Page 13 of Loving Hard on the Highway (Love Along Route 14)

The beach was full of life as the sun set across the Pacific, painting the sky a dark violet and amber. Couples danced barefoot across the sand as waves crashed along the shore.

Sean stood near the edge of the crowd, making his way to the stage, hands in his pockets, his eyes barely moved from the woman on stage.

Gabbie.

There she was, front and center on the pop-up stage, the mic in her hand, and Water’s Edge jamming to a beachy rhythm and blues number behind her. She wore that little yellow linen dress with a slouchy sweater and those worn ankle boots he loved.

Her voice found something inside him and set it alight. It wasn’t just the sound—it was her . The way her body moved in rhythm, the way she closed her eyes when she hit certain notes, as if the words meant something new every time.

He watched and felt that strange swell in his chest again, the one that reminded him he was utterly in love with her.

?

The sky stretched wide and endless, scattered with stars, their light faint but steady, over the darkened ocean. A warm breeze moved through the night, carrying the scent of salt and crisp air over the yacht.

“You were incredible tonight,” Sean whispered in her ear.

He stood behind her, arms wrapped around her waist as they stared into the night.

“You have to say that because I’m your girlfriend, and because I’m still sad,” she pouted.

“I don’t want you to be sad or upset. This isn’t your fault.”

“It feels like your dad is punishing you for loving me,” Gabbie sighed.

“He hates that the gossip rags ran the story Billionaire Bad Boy Assaults Cop . It’s bad for the brand. Even though it was cleared up months ago,” Sean admitted. “But this wilderness retreat is a family tradition I have to do if I want my inheritance.”

“It sounds more like a boot camp mixed with Survivor than a retreat,” she grumbled.

“It’s only for a month and then I’ll be back.” Sean gave her a reassuring squeeze.

“I know, but I love seeing you every day and us being together,” Gabbie sighed. “I love you.”

“Then how about I make you a deal?” Sean turned her around and placed a tender kiss on her lips.

When they parted from the kiss, Gabbie looked down to see him holding up a small box with a whopper of a diamond shimmering in the moonlight.

“I love you so much, Gabbie. When I get back, we can spend the rest of our lives together.” Sean got down on one knee. “If you will marry me.”

She stared at him, her eyes glassy, her smile breaking slowly, like dawn. She knelt in front of him, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed him, soft and deliberate.

Gabbie pulled back, their foreheads resting against each other.

“Of course I’ll marry you,” she whispered.