All Hands on Deck

The lake was calm, but a slight wind pushed the water against the wooden dock making a happy, slapping sound. The sun was bright, not a cloud for miles to interrupt the warmth and glow it provided. The air was warm and quiet. Summer in Cole Harbour was in full swing and Sidney was a steady force behind Tessa.

She sat between his bent legs, leaning back against his chest, his arms wrapped around her, holding her close. Her eyes were closed and she soaked up everything through her skin.

Sidney hummed happily and then gasped softly. “You see that? There’s an eagle in the tree over there.”

“My eyes are closed, I see nothing.”

He pinched her forearm. “Open them, it’s amazing.”

“I’m perfectly happy like this, thank you. Maybe if someone would let me get some sleep every once and awhile I would have the energy to do some bird watching.”

He bent to kiss her neck. “I got just as little sleep as you, sassy.”

“Yeah, but you’re a professional hockey player. Your stamina is a lot better than mine.”

“You’re right, darling, of course. I’ll take it easy on you today.”

She sounded appalled at the thought. “Please don’t. I’m not complaining.”

He chuckled against her skin and she felt one of his arms fall away from her. “Eyes still closed?”

“Yes…”

“Open them for me. It’s better than a bird, I promise.”

When she did as he asked, she saw him holding a ring out in front of her. It was large like a cocktail ring, a bright orange stone in a silver setting with a wide band. Her words snagged in her throat. “What…Sidney…What is that?”

“It’s Baltic Amber. I figured you don’t like diamonds -”

“I don’t, I hate diamonds. So boring.”

He rewarded her with another kiss on her neck. “The lady said Amber is both calming and energizing, which is how you affect me, so that seemed fitting. It supposedly brings you energies of patience, protection, psychic shielding, romantic love, sensuality, purification, balance, and healing. I thought -”

The idiot was just going to keep going on and Tessa couldn’t take it anymore. “Cut to the chase, Sid. Did you buy me a ring because you thought I’d like it or are you asking me to fucking marry you?”

He laughed and it shook both their bodies. “Both. I bought you this ring because I thought you might like, but I’m also hoping you’ll wear it here.” He slipped it on the ring finger of her left hand and she held it up for them both to see.

“Perfect fit.”

“I might have measured your finger while you slept.”

“Wow, cause that’s not creepy.”

“Be serious for two seconds. You haven’t taken it off, I assume you’re saying yes?”

Tessa pushed off his thighs and turned around. She went chest to chest with him as he laid down on his back and he propped up her chin with her hands resting against his pecs. His hands settled on her hips. “You know…Ryan will never come to the wedding.”

“Yes she will. I’m working on wearing her down.”

“Season tickets to the Flyers for life was a nice move, by the way.”

“I would have thought paying off her mortgage would have softened her the most.”

“Nah, nothing’s more important to Ryan than the Flyers. Speaking of…you know we’ll have to invite the Flyers to the wedding. And all the Penguins.”

“Of course. I promise not to punch Raffl or bring up the Cup.”

“Right, as if you have grounds to talk trash. Not like it ended up in Pittsburgh this year.”

“Not like it ended up in Philly either.”

“Fair enough.” Tessa continued to lay on top of him, but pulled her hand free to look at the ring. Sidney grabbed her hand and kissed it.

“You like it. I did good.”

“I love it, Sid. And I love you. Let’s do it. Let’s get married.”

He rolled them, pinning her underneath him, her back on the warm wood of the dock. “You make me so fucking happy. Let’s do it soon. Are you free tomorrow?”

“Sidney!”

“Next week?”

“Try again.”

“August, after my birthday, before we have to go back to Pennsylvania. I don’t want to wait.”

“Obviously. I don’t want to wait either. We can do August. You want to do it here?”

“Yes, here. Here is where I’m the happiest.”

“I thought that I made you happiest?”

“That’s true, wherever you are is where I’m the happiest. You’re my home, Tess. And now you always will be.”

“Mmm, good, because I’m gonna need all hands on deck to plan a wedding in less than two months, which means you have to help.”

He reached down to palm her ass. “What if my hands are busy?”

Tessa shifted up, letting him work his hands further underneath her body and smiled. “I’d qualify this as helping.”

“And that’s why you’re going to be the perfect wife.” He came down to kiss her, spreading his body on top of hers beautifully.

She mumbled against his mouth, “Let’s go inside, Sid.”

His grin was trouble. “No. I like you right here.” He sat up, pulling off his clothes and starting on hers. “Right here, in the sun.”

“The way God intended?”

“You know it. Nothing to hide. I love you in the light, Tess.”

Still only half naked, Tessa pulled his mouth back toward hers for another kiss. “I love you, Sid. In the light, in the darkness, no matter what happens, I only know that I’ll love you.”

His lips just barely brushed hers and he asked quietly, “Promise?”

She smiled, pulled his body against hers. “Promise.”

~ End ~

Notes

YOU GUYS! I love them so much, but it just felt right to end things here. I might write a whole other part two, but for this journey, it seems like this is where they needed to end up, happy and together. I want to thank all of you for reading this and enjoying it. I never intended for it to go on so long, but I’m glad it’s been pleasurable for you guys. If I decide to continue them, I will post it here so you all know. <3