Epilogue

Eve

Five years have flown by in the blink of an eye, and I often find myself pinching my arm to reassure myself this isn’t a dream. But nope, this is very real and as wonderful as it gets. Eric and I are in the thick of it, happily married for half a decade, and every day has been a new adventure.

Who would’ve thought that just a few days of living together would lead to him convincing me to marry him? But he did it. He showed me that life’s too short to hold back, and this ride we’re on is better with someone who shares your chaos.

Now, here we are, perched on the edge of the Galveston Marina on the beautiful yacht Eric surprised me with on our first anniversary. The same yacht we spent our first date on.

I’m sprawled out on the upper deck, catching the early morning sun while Eric fiddles around with his fishing pole. “Need me to bait your hook?” I call out, pretending to be nonchalant, but really, I live to tease him.

“I’ll give you something to bait,” he shouts back, and I can almost picture his arrogant smirk in my head.

“Promises, promises.” I laugh, shaking my head. He’s a handful, with that foul mouth and grumpy demeanor, but underneath that gruff exterior is a man who adores me. I settled into this life of spontaneity and luxury pretty quickly.

He didn’t blink an eye over buying us a large beach house near the marina. It’s our little slice of paradise, just a short drive from Silver Spoon Falls. We spend weekends alternating between the yacht and the beach house like it’s the most normal routine in the world.

To my relief, he’s never shown any regret over giving up his acting career. In fact, most of the residents in Silver Spoon Falls have figured out his true identity, but no one really cares. We’re just one more couple brought together by the magic water in town.

The only adventure we haven’t taken yet is parenthood. Five years ago, I wasn’t ready to give up my career to have a child, but I also wouldn’t consider letting someone else raise my children. After several discussions, we agreed to wait until I was ready to take time off before we started our family.

A few months ago, my biological clock started ticking loudly and I decided it was time for a new adventure. Which was perfect timing since I started puking my guts up every morning shortly after that decision.

As I lie back against the warm deck of the yacht, the sun beats down, heating my skin while a gentle breeze ruffles my hair. It should be blissful, sailing through the tranquil waters with Eric by my side, casting lines and catching fish without a care in the world. Instead, I’m wrestling with nausea twisting in my stomach like I’m on a roller coaster.

I glance over at Eric and see the determined look on his face as he focuses on his fishing. He casts with an effortless grace that somehow makes my insides churn more. He’s freaking gorgeous and he’s all mine. He’s been my rock since I bought him at the auction.

Sometimes, I still can’t believe how lucky I am. Yes, we joke about him convincing me to marry him after barely knowing one another, but in hindsight. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

I’m starting to nod off when Eric walks over and sits on the lounger next to mine. I glance over and smile at him. “Had enough fishing?”

“For now.” He casually leans back on his elbows while watching me closely. There’s an intensity in his look that makes my stomach flip again, and I force myself to hold his gaze. “I think it’s time for you to tell me your little secret.”

Fudge. “What do you mean?” I play coy, trying to keep my tone nonchalant. There goes my big surprise.

“I know you better than I know myself, Siren,” he chuckles, a smile breaking over his face as cheerful as a sunrise. “I’ve noticed you waking up a little green around the gills and how you avoid caffeine like it’s going to poison you. Not to mention your sudden aversion to seafood.” He slides over to my lounger and blocks the sun out with his body. “And you’re glowing.”

I lean closer, taking a deep breath, absorbing his scent combined with the sun and salt. “How long ago did you figure it out?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

He shakes his head, and the certainty in his eyes sends a warmth rushing through me. “It’s been a while. I’ve been dying to celebrate it with you, but I wanted to let you tell me in your own time.”

His confession floors me, and a mix of relief and utter joy floods my heart as I stare at him. “You’re so good to me. I love you.”

“I love you, and our little one, too.” Then he pauses, and there’s an intensity in his gaze that makes the rest of the world fade away. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened in my life. And having a child with you is a goddamn dream come true. I’ve been wanting this since the second you stole my heart.”

I can feel the weight lift from my shoulders, the last vestiges of fear evaporating as his radiant excitement washes over me. “Thank you for giving me time.” He’s already the best husband in the world, and I have no doubt he’ll be an incredible daddy, too.

“I’ll do anything to make you happy.” He smirks down at me. “Well, almost anything. I’ll never let you go, Siren. You’re mine forever.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I breathe against his lips before he kisses me, causing my mind to shut down completely. Wow. As he devours my mouth, my nausea completely disappears. He’s not just the best husband in the world; he’s a freaking miracle worker with his lips.

Life just keeps getting better.

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