Page 39 of Tentacles for Christmas

“How’s your saddle?” Rowen asked, and I laughed.

“My ass is fine,” I informed him, but couldn’t help teasing. “Though my hole is tender from last night.”

Rowen blushed red despite the cold wind whipping our bare faces. His ability to still blush at my words a year later didn’t stop his concern for me. “Can you still ride more?”

“I’m good to ride, love. I promise,” I assured him, stopping him to pull him close. Going up on my toes as much as I could in sand wearing boots, I pressed a kiss to Rowen’s chin. “And I mean that in both senses of the word.”

“Of course you do,” Rowen shook his head but he was smiling at me. I knew he loved my flirting.

Letting his hand go to look out at Carmel Bay and the ocean beyond, I wanted to take in the sights. I saw that the sky was mostly sunny, a few puffy clouds floating in the bright blue sky as the waves crashed on the shore. A sign read to stay back from them, so it wasn’t a swimming beach. We had the place to ourselves on Christmas morning.

“What do you think of the view?” I asked, always wanting Rowen’s take.

“Beautiful,” Rowen whispered, and something in his voice had me turning back to look at him. His eyes were fixed on me and he was down on one knee. I gasped, my hand going to my mouth as tears filled my eyes. “I meant to do this in Mexico, but I decided the moment was too perfect. Just like you.”

“Rowen,” I choked on a wet laugh. The man was too much, but I wasn’t going to stop his praise. “Really?”

“Really.” Rowen nodded and pulled a small box out of his pocket, opening it to show a metal band with colorful stones inset. “Cameron Bass, you are the best thing to ever happen to me.”

“Even better than Superman adopting you?” I couldn’t help asking through my tears. I needed to shut up and let the man finish.

“His adopting me led me to meeting you, so maybe that was the best thing ever,” Rowen teased with a smirk and I laughed as he sobered. “I want you in my life forever, Mate. To build a home and raise children with you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my spouse?”

My head was bobbing my answer as I threw myself at Rowen. “Yes, yes. Yes,” I chanted between kisses to his face, finally finding his lips.

Rowen held me to him as best he could with only two arms exposed, and I knew we were getting sand all over our clothes, but I didn’t care.

“How long until the next stop?” I asked, desperate to get myfiancealone.

“Too long,” Rowen answered, kissing my nose. “I can book a place here in town and push the San Diego stop to tomorrow.”

“Yes, do that,” I insisted, taking his lower lip between mine, sucking it into my mouth. “Need you now.”

Rowen stood with me in his arms and pushed my curly hair out of my eyes. “Whatever you need, Cam. You know that.”

What I needed was to start my life with this man and never go a day without him by my side. I was lucky that he wanted the exact same thing. “Merry Christmas, Love.”

Rowen gave me the smile he reserved for me and I saw his eyes flash with the shifter shape, belying his strong emotion. “Merry Christmas, Mate.”