Worth It (Damie)

Part 16

A/N: It's a super busy time of year for me, so my sincere apologies for making you wait. Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow American readers!! Also, to address recent fandom drama: that will NOT be reflected in this story. It will continue as it has been, which I hope will be a much needed breath of fresh air for some of you ;) enjoy, that's what I'm here for! Xo

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Dakota's feet are in my lap as I massage them from our spot on the lanai in Maui. She's been full of surprises since we arrived in Hawaii three days ago, and it's beyond refreshing to see her happy again after our loss. Today's surprise included a private snorkel session.

We'd floated along the surface, above gorgeous coral and colorful fish that tickled our legs as they swam between us. The boat even went out far enough that a few stray dolphins joined our morning adventure. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been a little nervous about wild mammals swimming that close to Dakota, but per usual she turned everything into a beautiful event. She had no fear. One kept coming back to her and every time she'd pass, Dakota would run her hand along her slick body. I'd even opened up to them after seeing how gentle Dakota was with them. The boat captain said he hadn't seen dolphins stick around humans like that outside of an aquarium in a long time, but he didn't know that I knew it was Dakota's aura they were attracted to.

"I can't get over the dolphins," I mutter.

She moans as I find a knot in the middle of her foot. "That was amazing. I'll never forget it."

"Dulcie won't believe me. Wish we could've taken photos."

She eyes me with a smirk. "Today was your favorite?"

I shrug. "Tough call. Every day with you is my favorite, but I also enjoyed parasailing yesterday."

That had to have been a sight to see. I was scared shitless, and Dakota laughed the entire time. Mainly at me, but I didn't care where her happiness came from, as long as it came. I hadn't expected to go up that high above the water, but my fear dissipated once I saw how stunning the ocean and beach was from above. Pure serenity, and to do it with the woman of my dreams was an exceptional memory I'll cherish forever.

"Parasailing was definitely a highlight of our relationship." She giggles, and I know without asking that she's recalling me freaking out as the rope released us higher.

"You get to witness my embarrassing antics for many years to come." I wink, switching feet to rub her other.

"I wasn't embarrassed, I was entertained."

"A grown man afraid of heights and dolphins. Wow, what a catch."

She snorts. "You're the best catch a woman could dream of. Even if you are skittish of the most gentle animals on the planet."

"Zepp is gentle, dolphins are unpredictable."

"Yes, because Discovery Channel airs Dolphin Week every year to warn people of these dangerous creatures. Sharks got nothing on them."

We both share a loud laugh over that.

"Whatever," I say, "we lived."

"We did, baby. And I hope despite me scaring the shit out of you with my surprises that you've still enjoyed them."

I narrow my eyes. "I have. Immensely. You definitely push me outside of my comfort zone, but there's no one else I'd dream of doing these things with. You enhance every memory just by being yourself."

She drops her feet from my lap to lean in. Her hands grip my thighs as I meet her for a sweet kiss. I go to deepen it when a knock on the door startles us both.