Dylan smiled and reached for Ember's hand, his touch sending a familiar warmth through her skin. "Let's go to our next destination," he murmured, his voice laced with excitement. Without another word, he led her to his car, his grip firm yet gentle.
The drive was quiet, anticipation thick in the air. When they finally arrived at the dock, Ember's breath hitched. Her eyes widened in shock, lips parting slightly as she took in the breathtaking sight before her. The elegant yacht waiting just for them.
Her voice trembled with disbelief as she turned to him. "Wait… is this for us?"
Dylan simply nodded, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
Ember gasped, pressing a hand to her chest as her heart pounded wildly. "Oh my God… This is unreal!" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
He chuckled softly, watching as wonder filled her gaze. Leading her aboard, he felt her hand tighten around his, as if grounding herself in the moment. She let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head in pure awe.
"I can't believe this," she murmured, her eyes still drinking in the dreamlike scene.
Dylan turned to her, his fingers brushing along her cheek before he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against her knuckles. His gaze never left hers.
"Do you like this surprise?" he asked, his voice hushed, filled with a tenderness that made her chest tighten.
Ember swallowed hard, her emotions threatening to spill over. A radiant smile broke across her face as she whispered, "Yes… very, very much."
As the yacht drifted further into the open sea, the gentle sway of the waves added to the dreamlike atmosphere. Dylan guided Ember through the luxurious vessel, showing her around with a quiet confidence. When they reached the master bedroom, Ember's breath caught in her throat.
There, laid out on the bed, was a breathtaking ocean-blue dress. The fabric shimmered under the soft lighting, reminding her of the endless sea surrounding them. Her fingers grazed over it, realization hitting her. This was the dress—the one Dylan had gifted her along with that sweet, heartfelt letter.
Her voice was filled with wonder as she turned to him. "Dylan, this dress… it looks exactly like the one you gave me."
Dylan nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Yes, you're right." He took a step back, arms crossed, admiring the way her eyes lit up with recognition. Her expression was priceless.
After a brief pause, he added, "Why don't you freshen up and change? We'll be arriving at our destination soon."
Ember's excitement bubbled over as she clutched the dress. "Okay!" she chirped, already eager to slip into it.
As Dylan turned to leave the room, she hesitated for a moment before calling after him. "Dylan… aren't you going to change?"
He stopped in his tracks, then turned back with a teasing smirk. "We have plenty of rooms… but if you'd rather share, we can change in here together." His tone was playful, but the intensity in his gaze sent a shiver down her spine.
Ember's breath hitched as he took a step closer. Her heart raced, and she quickly shook her head, flustered. "No! We can't!" She hurried to close the door, but before it could fully shut, Dylan caught it mid-way.
Holding the door open with one hand, he slowly started unbuttoning his shirt with the other. The fabric parted inch by inch, revealing his toned chest. Ember's gaze was helplessly drawn to him, her mind screaming at her to look away—but her body refused to listen.
She swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the dress as heat rushed to her cheeks. The urge to reach out, to trace her fingertips along his bare skin, was almost unbearable. But she forced herself to resist.
Snapping back to reality, she blurted out, "You cannot!" before quickly shutting the door with a thud.
Sliding down against it, she buried her face in her hands, muffling a gasp. "Oh my God… I always forget he's too much… but he is so… sexy."
Her heart pounded wildly against her ribs, and she exhaled sharply, trying to steady herself. How was she supposed to survive this night without losing her mind?
As Ember finished getting ready, a soft knock echoed through the room.
"Ember."
She knew that voice. Dylan.
Her heart skipped a beat as she moved toward the door, anticipation thrumming through her veins. When she opened it, her breath hitched.
Dylan stood before her, exuding effortless sophistication. He wore a crisp white linen shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a teasing glimpse of his tanned skin. The fabric billowed slightly in the evening breeze, perfectly complementing the navy trousers that hugged his lean frame. A silver watch gleamed on his wrist, catching the soft glow of the cabin lights, while polished loafers completed his look—refined yet undeniably alluring.
Ember couldn't look away. He was mesmerizing, almost unreal. The way the white contrasted against his dark hair and sun-kissed skin made him look like a prince straight out of a fairy tale.
On the other side, Dylan found himself equally enchanted. His breath caught as he took in the sight before him—his love, standing there like a vision.
She was stunning.
