We went back to Coney Island, and I’m happy to report that this time, he kissed me in the Spook-A-Rama just as a bloody mannequin head popped out of the dark at us. And it was awesome.
But even now, as we sat in Greece after the most brilliant vacation of my life, the thing that made it right was him.
See, when I met Cooper, something in me shifted on an elemental level, as if he changed my chemistry, rearranged me. I needed him, but not in the desperate way. Being with him was a universal truth. It was a quiet fact. Once I found him, the world made sense simply because he was in it and he loved me.
The lamb had been cleared away, and the baba ganoush was very nearly gone, and we drank our wine and talked. We laughed and we smiled. He took my hand, and I followed him through the quiet streets of Santorini.
He pulled me into an alcove on the cliff overlooking the ocean, and we could see the curve of the island, the buildings lit up in the night lining the coast and staggered in tiers below us. There were so many stars, more stars than I’d ever seen, and I tipped up my chin, my eyes on the heavens. Cooper sat on the low wall, watching me for a long moment before pulling me to him.
He looked up at me, my beautiful boy with his eyes full of stars, smiling at me sweetly before he looked down at my right hand, turning it over in his.
My free hand found his cheek, and he leaned into my palm, turning his head to kiss it as I felt him slip the ring onto my finger.
I looked down, and so did he, his fingers spinning the simple silver ring he’d placed on my ring finger. I knew the ring — I’d seen it in Rhodes at the market and admired it before putting it back. I didn’t think he’d even been paying attention. But of course he was.
His voice was thick with emotion when he finally spoke, his eyes still on my hand. “I don’t know how I lived my whole life without you. I don’t know how I survived a single day without hearing your voice. I don’t know how I woke up every morning without your face being the first thing I saw. I don’t ever want to know what that feels like, to not have you.”
He rose slowly, slipped a hand into my hair, searched my face. Stole my breath. Stopped my heart. “One day, I’m going to give you another ring. I’ll ask you to stay with me forever, and I’ll make a promise to you, to love you, to cherish you until I take my last breath. It’ll be the easiest thing I’ll ever do. I love you, Maggie, and I’m yours. Be mine.”
In all my life, it was all I would ever want. He was all I would ever want. “I’m yours,” I whispered, the words of my heart set free.
And the kiss he laid on my lips seared my soul, branding me his forever.
Acknowledgements
To my husband Jeff — We did it. I love you. Without you, I don’t make any sense.
Becca Mysoor — NOFB. Brain Twin. Partner in crime. Thank you. For everything. Tell Vinnie I said thanks by proxy, and that sharing is caring. I hear Tricky calling, so let’s hold hands and get to dancing.
Brooke Cumberland — Stop yelling at me! Just kidding — never stop. Without you lending your ear, shoulder, boot in my ass, cupcakes, and chocolate, I really don’t know how I could have made it through any of this. I love you. Hold my other hand and come dancing too.
To Becca AND Brooke — We’re basically like a three legged stool. I couldn’t do this without the both of you.
Kandi Steiner — I’ll always be the Hype Man to your Polly Pocket. Thank God you haven’t run screaming yet.
Angie McKeon — You, my unicorn riding princess, are an absolute godsend. You’ve supported me, you’ve given invaluable feedback, and you have become a great friend. I am so thankful for you. #Gummybears
Brittainy Cherry — I feel like if we just hang on to each other, we’ll be okay. Thank you for always being there for me. Sharing this whole crazy roller coaster ride with you is kind of everything.
Christine Stanley — You have always believed in me. You’ve always supported me, and without your help, there’s no way I’d be where I am today. I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me, and I can’t wait to do it again.
Rebecca Slemons — You are a saint for fixing my commas and putting up with my made up words.
Lauren Perry — You’ve done it again, you magical sorceress of photographical magic. You are brilliant.
Jennifer Stevens — Your sailing Cliff’s Notes were invaluable. Thank you so much for fact checking me! STARBOARD, HO!
To my betas: Parrish, Melissa, Jen, Mary Catherine, Miranda, Terry, Zoe, Lex, and Brie — Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, and generally kicking my story in the face. Without your feedback, this story wouldn’t be what it is.
More Books by Staci Hart
Hearts and Arrows
Deer in Headlights (Hearts and Arrows 1)
Snake in the Grass (Hearts and Arrows 2)
What the Heart Wants (Hearts and Arrows 2.5 Novella)
Doe Eyes (Hearts and Arrows 3)
Fool’s Gold (Hearts and Arrows 3.5 Novella)
Hearts and Arrows Box Set
Hardcore (Erotic Suspense Serials)
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Box Set
Bad Habits
With a Twist
Chaser - Fall 2015
Last Call - Winter 2016
Nailed - Erotic Shorts
FREE with newsletter subscription
Once
Short story on Amazon
About the Author
Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life: a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can’t forget that. She’s also been a mom to three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She’s been a wife, even though she’s certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She’s also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she’s been drinking whiskey, and her favorite word starts with f, ends with k.
From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she’s not writing, she’s gaming, cleaning, or designing graphics.
Follow Staci Hart:
Website: Stacihartnovels.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Twitter: Twitter.com/imaquirkybird
Pinterest: pinterest.com/imaquirkybird