Chapter 8 - The Proposal on the Water
For Aria’s first birthday, Luca arranged a private sunset cruise aboard his luxury yacht off the coast of Montauk.
The sky was painted in brilliant shades of pink, orange, and gold as the calm ocean waves lapped against the hull.
Aria sat on a soft velvet blanket on the upper deck, clapping her little hands as a gentle sea breeze blew through her hair. I sat beside her wearing an elegant white lace dress, sipping champagne and soaking in the sheer magic of the moment.
Luca stepped out onto the deck wearing a crisp linen shirt and dark trousers. He walked over, picked Aria up in his arms, and tossed her gently into the air, making her erupt into pure, musical laughter.
"She’s getting so fast," Luca laughed, setting her safely in her portable playpen before turning toward me.
He walked over, taking both of my hands, and led me to the edge of the wooden railing overlooking the golden horizon.
"Emma," Luca said, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket.
He dropped down onto one knee right there on the polished deck.
My hands flew to my mouth as tears of pure happiness filled my eyes.
"One year ago, you stood on a cold hospital floor believing you were alone in the world," Luca spoke, his voice rich with emotion. "I promised that day that no one would ever hurt you or Aria again. Today, I want to promise you the rest of my life."
He opened the box, revealing a breathtaking pear-cut diamond ring that shimmered like the ocean sunset.
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"Will you make me the happiest man alive?" Luca asked softly. "Will you marry me, Emma?"
"Yes!" I sobbed joyfully, throwing my arms around his neck as he lifted me into the air and kissed me deeply under the golden sky.