The royal blue velvet gown draped over her figure with an ethereal grace, the silver straps glistening against her soft skin. The fabric flowed around her like liquid moonlight, hugging her in all the right places. Her makeup was delicate yet captivating—shimmery pink eyeshadow enhancing her expressive eyes, long lashes casting flirty shadows with every blink, her cheeks kissed with a rosy hue, and her lips glossed to perfection.
Her black hair was swept into an elegant updo, with loose curls gently framing her face, making her look even more breathtaking.
Dylan couldn't tear his gaze away.
She looked like a dream.
Effortlessly captivating.
Dylan wished he could stop time, just so he could savor this moment with her. Every second felt too fleeting, too precious.
Just then, his phone vibrated with a message from the captain: "Everything's ready."
Reluctantly, he let go of Ember's hand to check it. But before the warmth of his touch could completely fade, she reached out, intertwining her fingers with his once more. A soft smile played on Dylan's lips as he looked down at her.
Leaning in, his breath fanned against her lips, their closeness sending a shiver through her. But just as their lips were about to meet, he paused. Instead, he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, his touch filled with unspoken promises.
"Let's go." His voice was a gentle whisper against her skin.
As they stepped onto the front deck, the breathtaking sight before them stole Ember's breath away. The sky was ablaze with hues of gold, orange, and deep violet, reflecting like liquid fire upon the endless ocean. A cool breeze wrapped around them, carrying the scent of salt and serenity.
"Beautiful," Ember murmured, mesmerized by the view, her eyes glistening in the warm glow of the sunset.
Dylan, however, wasn't looking at the horizon. His gaze was fixed on her.
"Yeah… really beautiful." His voice was barely above a whisper, filled with something deeper than admiration.
Curious, Ember turned back to him—only to find him down on one knee.
Her breath hitched.
There, in his hand, was a small velvet box, slightly open to reveal the delicate shimmer of a ring. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them suspended in this moment.
Dylan looked up at her, his expression a mixture of vulnerability and certainty. His voice was steady, yet laced with raw emotion.
"Ember… I know we're different in so many ways. We've met in the most unexpected, almost unreal way. And I don't know how much time we have together, but I do know this—if you say yes, I will spend every moment making it unforgettable for you. I love you. Please… be my girlfriend."
Ember stood frozen, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Dylan's confession echoed in her mind, wrapping around her like a dream she never wanted to wake from. She looked at him—like he was her entire world, the very air she breathed.
She tried to speak, but before the words could form, her emotions overwhelmed her. Her eyes gave up before her lips could, and warm tears spilled down her cheeks, cascading like raindrops onto Dylan's waiting hands.
Dylan's gaze softened as he looked up at her. Her face was flushed, her lips trembling, her eyes shimmering with the weight of everything she felt. Without hesitation, he stood up and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. His warmth surrounded her, his heartbeat steady beneath her cheek.
"You don't have to say yes… not if you don't want to," he murmured, his voice gentle as he stroked her back in comfort.
Ember pulled away just enough to look at him, her eyes searching his. Then, with a watery smile, she wiped her tear-streaked face and whispered, "I love you too."
She extended her hand, a silent invitation—a promise.
Dylan didn't waste a second. He hurriedly slipped the ring onto her delicate finger, his hands slightly trembling with excitement. But before Ember could even take a proper look at it, he pulled her close, his intense gaze locking onto hers.
Time stood still.
Their breaths mingled, their hearts beating in sync. As the space between them disappeared, Ember's lashes fluttered closed, surrendering to the moment.
And then—he kissed her.
It was deep, desperate, filled with all the longing he had held back. He kissed her like he had been waiting for this all day, like he had been starving for her, and she was the only thing that could quench his thirst. His lips moved against hers, slow at first, then fervent, as if memorizing every inch of her.
His thumb brushed against her lips, parting them just enough for him to deepen the kiss. He gave her small pauses to breathe, but each time, he came back, claiming her again.
Ember melted into his touch, her entire body going weak from the overwhelming intensity. Sensing her faltering, Dylan tightened his arms around her, supporting her effortlessly so she wouldn't fall.
After what felt like eternity, he finally pulled away, resting his forehead against hers. His breath was uneven, but his voice was steady—filled with raw emotion as he whispered,
"I love you so much. Thank you… thank you for loving me."
Pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead, he held her close, neither of them willing to let go.
They sat together on the front deck, wrapped in each other's arms, as the waves whispered their silent blessings, carrying their love into the endless horizon.