers!”
“Sláinte!”
I was too choked up to speak, so I walked over and slid my arm around Rowan’s waist, offering him a kiss. He put his glass down, taking my face in his hands, gently rubbing my cheekbones, and melting me with those killer dimples. There was no doubt in my mind that he would always have this overwhelming effect on me.
“No more kissy face, Ro. Feed your guests!” Rafe yelled jokingly.
Rowan waggled his eyebrows at me. “Our room, ten o’clock?”
“It’s a date,” I gave him one last kiss before turning back to our family.
After a huge lunch, we swam in the ocean and played cards. Mom and Rafe beat Jamie and Dad, much to Jamie’s shock. They’d already set up a future date so Jamie could trounce them. I was happy to see our parents getting along. I worried that they wouldn’t have anything in common, but Rowan’s parents were good people and seemed to especially enjoy the company of my forthright mom. She and Jamie were not shy about their opinions on anything and became quick friends.
That evening, after supper, all our family retired to their rooms. It was just Rowan and I sitting on the bridge deck, enjoying a late-night cup of tea. I’d grown to appreciate his nightly ritual and admitted that it brought a kind of calm into my daily routine.
“Drew,” Rowan whispered to me as we held hands, staring out at the starlight sky. The sea was calm, and the full moon reflected brightly in it like a perfect mirror. It had been a wonderful day, and I was still floating.
“Yes, sweetheart?” I said as I turned my head in his direction, smiling so wide my cheeks hurt.
He moved closer to me and leaned in for a kiss. Like always, I was captivated by his touch, the pleasure so intense it lingered even when he pulled back. I reached for him again, but he quickly slipped to his knees in front of me. I stared, open-mouthed as he withdrew a blue box from his pocket and opened it. Two gleaming white gold bands, each with a single diamond, sat nestled in the velvet lining.
“Ro…”
“I know it’s not elaborate, but it seemed fitting that I would ask you to be my husband in the exact place where we met. I love you so much, and I can’t wait to explore new dreams and adventures with you. You’re my heart and forever my home. Will you make me the happiest man on the planet and marry me?” he asked, offering me the white gold band with a shaky hand. His beautiful blue eyes welled up and matched mine, and I could only nod, overwhelmed with my emotions. He slipped the ring on my left hand and kissed it.
As tears slowly trickled down my face, I finally found my words. “I love you more than anything. It will be my honor and my joy to be your husband, Conor Rowan Carter.” I whispered out his full name and reached for the other ring, slipping it on his hand in turn.
As I looked down in awe at our joined hands, I knew that Rowan and I were headed on a beautiful voyage together for the rest of our lives. We would be each other’s buoy, tethered tightly in rough waters and calm, helping one another navigate the falling and rising tides of life.
THE END