Page 181 of Boss of Me

We shut out the world for the rest of the night, caught up in the fervency of our reunion. As we drift off to sleep around dawn, there’s a dreamy smile on my face.

My family thought I was batshit crazy for moving to Texas on a whim, and sometimes even I had to question my own sanity. But little did any of us know that my destiny awaited me right here, safe and secure in Gunner Ransom’s arms.

Chapter Forty-Two

marlowe

Two weeks later, we return toKauai for a spontaneous getaway to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Winter is the rainy season, so it showers most of our first day on the island. This gives us the perfect excuse to stay in bed cuddling and making love to the sound of falling rain from the open balcony doors.

When morning dawns bright and clear, we grab our snorkeling masks and flippers and set off for Poipu Beach on the South Shore. We hold hands underwater, sharing grins as we explore the breathtaking world of tropical fish and sea turtles.

After snorkeling for a few hours, we shower and change and have lunch at a cozy little spot encircled by jagged cliffs. Afterward we take a helicopter back to Gunner’s property on the North Shore.

During the ride, I ooh and aah over the spectacular aerial views of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and the crater of Mount Wai‘ale‘ale. I feel like a giddy little kid, turning excitedlytoward Gunner and pointing out the window. He smiles tenderly and kisses my shoulder, enjoying my pleasure more than the scenery porn.

“I’m so glad we came back here,” I say as the helicopter dips over the sea and heads toward his clifftop estate. “Our first trip was totally amazing, but three days isn’t nearly enough time to see and do everything.”

“That was my thinking,” he murmurs against my skin. “Have I told you how fucking happy I am to have you all to myself for the next eight days?”

“You may have mentioned it once or twice.” I grin at him. “And ditto.”

A few minutes later, the helicopter lands on the cliff and our pilot opens the door. Gunner climbs down and lifts me out, kissing the tip of my nose before lowering me to the ground.

As the helicopter lifts off, I fling my arms out and twirl in circles, laughing as the wind from the whirring blades tosses my hair around and whips my white gauze dress against my body.

“God, I love this island,” I gush breathlessly. “All those waterfalls crashing down those cliffs. Aren’t they the most beautiful things you’ve ever seen?”

“Hmm. Not quite.”

I stop mid-twirl to look at Gunner. He’s standing there watching me with his hands tucked in the pockets of his khaki pants, the wind molding his white linen shirt to his muscled chest.

As I stare at him, he moves in close and tips my chin up, locking his gaze with mine. “You’rethe most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Nothing else even comes close.”

I melt. Freakingmelt.

He takes my hand and brings it to his lips, staring into my eyes as he kisses my fingers one by one. “You never wear muchjewelry,” he observes softly. “No bracelets. No rings. You don’t like pretty, shiny things?”

“I do,” I say, smiling. “I just . . . well, it’s never been a big deal. Though I definitely love those diamond earrings you gave me the last time we were here.”

His eyes glimmer. “Maybe I should start a tradition.”

“I . . . holy shit,” I breathe when he reaches inside his pocket and withdraws a little black velvet box. Instantly my eyes start welling up with tears. “Gunner . . .”

“I had no idea I needed you in my life until the night I met you. But it was right here, standing in this very same spot watching you twirl around, that I finally admitted to myself how I really felt about you. You turned my world upside down and made me a better man, and I’d give anything to have you for my wife.” Without taking his eyes off my face, he drops smoothly to one knee and thumbs the box open. “I love you, Marlowe Somerset. Will you marry me?”

“Oh, my God, Gunner . . .” I stare at him through my tears, my heart pounding with hope and joy, no fear or doubts whatsoever. But I hear myself whisper, “Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life.”

I beam. “Thenhell yes, I’ll marry you.”

He grins the biggest grin and slides the biggest rock on my finger. The huge square diamond could have been mined from the depths of a nearby volcano. It sparkles brilliantly in the sunlight and takes my breath away.

When Gunner stands up, I throw my arms around his neck. I’m laughing and crying, tears streaming down my face as he literally sweeps me off my feet and crushes me to his chest. This just might be the most romantic moment of my life, one of many unforgettable moments this man has already given me.

When his mouth slants over mine, I can feel the strength of his love, and I soak up every bit of it.