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His grades were a mix of As and Bs, and Rachel cried when she got his final report card. He’d tried to explain that a B was technically not a bad grade, and I had to explain to her brother they were happy tears, which he didn’t understand.
Dylan’s wedding is coming soon, and we decided to steal away for a little nature walk-slash-forest bath before the boys pull into town.
I’m looking forward to dishing back to Garrett all the hell he gave me, especially since Liv is back in town to be one of Dylan’s bridesmaids.
But before all that begins, I have something on my mind.
The boardwalk ends overlooking the bay, and I cage her in my arms as we look out over the dark, rippling water. Frogssing loudly, and a crane steps carefully among the tall grasses, searching for food.
Leaning down, I kiss the side of her neck, which earns me a little squeal. “Tickles.”
“Sorry.” I smile, kissing her lips briefly. “When you said forest bathing, I thought we were going skinny dipping.”
“Hmm…” She leans her head against my cheek. “As much as I love communing with nature, that would be more fun.”
“We should sneak into Miss Gina’s pool one night after she’s gone to bed.”
“I’d rather slip out to the bay behind the restaurant. If we woke Miss Gina, I’d die of embarrassment.”
“We’ve gotten pretty good at being quiet.”
We’ve had to, with Edward right next door, even if he does wear headphones to sleep, we don’t like to take any chances.
I’ve actually located a cute starter home for us on the scenic road north of town, but first things first.
Stepping back, I take her hand, turning her to face me. “I wanted to do this before all the family arrived. We’ve already talked about it some, but I finally found what I was looking for.”
Her brow furrows. “What do you mean?”
Reaching into my pocket, I take out a 24-karat, white-gold ring with a round diamond in the center, surrounded by triangle-shaped baguettes. Her breath catches, and she lightly touches it with her fingertips.
“It’s a flower.” Green eyes, bright with unshed tears meet mine. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Eddie said I’m the bee in your bonnet.” I can’t help a light chuckle.
“You talked to Eddie?” Her forehead wrinkles as she looks up at me, and I slide my thumb over the crystal tear on her cheek.
“Of course. He’s a part of our family.”
“Oh, Zane.” She rests her face against my chest, and I thread my fingers in the back of her hair.
I kiss the top of her head, inhaling honeysuckle. “I read somewhere that life takes courage, and the longer you live, the more courage it requires. It made me think of you and me.” Reaching up, I slide a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re smart and beautiful and funny and genuine, and you’re brave. I want you beside me holding my hand, because you know how to keep going, you help me be strong, and together we can face anything.”
She blinks, and she’s so beautiful smiling up at me, eyes shining. “I think our past, the things that have tried to break us, actually helped us fit together perfectly.”
“I like that.” My smile grows bigger. “Broken things have no walls, no limits, no rules…”
“So a break isn’t something to fear?” Her nose wrinkles.
“I’d still rather avoid it, but I’m working on my mindset.”
She exhales a little laugh, and I take her hand. “I love you, Rachel Wells. You make me stronger, and I promise to protect you with all my power from anything that might hurt you. Will you marry me?”
She puts her hand on mine, looking up at me. “Yes, Zane Bradford, and you’ll always be safe with me. I’ll always hold your hand and lead you to the light.”
I slide the ring onto her finger before leaning down to cover her lips with mine. Our tongues curl together, and I lift her off her feet, hugging her body close.
We have been broken, we’ve faced the dark, and together we’re stronger.
