“No.”
“I’m already so mortified from the phone call.”
“Don’t be. There are no secrets in my family. And that’s more literal than I want it to be.”
She laughed nervously, still hiding her face. “So what does this mean? Are we going back to New York today? I took off a few days from work anyway, so I’m flexible.”
“We could go back, but Ian’s hell-bent on getting drunk.”
“It’s a good thing the two of us are here. We can look after him.”
“I owe him a ton of drinks. I think he’s already got a head start on us.”
She was looking at me with a huge smile, and I knew I wasn't feeling this inner balance because Ian and I had figured out a solution. It was because of her. She was my better half. She was everything—and all mine.
“Let’s find him. We can’t let Ian get drunk all on his own,” she exclaimed, getting out of bed. She looked at me over her shoulder with a wicked smile, and I chased right after her.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Mel
One month later
"This is gorgeous," I said. Dylan had surprised me today by showing up at the gym to take me out on another boat tour. We didn’t take it from North Cove, though, but from a harbor near Tarrytown because we were heading to Isabelle’s for a party. The yacht was even more luxurious and comfortable than the last boat, but way too big for the two of us. “The yacht is huge.”
“Don’t go near the edge again.”
I laughed, comfortably sitting on the leather seat next to Dylan. “Good thinking. You’re sure we’re going to make it to Isabelle’s in time?”
She and Brayden were throwing an end-of-summer garden party. She’d confided in me that because they had the big house, she was looking for an excuse to have a party as often as possible because she loved having everyone over. I thought she might have an actual reason for this party, though, because the whole Gallagher and Winchester clans were coming, as well as their parents. She’d even invited Dad, which made my heart happy.
“What are you thinking about?” Dylan asked, looking at me over his shoulder.
“That I’m happy. And you look sexy as hell driving this boat.” He was wearing a polo shirt, which showed off his muscles nicely while he steered the wheel. We also had an umbrella because the heat was insane, and it was humid as well, but still, the day was gorgeous. I couldn't believe how peaceful it all was. I loved feeling the wind in my hair and seeing everything bathed in sunlight.
I felt happier than ever. The excellent lawyer Dylan hired managed to get a restraining order against Elliot. I hadn’t heard from him since, but Charlotte said she dug into things a bit, and he’d filed for bankruptcy. I was happy that Elliot was out of our lives. Dylan and Ian were making partnerships to help with the rollout of project Z. It was going slower than if they’d won the competition, but they were working hard.
We’d been on the boat for about twenty minutes when Dylan stopped it and sat down on my seat. The yacht still moved along with the water flow, but it felt as if we were staying in one place compared to the speed before.
"Tired?" I teased before moving right next to him, touching his biceps. "I need to take care of these again."
Not that he’d strained them too much, but I was always looking for an excuse to spoil him.
"Later," he murmured, pulling me in his lap. I yelped, putting one arm around his neck.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"I had a plan," he answered, kissing my neck. "But I realize it's not a good idea, so I'm readjusting."
"What are you talking about?"
"Close your eyes."
"Okay." I did as he said, anticipation coursing through me. I tried to pay extra attention to any sounds, but there weren't any.
A few seconds later, he said, "You can open them now."
I did and gasped. He was holding an engagement ring in his palm: a beautiful round diamond on a white gold band.
"Dylan," I whispered.
“I thought about getting down on one knee, but I don't want to risk you falling overboard again, so I’m keeping you here.”
“Good plan.” I tried to sound playful, but my voice was uneven. It was full of emotion.
"Mel, thank you for turning my life upside down. For showing me the beauty in admiring a quiet sunset. For making me adopt a puppy—”
“Temporarily,” I reminded him, and we both chuckled.
“I promise to cherish you my whole life, to make you happy. I solemnly promise not to get between you and an audiobook."
I laughed, pressing my forehead to his.
"I promise to always find ways to surprise you," he said. “And to see everything you have on your list together.”
"Thank you for sharing your life with me and showing me that two people can grow together, even if they’re not on the same page in the beginning. I'd love to have you with me forever and be your wife," I whispered. I put the ring on, beaming at the thought of how Dad would smile when he saw it. I imagined Isabelle's reaction and Ian's too. Then I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him passionately, shifting into his lap so I was straddling him and my knees were at his sides. In the process I pushed my backpack from the edge, only realizing what happened when we heard a splash.
"Fuck," Dylan exclaimed.
My gym backpack had fallen into the water.
I grinned. "Think we can fish that out without falling in the water again?”
"I’ll do it.” Standing up, he leaned over the edge, grabbing the backpack as it started to sink.
“There. Saved it,” he exclaimed.
I went to him, giving him a quick smooch, patting those strong arms. I thought I was happy before he gave me the ring, but it was nothing compared to now. My whole body was light as a feather.
“We should get going,” he said, pulling back a notch, “or we’ll be late.”
I nodded, sitting back on the bench as he gripped the steering wheel.
“Wait a second, is this the reason why Isabelle’s throwing the party?” I pointed to the ring when he looked at me over his shoulder. “Is this why she invited Dad too?”
Dylan gave me a very smug smile. “Isabelle and I plotted on the best way to celebrate this. My parents don’t know anything. No one knows except Isabelle and your dad. I asked for your hand, of course. Everyone else is going to be surprised.”
The corners of my mouth tilted up in a smile.
“What?” he asked.
“I’m imagining Ian’s reaction.”
He burst out laughing before revving the boat’s engine and lurching forward at the maximum speed allowed. It was the only way we wouldn’t be late.
I relaxed on the seat, admiring Dylan’s gorgeous ass more than the sunset. I couldn’t believe this man was all mine forever. How was this happening? I relaxed as we cruised down the river. Being out here was different than our first trip, when we’d been in the bay with open water surrounding us. The Hudson River was narrow here. Nature and low buildings flanked us on both sides, roads sloping in and out of the greenery. It was very peaceful.