“Then it’s all good as far as I’m
concerned. There’s no way in hell I could go back to having to keep my hands off of you.”
“I’m not saying I’m committed to anything at this point.”
“Nothing at all?” he asked, pushing his lower lip out.
“Oh my God. Are you whining?”
“I’m so whining right now.”
“I’m not committed to anything professionally.”
“What about personally?”
“Are you asking me for a commitment, Dutch?”
“Damn straight.”
“What are you willing to do in return?”
“Add your name to the deed on Cokabow Island.”
Malin laughed. “You’re joking.”
“I’m not, although I do have one condition.”
“What’s that?”
Dutch wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in as close as she could get. He leaned down and nipped at her earlobe. “Let’s get out of here,” he whispered.
“Lead the way.”
—:—
“Goodnight,” Dutch shouted as he took Malin’s hand and led her out of the winery and over to the cottage. He didn’t bother to wait to see if anyone heard him or not.
“This doesn’t feel right,” he said before he opened the door to go inside.
“No?”
He shook his head. “Come with me.” Dutch put his arm around Malin’s shoulders and led her over to the swing on the porch of the main house. When he sat down, he pulled her onto this lap. “This is better.”
“I like this too,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Look at me,” he said, cupping her cheek with his palm. “I want you to know I was serious back there.”
“Dutch, it’s okay. We have plenty of time to figure things out.”
He shook his head. “I don’t need time. I love you, Malin, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I’m not joking about the island. I told you that I already talked to Doc, Gunner, and Razor about it. They’re more than willing to sell it to me.”
“What’s your one condition?”
“When I add your name to the deed, I want it to be Malin Kilbourne-Miller.”
“Dutch, are you asking—”
“Yes, I’m asking you to marry me. I know my timing sucks, and when you tell our kids about the way I proposed they’re going to think I’m the least romantic guy that ever lived, but I can’t wait another minute. Marry me, Malin.”