night or strolled along the beach, peering up at all the stars in the sky.
It was a small taste of heaven, though I knew it couldn’t even compare with the real thing. I didn’t ever want to put my hope in material possessions, but I was still thankful for the opportunity to stay here.
Easton walked up beside me and placed an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. The others had opted to go outside to take a swim in the pool, but Easton and I hung back, taking a few moments to enjoy the quiet. “What are you thinking about?” he asked.
I grinned, and the smile stretched across my face until it couldn’t go any further. This was a season of happiness. Of so much joy, and I wanted to savor every second. “I’m thinking that I’m thankful. That I feel like I might burst because I’m so incredibly blessed.”
He chuckled softly, appearing pleased with that answer. “Good. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.” He leaned down and pressed his cheek to mine, putting both arms around me and holding me close for several long moments. “I’m thankful too. I have all I need right here, and I’m not speaking about the house or the beach.” He kissed me gently on the lips.
My heart melted at his words, and I looked up at him. “I feel the same way. It’s nice enjoying all of this, but none of it would mean anything without you.”
“It’s been almost a month. You’re not sick of it yet?”
I laughed. “Are you kidding me? I couldn’t ever get sick of being with you. It’ll be sad when our vacation ends, and we aren’t able to spend as much time with each other.” I pressed my lips together, trying to think of the right words to explain how I felt. “God gave me a second chance at life, and I don’t ever want to take any of this for granted. I don’t want to take you for granted. You pulled me through some rough times, Easton, and you were there for me. That means everything.”
He stared at me for a long moment, his blue eyes piercing me to the spot. “It was worth it, Maya. You were worth it.” He took a black velvet box out of his pocket and fell to one knee, opening the box. Inside was a sparkling diamond ring that nearly took my breath away.
My hands flew to my mouth. “Easton!” I’d known this was coming, but I hadn’t had a clue as to when it would happen.
“Maya Anderson, I fell for you in high school, but it wasn’t until Charlotte set us up on that crazy blind date, that I knew you were the one.”
I placed a hand on my heart, surprised by that statement. “Really? You knew I was the one on that horrible date?”
He laughed. “Yep. It’s why I called you. There was no question you would refuse a second date, but you needed a job.”
My mouth dropped open, and I threw my head back and laughed so hard, my side hurt. “I can’t believe you’re just now telling me this. If I’d known, it would have saved me a whole lot of angst along the way.”
He looked up at me sheepishly, a lopsided grin on his face. “Do you forgive me? I was trying to play it cool until I was sure you returned my feelings.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. The Lord wanted to give us a rollercoaster ride, and all the ups and downs are what made getting to know you so exciting.”
“I’m glad you see it that way because I love you more than I’ve loved anyone in my entire life, and I can’t imagine you not being at my side. You said a moment ago that you’ll be sad when we leave this place because we won’t see each other as much. Well, I’m hoping we can fix that soon. I want to marry you, Maya. I want us to be together always. What do you say? Will you be my wife?”
There was so much hope and love in his expression that tears sprung to my eyes. “Yes! My answer is yes! I can’t wait to be your wife.”
He jumped up and placed the ring on my finger and then he kissed me like I’d never been kissed before. It was as if all the tension of the last few months culminated in this one moment, and he made sure I knew exactly how