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When we’re far enough she can’t hear, I peek up at him. “You’re really going to keep him from her?”

“We’ll see. It was actually Marcus’ idea. He’s not keen on a seventy-five pound Great Dane sleeping in his bed.”

“He doesn’t have to sleep with them.”

“Tell Maren that.”

He has a point, but I see a way to ask him something I’ve wanted to know for a few weeks now but didn’t know how to bring it up.

“Do you think Marcus wants to marry Maren?”

“Yep.” He’s absolute in his answer.

“Do you think he’s going to ask her soon?”

“Maybe, why?”

“Because I’m happy for them, and I love them together.”

“What’s the problem?”

“I’m scared she’ll say no.”

He stops paddling and looks at me in confusion. “Why would she say no?”

“Because she’s Maren, and she was scorned. She’ll think it’s too soon since she was engaged at the beginning of this year.”

“He’s not stupid. He knows the challenges. He’s easing her into it. We all know she didn’t love Carlton; she was brainwashed.”

“Yeah, but she still thinks—”

“Emi, Marcus can handle it. He’s going slow, taking his time. Although, he did talk to her father last week.”

This is news to me. I whip around, causing the board to waver.

“Emi!”

“Sorry, but I’m shocked. What did Mr. Caine say?”

“He said to go for it. Apparently, you aren’t the only one who hated Carlton.”

“Wow, that’s wild.”

“Baby, you see them together. There’s no doubt they have a solid relationship.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “They’re wonderful together.”

“Can we head in now? As much as I like ushering you around out here, the image in that text message is burned in my brain, and I’m pretty sure our room is ready.”

I stare at him above me, his upper body on display, the tattoos glistening with water droplets as his muscles bulge with each stroke of the paddle. Suddenly, a fire erupts inside me, and the shoreline seems a mile away.

I nod my answer, and he starts to go faster.

I’m beginning to understand his aversion to Bachelorette parties. Who needs one last chance to celebrate your freedom when I have a lifetime of being with Walker?

3 Weeks Later

“Are you happy?” Walker asks, curving around my naked body and pulling the sheet over us.