Sink With Me

He places the dainty ring on my finger because whether I say yes or no, I’ll always be his. My heart races the longer the only sound carrying in the space is the soft patter of rain and the waves crashing in the distance. My lips part but I can’t force anything out, it feels as if i’m stuck in a dream. The one I’ve pushed back for so long because I didn’t expect to achieve it. His throat bobs with a swallow, flicking his eyes over my face surely looking for an answer. There’s a hard knock at the door that causes me to jump with a gasp pulling me from my thoughts.

“I’ll sta–”

He doesn’t give me time to finish the sentence. Standing he cups my cheeks, crashing his mouth into mine.

“Goddamn doesn’t anyone know how to answer a door.”

“Be nice.”

I laugh against his mouth hearing Jasmine and Sam bicker. I never thought I’d admit it but I love them. They say you don’t choose your family, but I did. Just like how Tide is with me…I refuse to let them go.

“How do you think I feel, I’ve been gone for–”

I squeal, pushing at Caspians chest. In turn he pulls my lips between his teeth nipping at the flesh hard enough the taste of copper coats my tongue before pulling away.

“You’re sick.” I gasp lightheartedly.

“You’re twist–”

Without letting him finish his statement, I rush through the living area nearly crashing into Moe, wrapping my arms around his broad shoulders. The light gleams off my finger catching my attention enough I can hardly register the way Moe picks me up and twirls up.

“Bout’ time.” Moe and Caspians laughter echo the perfect interior, making my heart warm even more. Once I’m sat down I don’t get a chance to calm the spinning in my head before Jasmine is yanking my hand towards her with a bright smile, her hair falling over her face as she examines the rock.

“Thank God, I was terrified he was going to choose something horrendous.” She mumbles and I gently pry my hand away. Sam wraps his arms around her waist pulling her back against him casually, sensing my need for space. I smile wider. I used to wonder if my parents would be proud of me, I would panic over every wrong move, but I can’t help but think they’d love this outcome more than the alternative. They’d be happy that I found a home within the chaos that’s our life.

“Come on little siren, Moe wants to talk business.” Caspians hand intertwines with mine drawing my focus. I may hold his ocean in my eyes, but he holds my land in his. Together we hold the world.

Chelsea and Noelle, I don’t even know where to begin with you two… thank you for always sticking by my random hobbies. Y’all were the friends I never knew I needed but I’m glad I found. Remember that you are strong independent women and we will always have a great day. You genuinely are beautiful souls, and I hope I can keep y’all forever.

My asteroid, you were by my side from the moment this even became an idea, cheering me on and hyping me up. I wouldn’t have made it far without your beautiful brain spinning ideas back and forth… your editing skills are a major plus. I’m grateful you kept ‘swimming towards the stairs’ even through my repetitiveness. Thank you for letting me know when something sucks ass instead of letting me fail, and for being anything I need you to be in the moment. I’ll forever cherish how you crashed into my life, creating a friendship out of this world.

Ivy, I wouldn’t have even made it this far if it wasn’t for you. I went in so blind but thankfully you shined a flashlight when I needed it. Thank you for leading the way and for all the long discord talks about anything and everything. Most of all thank you for sharing a brain with me.

To my best friend/sister, we will see how long it takes before I tell you I finally finished this but when I do I hope you know how grateful I am that life brought you to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

To my sons, and baby sister. You guys will never read this, for self-explanatory reasons, but you all are my motivation to keep pushing and prove that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. If I can reach my dreams, so can you.

To my husband, you’ve supported me through every decision I’ve ever made without hesitation, because of you I was able to believe in myself and push even when I felt like giving up. I love you more than the moon and stars big head.

To my street team… you all are such beautiful souls. I’m so happy you decided to come on this journey with me. You’re the best bunch of soldiers an author could have.