Epilogue
I stepped into the bright Hawaiian sun from the air-conditioned airport and sighed. "Wow, it's hot."
"You're here." Dace reminded with glittering eyes.
I rolled my eyes, nudging him in the side. "You're corny."
"Hey, now." He frowned. "Name calling isn't nice."
I laughed. "Take me to the beach! It's time to get this vacation started."
He took my hand in his and I followed him eagerly. We piled our bags into the taxi before climbing into the back seat. Dace gave the driver the hotels address and I tried not to press my face against the window as we drove through the most beautiful place I'd ever seen. We arrived at the hotel and I felt my mouth drop open as I took in my surroundings. Every color was intensified in a way it just wasn't back home. The flowers were brighter, the grass greener, the sand whiter, the ocean bluer. A sigh fell from my lips and Dace leaned down to press a kiss to my temple.
"What do you think?" He asked.
"It's amazing." I breathed. "I cannot wait to get into that water."
"Soon." He promised. I watched him pull the bags from the taxi before heading to the entrance. "We'll get checked in, change and head down to the water all right?"
"I can't wait." I said again. My attention was captivated by the brilliance of the hotel as Dace checked in. I wandered the lobby, feeling his eyes on me as I checked out the place. I could have been given a week to explore the lobby alone and I still doubt I would have seen everything there was to see.
Dace appeared at my side. "You ready to see our room?"
"I am." I nodded and he pressed his lips to mine.
"You're gorgeous when you're happy."
"Just when I'm happy?"
"You're always beautiful, Angel." He assured. "But nothing on this planet compares to the beauty you possess when you're happy."
"I'm so happy." I felt my chest tighten. "I love you."
"I love you."
***
The water lapped at my ankles and I squealed in delight. It was cool but not nearly cold. It was refreshing. I looked up at Dace and found he was smiling down at me. I grinned up at him in joy that couldn't be contained and he chuckled. His arm wound around my waist and he lifted me into his arms, holding me tight to him as he walked deeper into the water.
I felt the water tickle the skin of my waist and I wrapped my legs around him as he dipped his head to kiss me. His tongue swirled slowly around mine and I sighed into his mouth. He swallowed my sound eagerly and I pulled away to see him looking at me with the most beautiful blue eyes. They were so stunning they rivaled the blue abyss surrounding us.
Dace pulled his hand from the pocket of his shorts and the bright sun caught the glimmer of a beautiful diamond sitting between his fingers. I gasped and he smiled nervously.
"Marry me, Angel." His voice shook. "I will never love another the way I love you. You were made for me - I'm sure of it. Marry me."
"Yes!" I felt tears sting my eyes as I laughed, hugging him tight to me. "Yes, of course!"
Dace's chest rumbled as laughter fell from his lips. "I want to put the ring on your finger, Angel."
"Oh." I gave him my hand and he slipped it on my finger. The warm love in his eyes made my stomach feel light with butterflies. I couldn't help but close my eyes and revel in the moment.
When I opened them, Dace was staring at me with heated passion. "Are you happy, Angel?"
"How couldn't I be?" I smiled up at him. "I'm in paradise."