Marcy smacked at him. “Now I understand. This was all an elaborate scheme to get out of working. I should have known.”
This time his little-boy smile couldn’t hide the hint of guilt that lurked in his eyes. “Hey, think of it as effective management. I know my own shortcomings and I’d be an idiot not to take advantage of your skills. You’re so damn good at running this place.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she said, her heart swelling inside her chest.
Before she knew what was going on, Simon was slipping out of her arms. At first she thought something was wrong, since he was heading for the ground. But the startled expression on her face didn’t last long when she realized he hadn’t fallen over, just dropped onto one knee.
“Oh, my god,” she breathed out. “What are you doing?” That seemed to be her favorite phrase today.
“I’d think that was obvious,” Simon said, mock frowning up at her from his position at her feet. She tried to pull him up off the ground, but he wouldn’t budge.
“Marcy, I told the entire world that I loved you in the most public way I could think of because I want everyone to know how I feel about you.”
A hard lump formed in Marcy’s throat and her eyes glazed over with tears.
Who would have thought almost two and a half years ago when she’d walked onto this island that she’d end up here with Simon Reeves kneeling in the dirt, about to propose to her? Definitely not her. She’d come here looking for an escape. An opportunity to prove her worth—to herself and the world.
And instead she’d found all of that and more. A man she loved who loved her in return. The kind of person she could see spending the rest of her life with, having children, growing old.
Maybe there was more to that little legend about the island than any of them had ever realized. She’d certainly found her heart’s desire and it was nothing like what she’d expected.
“But I wanted to share this moment with the people who’ve come to mean something to us both,” Simon continued. “Some people think of this place as paradise. Some might see it as isolated. But I just see it as home and I want you to stay here with me forever. To build a life together.”
“Yes,” she whispered, the tears she was desperately trying not to shed choking off the word. “Yes,” she said again, stronger and more sure.
A happy whoop from the crowd accompanied her answer.
Simon picked her up and spun her around, bringing their mouths together. The familiar heat spilled into her body, the buzz of it delicious and comforting.
They were definitely going to have some fun adventures together. With Simon, there was no telling what was coming around the corner.
A breathless laugh burst from her body. She was dizzy with happiness. Finally Simon put her down, the world still spinning gently around her.
She gazed unsteadily at the people gathered around them. Friends…no, family.
Marcy wanted every single person who visited Île du Coeur to find the same happiness she had found.
Colt and Lena, Zane and Elle, she and Simon… Marcy really hoped they were part of a long line of couples who would find love here. Which gave her an idea… .
“Simon, I’m going to hire a wedding planner.”
“Fine.” He shrugged. “I would have expected you to be too ana—” Marcy’s glare had Simon choking back his words. “Um…organized…to want to let that go.”
“Not for us. For the resort.”
Simon’s eyes went wide with fear before he apparently remembered that whatever she was planning, it was no longer his worry. “Whatever makes you happy.”
March had visions of sunset ceremonies on the beach and grand parties in the ballroom. It would be perfect.
Reaching up on tiptoe, she wrapped her arms around Simon and pulled his mouth down to hers, whispering against his warm lips, “You make me happy.”
Simon swept her up into his arms again and carried her away, completely uncaring that he was leaving behind the crowd of people who’d come to congratulate them. She’d apologize later. His mouth nuzzled at her neck. Much later. The corner of his lips curled in a smile full of devilment and charm and his eyes flashed with heat as he mock growled, “Happy’s good. But naked’s so much better.”
* * * * *
ISBN: 9781459225855
Copyright © 2012 by Kira Bazzel
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