Freshwater Kisses (The Kisses 3)

I turned to see Robbie waving on the pier. I shook my head. Of course he would show up just as I left. I waved back to him and started to turn the boat around. I was only about a pool length from the shore, but instead of waiting for me to return, Robbie took a running start, dove smoothly into the water, and began swimming to the boat.

I opened my mouth in shock, quickly trying to stop. I worried for a moment about him swimming with his arm in a sling, but he used a lazy side stroke that used his good arm to propel him through the water. As he came around to the back of the boat, I killed the motor and dropped the ladder into the water to let him up. As he hoisted himself onto the deck, I grabbed a couple of towels from below to dry him off.

He shook his head like a dog, sending water droplets flying across the deck, but a leaf still clung to his hair. I laughed and wrapped one of the towels around him, picking the golden leaf from his sandy hair.

"What are you doing?" I asked him, looking him over. "I was coming back to get you!"

He laughed, his eyes full of a boyish light. "I couldn't wait."

Robbie leaned forward, putting his hand under my chin and kissing me soundly. Crystal drops from his hair fell onto my face, his tongue sweet with the freshwater. It reminded me of our first kiss, sweet and warm, and I smiled as he kissed me.

"What is with you? You look like a puppy getting ready to go for a walk!" I giggled as he danced across the deck. His eyes were greener than I had ever seen them, and he moved like he was dancing with joy. He grinned and headed to the wheel.

"I'll show you. Turn on the motor."

His smile was contagious as I revved the engine, making water spurt behind us in a thin stream. An incredibly happy Robbie took the wheel and began navigating to a point further down the beach. He looked almost gallant in the sunshine, the towel hanging off his shoulders like a cape.

I could see a boat, sails still down as it floated gently on the water. It appeared as though there was a party going onboard, with multiple people walking around on the deck. Robbie seemed to be heading toward them.

"Go stand on the bow," he said, grinning like a kid on Christmas.

"Okay..." I answered, not sure what exactly was going on, but trusting him completely. The boat in front of us was now close enough to read the words printed in big, bold letters down the side: R&S SAUNDERS SAILING ACADEMY.

"R and S Saunders? Who is your new partner?" I asked, shading my face with my hand to try and read the words more easily. I heard Robbie turn off the engine, and I turned around to find him down on one knee, a jewelry box open in his hand.

"Hopefully you are. Samantha Conners, will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?" His eyes were big as he waited for my response.

"Yes." The word escaped without me even having to think about it. I loved him more than anything. My heart was dancing a happy jig in my chest, and I was smiling so broadly it hurt. "

Yes, I will marry you!"

Robbie's face lit up with bliss. He rose in a smooth motion, and our mouths found one another easily. The world was full of so many colors that I could barely see for my joy. He tasted sweeter than honey, the rough stubble of his unshaven cheek against mine making every sense come alive. His lips were warm and inviting, begging me to kiss him for eternity.

"SAY YES, AUNT SAM!" A small voice called out from the other boat. I broke from Robbie's kiss as he laughed, turning to see the other boat come alongside us. Aboard was a very smiley Avery, Grace, Jack, Emma, Rachel, and Dean.

"So that's why you were late," I murmured softly. Robbie nodded.

"She said yes!" Robbie called out, waving at the other boat. A cheer went up from the deck.

I pulled Robbie in for another kiss, eliciting a second cheer from our family.

"So a sailing school, huh?" I asked between kisses.

"I was hoping you'd be my partner for that too." He grinned at me. "The winner of the Champion of Champions Invitational sure would help convince people to come sail with us."

"I still get to race?"

"You now are fully sponsored by R&S Sailing," he answered, kissing the tip of my nose. "You in?"

"With you, I'd do anything. I'm all yours."

He kissed me then, filling my world with freshwater kisses and love.

Epilogue

The big yacht sways gently under my feet. It feels strange to be on a boat without sails, but it was the best way to be out on the water for the wedding. The boat is so large, I would never want to sail it alone. I smile. After today, I'll never have to sail alone again.

I check my makeup in the mirror, making sure my veil is still straight. I barely recognize myself in the mirror, I look so beautiful. Robbie is going to be amazed.