The Boy I Thought I Hated

Chapter 19

Caroline held tightly onto Luke as they walked around the beach, getting a feel for their wedding destination. They were only a week away from the wedding and they were antsy to get married. If they could have it their way, they'd get married now.

Caroline let go of Luke and walked over to the shore. Luke cringed when he saw how close she got to it. The waves were pretty high, he didn't want her to get hurt. A big wave went and swept Caroline of her feet, causing Luke to panic and rush in after her.

"Caroline!?" Luke called out as he dived under the water. He started to really panic when he couldn't find. He swam up for air, only to see Caroline laughing. she splashed Luke. "Caroline, you scared the crap out of me."

"Luke, I can swim. I saw it coming, I'm fine," Caroline told him as Luke pulled her in his arms. "Besides, I didn't come down to the beach not to swim!"

Luke chuckled after he got over his panic attack. "Caroline, you're something else."

"But you still love me," Caroline giggled as she pecked Luke softly on the lips.

"No, I'm just going to marry you for no reason in a week," Luke laughed.

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut it!"

Luke splashed Caroline before letting go of her and plunging himself into the water. He swam towards the shore and climbed out, Caroline still looking for him. Luke was laughing until he heard Caroline scream. He ran back over to the water, but she was no where to be found. Panic flashed across his face as he tried to find her. He splashed into the water and dived. Caroline had her ankle tangled in some kelp. Luke quickly pulled the plant up from the earth and grabbed Caroline.

Once on shore, Luke laid he down and waited for Caroline to open her eyes. As she did, she squinted, the sun shining in her eyes. She sat up and then looked around. Luke made her jump as she touched him. "Baby, you're fine now. Just relax."

"I want to go back to the room," Caroline whispered.

Luke nodded. "Of course, but I need to explain myself first."

"Okay?" Caroline tilted her head in confusion.

Luke looked down, as if he were guilty. Caroline was really confused. "This is all my fault, babe. You were playing around, but then I thought it'd be funny to play a prank on you, so I splashed you and went underwater, swimming to the shore. Then you panic and went under, looking for me. You got tangled in the kelp because of me. I'm so sorry."

Caroline shook her head. "No, baby. That's far from the truth. I knew where you went, I saw you on shore. I dived because I wanted to see what under the water looked like. It's no one's fault but myself. I just wanted to explore, you know I like doing that. I was scared I was gonna drown and leave you, but I didn't. You saved my life, Luke. You don't know how much that means to me. I love you so much."

Luke smiled. "I love you too, Caroline. Now lets run you a hot bath. I want to make sure you don't get pneumonia."

Caroline didn't get a chance to reply before Luke lifted her up and carried her up to their vacation house. He laid her on the bed and went to run the bath. Caroline didn't realize how perfect her fiance was now. And the fact that she was marrying this man in a week was overwhelming. She was going to have the perfect husband. Sure, he's got flaws. Everyone does. But she loved his flaws. She loved how he couldn't much. She loved how inappropriate he could be at times. She loved everything about him. She was in love with this man. She was beyond more than ready to marry him.

Luke came out and frowned. "You're still in your bikini?"

Caroline chuckled. "You were expecting me to stand here naked, weren't you?"

"I was getting my hopes a bit," Luke smirked.

Caroline rolled her eyes. "In your dreams, Luke."

"I'm not marrying you for those comments, by the way," Luke said as he made his way to the bedroom door.

"Then what are you marrying me for?" Caroline questioned him. Luke turned to her, his eyes became a shade darker, and a smirk appeared on his face. Caroline backed away. "Luke, you're not getting any right now."

"Oh, I know, but it doesn't hurt to tease my future wife. You knew this was going to happen eventually."

Caroline shook her head. "Maybe later, Luke. I am really cold, I feel sick. I don't think now's the best time. It'll happen, but not today."

Luke suddenly came out of his trance. "I'm sorry, baby. I don't know what came over me."

"We all have those moments, Luke. Don't worry about it," Caroline giggled, touching his shoulder slightly, as she walked by to the washroom. She stripped bare and slid into the hot bath. She was marrying Luke and was on this romantic trip right before her wedding. She also wanted to spend as much time as she could with her future husband before she couldn't see him for a full twenty-four hours. "Hey, Luke!?"

Luke came running into the washroom, a worried look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"I want you to join me," Caroline smiled.

Luke's worried glance turned into a loving one. "Of course, baby."

Luke stripped down to nothing and climbed into the tub behind Caroline. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and laid his chin on her shoulder. Everything about this moment was perfect. Luke kissed Caroline's shoulder gently. He was more than ready to marry her.

"You know, Luke, I like this," Caroline sighed.

"Like what?" Luke question her.

"Us. Our relationship. You and I. I want us to be this. I want to marry you and start a family with you. I love you, so much," Caroline smiled as she looked at Luke.

Luke gently kissed her lips. "I like us too. I've been waiting since I was in high school to marry you. You were a girl who wanted nothing to do with me and I was a boy who was crushing on you, badly. I wanted to marry you, but never did I think it would actually happen. I can't wait for December eighth, baby. I will finally get to see you walk down that aisle. I'll finally get to say my vows. I'll finally get to say 'I do'. I'll finally get to slip the ring on your finger. I'll finally got to marry you."

Caroline smiled up at him. "You're too sweet, Luke. I love you so much. Words can't describe how in love I am with you. When I marry you, I expect a long and happy life with you. I can't wait to have my fairy tale ending with you."

"I love you too, Caroline. Those words you just told me, never meant so much."

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A/N: Happy New Year! Even though, it's like an hour from midnight where I am. I hope 2016 will be just as good as 2015 was. I'll be graduating this year in June, I'm scared. I can't wait to see what Luke brings us this year. All of Team Luke is crossing their fingers for a new baby Bryan this year. We all have a good feeling about it. I'm excited for this year, to be honest. One my chapter left to go. The wedding chapter! It's a bitter-sweet moment. Let me know what y'all think of this chapter. Luke and Caroline's 2016 New Year's kiss is above. And since it ain't midnight yet, Happy birthday, Caroline. (Dec, 31st is her b-day) Hope y'all had a great year! ~Kelsea