Page 81 of Not that Sea-Rious

All eyes were on Marissa.Staring at the small bouquet in the tiny vase on the table, she sighed.“I don’t know.I mean.Maybe.We’re headed in that direction, but I don’t have a clue when.”

Beau

Sitting at an empty table on the other side of the half-wall, Beau bit his fist, trying not to laugh at the banter.Three months ago, he met up with Marissa’s friends to go ring shopping.It was an experience he’d never forget.Since then, the three of them had badgered him about when he’d ask.

In casual conversation with Marissa over the last year, he learned a lot about what she yearned for in life and what her future plans were.She wanted to be married one day, and Beau was pretty sure he was her chosen groom, but she wanted to live with him first.She told him a few stories about friends who didn’t do that and how they divorced quickly.

He agreed with moving in.It was the most efficient way to learn about someone’s quirks.There was no better method to find out what he could tolerate before he was legally bound to them.He’d learned that back in the day.Who knew that their apartment hunt would take so goddamn long?Beau had seen far too much New Jersey real estate for his liking, but it was worth it.

So, their first hurdle was conquered last month.The second was him having a talk with her dad.Having met the man a bunch of times over the course of the year didn’t make that conversation any easier.Beau got the feeling Marissa’s dad enjoyed Beau squirming through asking for his daughter’s hand—so traditional.

Second hurdle down.

The final one—Beau had to actually ask Marissa.He had everyone else’s approval for their pending nuptials.It was time he got hers.

Finally, after what felt like hours, “Marry You” by Bruno Mars played over the restaurant’s speakers.Taking a deep breath, Beau stood and smoothed his hands down the front of his button-down shirt.With a shake of his shoulders, he lifted his head.Now or never.

Beau rounded the corner of the half-wall, which had kept him hidden, and nearly collided with a waitress holding a tray filled with cocktails.Reaching for her, he sought to steady the woman so she didn’t drop anything.

“Sorry,” he mumbled as she brushed him off.

Regrouping, he turned and found eight eyes were on him.

There went the element of surprise.

Marissa furrowed her brows.

Before she could speak, he stepped to her and dropped to one knee.“You were the bright light I needed in my darkness.I fell in love with the way you blushed when I complimented you and your snore on that boat.”From his pocket, he pulled out a small black velvet box.

Immediately, her cheeks grew bright red, and tears welled in her eyes.

“You gave me a life I never thought was possible and showed me what love should be.I want to spend the rest of my years laughing and loving you.Will you marry me?”

Beau flipped open the ring box and revealed the three-quarter carat circular diamond set in a halo of white gold and smaller diamonds.The band had a twist of diamonds on either side.It had nearly blinded him in the store it sparkled so bright.

Watching her face, he wondered if she was as impressed with the ring as he was.

Covering her mouth with both hands, Marissa dropped to her knees beside him but didn’t answer.

Instead, she wrapped her arms around him and cried into his shoulder.

“Is that a yes?”Carolyn demanded.

Pulling back, holding his face, she met his eyes.“Yes.Absolutely.”