Standing on the sand staring out at the water at Hilton Head, Lindsay pulled the wrap snug around her shoulders as the cool late-afternoon air blew across the beach.

Good luck, blessings, call it what you like, but she was neck-deep in happiness because her life was on track. Her book didn’t make any bestsellers lists, but Bear Publishing was pleased with the sales and reviews. They were already talking about a second printing and suggested she could very well become a USA Today bestseller or New York Times bestseller based on the anticipation for book two, The Sexy Diva Talks Sex.

She’d also bared her soul to her listeners, telling them about her father’s wrongdoings and his subsequent suicide, all without bringing up the connection to Malik. She used it as a way to talk about trust in a relationship and how sharing her past with him made their relationship stronger. It was cathartic, and the world didn’t end. In fact, that podcast episode hit a nerve. She received a number of messages from listeners sharing their own stories about divulging secrets, as well as listeners who said they would take the leap and have a heart-to-heart with their loved ones.

Even more incredible, she was currently in negotiations to do a two-hour call-in radio show once a week.

Malik’s strong arms wrapped around her from behind, and he nuzzled her neck. “We gotta go, babe. We have more than a four-hour drive to get home,” he said quietly.

“A few more minutes.”

She didn’t want to leave. This was where he’d asked her to marry him yesterday, on the beach, with the sun setting in the distance—just like she’d described in her fantasy engagement on the radio show months ago. He’d gotten down on one knee, expressed his love for her, and replaced the pawn shop ring with a diamond solitaire.

Lindsay faced Malik. “One selfie before we go.”

“One, and then we hit the road,” he said in a stern voice.

“Yes, sir.” She gave him a mock salute, and he shook his head.

Lindsay turned toward the water again, and Malik slipped an arm around her neck, dipping his head lower to fit into the camera’s frame.

“Where is this going?” he asked.

“Instagram, of course.”

“Of course,” Malik said dryly.

“Smile,” Lindsay said.

“I’m not smiling.”

“Please. Aren’t you happy?”

He looked at her. “You know I’m happy,” he said in that deep rumble that never failed to set off a host of butterflies inside her. He kissed her ear and then nibbled on her earlobe.

Lindsay giggled. “Quit,” she said, although she snapped a few pictures while they were in playful mode.

“All right, I’ll behave so we can get out of here.”

Once again, they both faced the camera. Lindsay posed with a sexy pout, and Malik did a minimal smile with no teeth, but his sleepy brown eyes reflected the same light and happiness evident in her hazel ones.

She snapped the photo. It was perfect.

“Come on, let’s go,” Malik said.

An arm still around her neck, he pulled her close to his side, and they trudged up the sand toward the rented villa together. Lindsay leaned into him, ready to embark on the next phase of her life with the man she loved.

Love is the greatest gift of all. When someone gives you their unconditional love, protect it and nurture it. And trust me, learn from your mistakes. Until next time, girlfriends. This is Lindsay the Sexy Diva, reminding you that a healthy relationship begins with you. Be the best you can be, in and out of the bedroom. Good night.