Unable to control the shaking long enough to answer, Ali simply nodded against his chest.
“It’s all right, Ali. I’m here. It’s all over.” He stroked her hair, rubbed her back and seemed to be reassuring himself she was really all right. Maybe he needed the comfort of caring for her as much as she needed to be cared for.
She clung to him as the trembling subsided. Mark. The love of her life. He’d been there for her when it mattered most, like he always had. Whatever bad had happened between them was over now.
When the sobs lessened, Mark moved her gently back from him. He pushed his fingers through both sides of her hair, cradling her face between his hands. “Ali. I’m so sorry, for everything.”
His gaze held hers, searching for something…acceptance maybe?
She looked down. “It’s okay.”
He lifted her chin with his finger, bringing her eyes back up to his. “No, it’s not.” His eyes locked onto hers. “It’s not all right. I’m sorry. I have no excuse for hurting you. I was a fool to ever risk losing you. You’re everything, my whole life. Please forgive me.”
He seemed to hold his breath as he waited for Ali to acknowledge her forgiveness. He didn’t push her, simply waited for her to make a decision. She searched his eyes. Eyes that glistened with unshed tears that had pooled there.
“Of course, I forgive you. I’m sorry too, Mark. I should have handled things better. I love you with all of my heart. I always have.”
His smile warmed her heart. One tear escaped to track down her cheek, and she reached up to catch it as he lifted her into his arms. He cradled her against his chest and carried her out the door, and everything that had been careening out of control suddenly seemed right again.
* * *
They stood together on the balcony of his room as the ship moved toward the dock. The ocean breeze pressed the thin fabric of the nightgown to her body, left it hugging her every curve.
“I love you, Ali.” He pulled her closer, turning her to face him. Looking deep into her eyes, he told her again. “I love you with all of my heart, and I don’t ever want to be without you. Will you stay married to me?” he added.
Love shone in his eyes. Tears fell unchecked down her cheeks. He leaned in and kissed them, and she knew they’d always been destined for each other. “I love you, too, Mark. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He pulled her closer, ever so gently lowering his lips to hers, and love swelled through her.