“What papers?” Debra was puzzled.

Marion, with a flourish, produced a document adorned with stamps and signatures. “It’s a voluntary gift. No strings attached.”

“You…”

“It’s all official. These are yours now.”

He knelt before her, took her hand, and slipped a ring onto her finger. The sapphire gleamed in the candlelight, casting a soft glow on her fair skin. He pressed a tender kiss onto the gem, his eyes never leaving hers.

“This ring is called ‘Loyalty’,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I pledge my unwavering loyalty to you. I’ll stand by your side for life.”

The candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows and bathing them in a warm, intimate glow. Debra’s cheeks flushed, the heat from Marion’s touch sending electric jolts through her. The ship swayed gently, the only sound the rhythmic lapping of waves against the hull.

After a long pause, she finally found her voice. “Did you forget something?”

Marion was confused.

Debra hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’re pursuing me so intensely. Don’t you have something to ask?”

She had lived another life, but romance was uncharted territory. Her feelings for Juan had been one-sided, and she had never experienced the dance of courtship. Marion’s confession had caught her off guard. She yearned for someone who would devote himself entirely to her. Juan was willing to gamble everything for her, but Marion had laid everything at her feet.

She had no reason to refuse, no room to deny the feelings that surged within her. Marion’s face lit up, his deep voice resonating through the cabin.

“Debra, will you be my wife?”

They were so close she could feel his breath on her skin. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his lips. Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks aflame.

“This is my answer.”

That single kiss ignited a fire within Marion. He cupped her neck; her lips, a tantalizing shade of red, beckoned him. He leaned in, capturing her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss.

Debra felt herself melting, her body pressing against his as if drawn by an invisible force. Marion held her tightly, as if trying to meld her into his very being. The kiss seemed to last an eternity, breaking only when Debra was breathless. He tenderly stroked her hair, cupping her face, and croaked, “Wait for me. Wait for the day I bring you home.”

Debra blushed, nodding gently. Marion traced the line of her jaw, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

Suddenly, Debra’s phone shattered the moment. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw Erica’s name flash across the screen. Realizing how worried her friend must be, she quickly answered.

Erica’s voice tumbled out.

“Debra, where are you? Randy and I are coming to pick you up.”

“What’s going on?”

“It’s your birthday, silly. Marion arranged a special dinner to celebrate.”