*Lucas*

As the deck rolled with the sea's rhythm, Lauren's gaze met mine. The weight of my confession hung in the air between us like the smell of salt.

"You love me?" Her words were barely audible, delicate as a breeze, and it felt like everything around us faded away.

I couldn't help but smile, my eyes crinkling with joy.

"Isn't it obvious?" I asked.

In that moonlit moment, she chuckled through her tears.

"I've never experienced anything like ...