“I want to taste something else,” I teased, placing my hand inside his jeans pocket. I angled my index finger just right to where I could almost touch his balls.

Matthew jerked back and wrapped his arms around me. “If you’re good, I might even let you taste what you’re trying to touch.”

“Sweet.” I twitched my brows.

“It’ll be more than sweet.”

I laughed lightly, loving his playfulness. “Why am I here? I’ll see you tomorrow in San Diego.”

Matthew placed his arms around my shoulders and started walking down the boardwalk. “We’ll be surrounded by people when we’re in San Diego. I wanted you by yourself. I actually have a question to ask you.”

“You could’ve texted me or called me. You made me drive all the way to Long Beach just to ask a question? Where is the common sense in that?” I scolded. “You...Matthew!” Matthew dropped his hands and something soft suddenly covered my eyes. “What are you doing? I can’t see.” Then I realize it was a blindfold.

Matthew pressed his body next to mine and led me to our destination. “I’ve got you. Don’t be stubborn.”

Even though I knew there was nothing in the way in front of me and Matthew was holding me, I was still a bit hesitant. Walking in the complete darkness at night was not my idea of fun, but I played along. Whatever it was, it was important to him. When the blindfold came off, I saw many blurry bright spots. I blinked rapidly and rubbed my eyes. It was strange to see so many of them. When my vision cleared, I was blown away.

“Matthew.” His name flowed out of my mouth in a whisper as I slipped my hand into his. Countless fake candles were everywhere on the top and second level deck of the yacht, where we were standing. “It’s amazing, Matthew. You did this all by yourself?”

“Surprise, Becca. Well...I had a little help.” He kissed my forehead tenderly and brought me up to the third level deck. He took my purse and placed it down. “You don’t need this right now.” Then he pulled the finished lollipop from his mouth and put the stick in his front pocket. Matthew shrugged sheepishly. “I don’t want to litter, even on my own boat.”

I laughed at his words because that was exactly what I would have done. “Is Carlos around?” I asked, thinking about the things we had done the last time I was there.

“No. It’s just you, me, and the universe.” When he looked up at the sky, I did the same. The full moon glistened and splashed the color of yellow against the ocean. The tiny countless stars were much more apparent tonight. It was as if Matthew and I were in our own universe. It was so beautiful up here that my whole body quivered with happiness and the soft cool breeze that brushed against my face.

“You’re amazing,” I said, gazing into his eyes, which sparkled against the candlelight that completely surrounded us.

“I know.” He gave me a mischievous smirk, and then placed his hands inside the back of my jeans pocket.

“You’re also arrogant.”

“I know, but you’re worse. You’re very stubborn.” Matthew pressed his cheek on mine.

“That I am. However, you can also be very sweet and romantic.”

“Very true. And you are a big tease, but I love that you are.”

I gave him a kiss on the lips. “You make it easy for me to be that way. And yes, I do love to tease you.”

“Don’t ever stop.” He leaned his forehead on mine.

“I won’t.”

“I need you to promise me that if you think your life is in danger, you come first. I can’t lose you, Becca.” Matthew tangled his fingers through mine. “Promise me,” he asked when I didn’t answer.

“I promise.”

“You can be stubborn about anything, but not this. You are my firecracker. I wouldn’t change anything about you, but this is one thing I’m asking from you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life, and if there is eternity, I want you right next to me.”

Tears were coming, and I tried to keep them at bay. I was already an emotional wreck from the conversation with Jenna, my pregnancy hormones acting up, and now this.

“I feel the same, Matthew.” I hadn’t realized we were inside the circle of candles until I pressed my head against Matthew’s chest. “You’re not a witch or a demon are you?” I laughed.

“You read too many paranormal books. They are corrupting your mind.”

“No, they’re not.” I took offense to that. With a light slap across his arms, I turned to walk away.

Matthew flung his arms around my waist before I could escape and pulled me to him. “Not so fast. Okay. Okay. I’m sorry. I can be whatever you want me to be. I want to be the hot naughty demon that gets to do all sort of wicked things to you. But before we play make believe with your fictional characters, I need to ask you a very important question, the reason why I asked you to come here in the first place.”

Next thing I knew, Matthew was down on his knees. He’d already asked me to marry him, so what the heck was he doing?

“Becky Miller. You are the stars that shine upon my darkness. You are the moon that glowed into my heart to show me that I could love again. Whatever the universe has in store for us, I know that we can get through it together because our love is strong. I want forever with you. I’ve already asked you this question, but I wanted to do it the right way. The way you deserved to be asked. Will you be my wife, Becky, and marry me when you are ready? But don’t wait too long.”