“No way,” he said, laughing. “You had to rescue yourself.”
“I know, and I probably wouldn’t have let you anyway.”
“But I was waiting.”
Maileah nodded, tears of happiness pricked her eyes.
He cupped her face. “I want you to know you’re the one for me. I want to experience everything in life with you. Wherever big waves take us, whatever you want to see, any children we might have—I want it all with you.”
Maileah held her breath as Sailor took her hands and kissed them.
Clearing his throat, he said, “I’ve never done this, but will you have me?”
Her heart quickened at his words. Smiling, she asked, “Have you what?” She needed to hear every word.
His expression was as solemn as she’d ever seen it.
With the moon lighting his face, he dropped to one knee on the soft sand. “Will you marry me?”
Maileah lowered her eyelids, savoring the delicious sound of four simple words that would change their lives. She’d waited a lifetime to hear that question. And he was the right one to ask it.
Her heart was beating wildly now, and she felt a little light-headed. Overwhelmed by her pure love for this man, Maileah brought a hand to her mouth and nodded, unable to speak. She—the expert at the snappy retort—was speechless.
“That’s good enough for me.” He stood and folded his arms around her. “I promise to love you and cherish you forever, Maileah.”
She gulped in the cool sea air. “And I will always loveyou.” Twining her arms around his neck, she kissed him with all the love in her heart.
When they finally parted, Maileah laughed softly, feeling lighter than she had in years. “I came to Crown Island determined to check my list and settle into a normal life like almost everyone around me. But this—us—is so much better than anything I could have imagined.”
“Never settle.” Sailor grinned, his eyes twinkling. “You will always be the champion of your life—and my heart. We’ll be better together.”
“Ditto,” she said, kissing him again. She’d found her person to soar with—a best friend, a lover, a partner through life.
And it was even sweeter than she’d imagined.
When they reached the rock where they’d left their shoes, Sailor put his hand on her shoulders. “I have one very important thing to say, though.”
She looked into his eyes, wondering what that could be. “Yes?”
“I’m putting in my notice as your chaperone. I quit, Maisie.”
Laughing, Maileah took out her phone. “Watch this.” With a tap of her finger, she deleted the dating app. “Never again.” She threw her arms around him.
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Sailor grinned and lifted her, whirling her around.
Maileah wanted to remember everything about this precious moment. Someday, she would tell their children,Between the moonlight and the music, there was magic in that night.
EPILOGUE
Maileah strolled into Cuppa Jo’s with Sailor, beaming at their friends. The atmosphere was electric, as it had been every weekend since Adrian’s song had broken out. The diner was packed, with a line snaking out the door and down the street. Adrian’s music filled the air, his newfound fame drawing locals and tourists alike.
Seated with Sailor in the usual booth Jo reserved for them, Maileah watched as people held up their phones, live-streaming Adrian’s performance. Jo bustled behind the counter, taking orders and serving up food.
“I can’t believe how crazy it’s gotten here,” Maileah said.
Sailor nodded, grinning. “Dad is loving every minute of it. And look at Jo; she’s in heaven with all the business.”
They watched Jo deftly manage the crowd. Candy brought the hamburgers and fries that Sailor had called in earlier.
