Veronica had turned off every possible device over the last few days. She had been so thrilled to see the gift. She was absolutely ecstatic. But, even with that freedom, she felt the weight of realization sink in.

Adrian was getting married.

They were going to make an announcement at the end of the week. And several days had passed since then—so she was sure that all was said and done.

She looked out onto the horizon of the ocean, breathing in the deep ocean air. She admired her view—she stood on top of a yacht—one that mirrored the world class yacht she was on only a few weeks ago.

She looked around, surveying her new job.

She had signed the paperwork yesterday, now she was head of staff on the Maria—a small but private yacht company. She was thrilled to be on the sea again. This time she had brought her mom—who had shyly agreed to joining her daughter's adventures out on sea for a while.

She smiled brightly—she had decided not to return to her old yacht.

And, she had decided not to get married.

A strong smug showed on her face, recalling her conversation with Brian.

She never wanted to see him again, not at all so she did him the favor of calling his cell.

"I'm only calling because I'm letting you know that we're not getting married—" she greeted him.

"What the hell is this drama about?" his voice rose in anger.

But, she didn't care.

"Oh and your dick is too small, by the way." She closed the call and screamed with delight into the air.

It felt so good to be free of him, to be free of everyone.

She smiled while she looked out into the horizon, her life was so much better now. She could enjoy the open waters now without fear and without an anchor.

But, still—an anchor weighed in her heart. She looked to her phone again—it was off now, she kept it off since she called Brian. She didn't want to see anything about Adrian—his life was less complicated without her. She needed to be OK with that.

Her mom arrived, with a light suitcase in her arms. Veronica helped her mom into the boat—carrying the suitcase down a couple of steps. The yacht was much smaller than the other—but, it was cozier too. It felt friendlier.

She helped her mom into her room.

Her mom looked out into the ocean, from her window, admiring the view, "This sure is beautiful, princess."

Veronica was glad she liked it, she had hoped her mom would see that her life wasn't that scary anymore—now, that there weren't mob bosses after and all. Veronica almost couldn't believe the events of the past couple of weeks.

She sat down next her mother, looking out into the ocean—the other side pointed to the dock. Veronica was still getting used to the ship—she had come in early with her mom to get used to everything. So far she knew where the kitchen and dining room was set, and she kind of understood the layout the rooms—unlike the yacht before, a chime rings through the boat when someone needs something on deck. It was so small compared to her other boat—where there were layers of halls and she had to be reached constantly by cell phone. This was a quieter job, no sex parties and hot princes would come here.

She had drifted into her memory, when her mother placed a hand on hers, waking her up.

"You haven't told me yet" her eyes questioning.

Veronica looked to her in surprise, she had told her mom that she didn't love Brian—that's why she called it off.

Her mother shook her head, "Princess—I'm your mom—I know when something is wrong," Veronica looked away, "And when that something happens to be love."

Veronica's head snapped back to her mom, her mouth falling open.

"What—what, but I told you I didn't love Brian," Veronica had a feeling that is not what her mom meant.

Her mom laughed, "Honey—I raised you, I know when you're heart is broken, and I know when you look out onto the ocean, you're searching for someone on the other side—a specific someone."

Veronica felt her walls crumble. How did she know?

I am that obvious.

Veronica bowed her head, feeling the weight of it finally crush her. She could be open about it now, she could feel the real pieces of her heart spill out from her chest, ripping open.

She felt the tears roll down her face, as she placed her heavy head onto her mom's shoulder. Her mother patted her gently.

"It will be OK Veronica—Princesses like you get their happily ever after."

Veronica looked to her mom, "But it's too late—"

Her mother shook her head, "It's never too late."

Just then, Veronica heard the chime throughout the boat—letting her know that someone was on deck.

"It's too early for someone to be here," Veronica said looking to her mom.

Her mom simply smiled, waving her off, "Go ahead and check."

Veronica wiped off her tears, bringing herself together. She checked her face in the hallway, pushing away any other lines of makeup. She fixed her clothes—a casual beach outfit and headed up. She headed up the stairs and onto the deck. She looked around the corner, around the small bridge, seeing no one.

"Hard to get good service around here?" a familiar voice said behind her.

She froze. His voice was unmistakable.

She turned to face him, Adrian.

He was standing right in front her, under the canopy on this small ship, smiling.

Veronica stared at him, he looked amazing. His biceps shone slick with sweat through his white t-shirt and he wore shorts. She couldn't believe he was here.

"What are you doing here?"

He stepped closer, his gaze entirely on her as he approached her. He took her breath away. He stepped up close, his face only inches from hers.

"I needed a boat," he said, looking around, "this one looks like it will do the job."

She eyed him, wondering if her heart was about to jump out of her chest, "Don't tell me it's for your honeymoon?"

He shook his head, "Of course not—why would an eligible bachelor like me be on a honeymoon—alone?"

He emphasized as he smiled down at her.

"Alone?" she echoed.

He nodded, "So I figured since you were here—and I needed a ship and a few other things, this seemed like the right place."

She felt his body so close to hers, she wanted to reach out and touch him. He was alone—he wasn't getting married?

Her body quivered with the idea—that he was here for her—he wasn't getting married. She leaned forward into him, until their bodies touched. As soon as they did, a wide smile spread across his face and their bodies burned together.

She shook her head, "But this boat is already booked..."

He nodded, "Oh I know—I bought the entire company—" he smiled.

She felt her knees melt, "Why would you do that?"

He wrapped an arm around her waist, it sent chills through her. Chills that pleasured her.

"Because I need it for my real honeymoon, Veronica," his voice got low—as he pulled her closer to him. His green eyes lit up as he pressed her against him. Her mind swirled but her entire world was focused on those beautiful eyes. He brought his hand up, showing her something in his palm.

She looked down to it, he was holding a small wooden box. It was a beautiful box, carved intricately and sparkling.

"What do you say, Veronica—" he whispered low. She reached for it, and opened it slowly, exposing the shining ring inside. She gasped.

Her heart leapt from her chest—singing throughout her.

"Want to be my princess?" Adrian asked.

Veronica looked to him, she could never part from those green eyes, ever.

She smiled, and grabbed his collar into her hands, bringing him to her lips.