When Dreams Come True

He discovered the going was a bit slow once his boots filled with water. He yanked off one, then another, tossing each on the beach beyond his jacket.

“Now what are you doing?” she asked. The water was up to her shoulders, her hair floating around her. She looked like a desirable mermaid and Pierce knew he couldn’t let her reject him.

“I’m not going home without you.” He didn’t wait for her response but drew a deep breath and plunged into the water after her.

He heard Eden give a whoop of surprise, but he didn’t give her time to flee. Swimming toward her thrashing legs, he pulled her under and then brought her up in his arms.

Eden was sputtering angrily. “You know I can’t swim! Why did you do that?”

He grinned, unrepentant. “Do what? This?” he asked and pretended to drop her.

Eden gave a small desperate scream and threw her arms around his neck.

“Now this is exactly where I want you,” Pierce said, tightening his hold.

She glared at him, but her ire no longer provoked him. Instead he tightened his hold and turned serious. “I love you, Eden Kirrier. I was wrong to have left you in anger. I’ll never do it again.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Pierce.”

He leaned his head against hers. “Oh, darling, I don’t want you to cry and I don’t want you to be sorry. I was wrong. I saw where you grew up, and I don’t blame you for using any means possible to escape. I’m just thankful fate brought you into my arms. Give our children a measure of that resiliency that kept you alive against almost impossible odds and I shall be happy.”

She did cry then, and the only way he could think to stop the flow

His wife. His love. His life.

“You’re perfect,” he whispered.