“But when it comes tothis…”
“Tell me what you need.”
I reach out and place my hand on his knee.“You told me that wanting to marry me did not come from out of nowhere.That’s what I need—to believe that’s true.Because in the back of my mind, I’ll always suspect that the only reason you wanted me was because you took my Big V.”
“Understood.I can see that.”
“You’re being way too agreeable.It’s terrifying.”
Declan lowers his gaze for a moment, and when he looks up again, he’s deep in thought.“It is the truth, Summer.The idea did not come from out of nowhere.There was context.I told you that I’ve always loved you.Always wanted you.”
“You did.”
“And that I’ve been exceptionally clueless.”
“I have, too.But I won’t be able to handle being just another one of your conquests.It would destroy me.”
He starts to unbuckle his belt and unzip his jeans.
“Declan, come on.I’m being serious.”
“So am I.”He shoves down his pants enough to expose his entire tattoo.He points.
I shake my head.“‘Conquer or Die’?That’s why you suddenly wanted to marry me?Because you conquered me?So itisall about the Big V!This isn’t doing anything to reassure me, just so you know.It’s doing the opposite.”
He points again.“The selkie.”
“The junk juggler?”
He closes his eyes and tries not to laugh.Then he points again.But I’m still not understanding.
“I got this tattoo fairly soon after the rescue, so about six years ago now.That event scared the shit out of me, not gonna lie.I came real close to dying.Everyone in my squad did.And so I wanted a tattoo that tells my whole story—the past, the present, and the future I hope for.”
As I study the truly spectacular design, my whole body begins to buzz with awareness.I suddenly see something oddly familiar.And I can’t believe it.But it’s right there.When I look up, I’m greeted by Declan’s sly smile.
I raise a hand to my mouth in shock.
“So, I went to a studio in Yokohama just to work with this highly recommended artist.I sent him images in advance and asked if he could find a way to morph all the elements into a single, cohesive image.But when I got there, he said he needed to know more about the selkie, because she seemed to be what was holding it all together.”
He laughs at himself.
“And I just sat there, running my mouth, going on about who she is, what she means to me, and what she looks like.Long, thick brunette hair that trails behind her in the wind.Gorgeous face.Knowing gray-blue eyes.A graceful, strong body with long, long legs.”
Declan pauses.He reaches for the fingers I’ve still got clamped over my mouth and gently pulls them away.He cradles my hand in both his.
“I didn’t see it.ForyearsI didn’t make the connection.I amthatbig of a dumbass.”
I nod in agreement.He really is a dumbass.And so am I.
“She’s you, Summer.My past, my present, and the future I hope for.It’s all you.”
CHAPTER 35
Declan
Maybe this is what happens when all the pieces fall together—love, sex, and friendship.I don’t think many men ever experience this.I think it’s rare.I think maybe the MacLaines are exceptionally lucky.Blessed, even.
I know I am.My three older brothers are.And in each case, it unfolded in a way so full of twists and turns that no one could have seen it coming.
