#dean roe

"We spend our nights lying on the beach like this. Eventually, we save up for a boat; my Sailor needs his ship. Maybe you could even charter tours along the coast for our patrons."

"Sounds peaceful."

"Yeah," she exhaled softly while drawing mindless shapes along his torso as she gazed over the open waters. "It really does."

Large, puffy, pink cotton candy clouds rolled across the sky, the edges fading to a brilliant purple against the darkening blue atmosphere. The final golden rays of the fading sun scattered among the clouds, painting strokes of peach and honey throughout the heavens—the ocean below, a canvas for this watercolor masterpiece.

"What about your inheritance?"

"I don't need it." The feathery touch of his calloused hands gliding gently down her arms left goosebumps and a pleasant tingle in its wake. She propped herself up on her elbows, looking to him. "I just need you."

"You're all that I need too, Babydoll." David wrapped her in his arms, drawing her fully into his embrace. He cradled her face, guiding her lips to his.

She climbed further onto him, straddling his hips, her tongue gently parting his lips. Their soft, delicate kisses lingered into twilight as the first star of the night glimmered in the darkening sky above.

The ship's horn boomed through the air, signaling the first warning that passengers should return.

Dani pulled back, stroking the stubble on his jaw. "If only we could stay...but my family needs me."

"One day, we'll go wherever you want." He brushed a kiss on her forehead, then helped her to her feet. He cleaned up the picnic area he had prepared for them; while she took one last look at the quickly fading colors on the horizon.

She started the summer lost and alone, feeling as though she wouldn't ever find meaningful love in the short time allotted, however, against all odds, she had. For now, she would return and continue to fight alongside her siblings, but when that was over, she was free to choose her own path with the man she loved. She took his hand, interlacing her fingers with his, and offered a gentle squeeze as they began walking back to their temporary home. The summer would soon come to an end, culminating in a wedding she had never expected, and yet, from there, their lives were a blank book for them to author together; the possibilities, much like the oceans, were endless. It was their story and she couldn't wait to pick up the pen and write their journey, one day at a time.

She chewed her lip, turning on her side to watch her sleeping fiancé. A quiet giggle slipped from her smiling lips. She couldn’t help it. For the first time in a long time, something felt right beyond all logic and reason. 

Stroking a strand of his chocolate-brown hair aside, she nuzzled into him. The scent of the sea surrounded them, but on him, it was different. The salty sea entangled with warm sunlight, soft sand, hints of cedar from where they lied on the beach the night before gazing at the stars, and sweet honey. She drew in another deep breath, letting it overwhelm her. He smelled of a home she never knew she was longing for and one she never wished to let go of.

She placed a kiss on his temple, in awe of how safe he had made her feel since their first meeting. She shifted up and brushed a kiss on her forehead as she caressed his cheek. She knew he was awake but apparently, he needed more encouragement.

Her lips hovered over his for a moment as she straddled his torso. She pulled his lower lip between her teeth before gently kissing him awake. “Good morning, Sailor.”

He reached up, cradling her face. “It is with you, baby doll.”

Her hand rested on his chest; she wiggled her finger. “We’re getting married,” her words were a whispered dream just for him.

“We’re getting married,” he reiterated, an excited grin blossoming on his features. He drew her back to him. “I love you.”

Her long, silky hair cascaded around him, shielding them from the outside world. Her lips lowered to his once more. She knew no matter where this path would take them, whether on land or across the oceans, as long as they were together, nothing would be too great an obstacle. He had found her when she was broken and without hope, and somehow he reminded her of all she was and all she could be. She had found her North Star, a light in the darkness, guiding her home.

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