Page 52 of A Coffee Away

“Whatever.” Esteban laughed, then ruffled my messy hair. “See you later, babe.”

I took my brush and gave the sky that delicate glow I remembered from that night, hoping for the afternoon to pass quickly. I couldn’t wait for tonight.

I pointed to the space where I sat the night I met Esteban. “Eva, put that torch over there. I want him to see it when he comes from his run. It’ll be like a walkway.”

Eva rushed to place the torches. Six of them would lead to a beach blanket imprinted with the painting from that night. I wanted to give him a special moment. To thank him for saving me. For making me whole.

Stephany arranged the picnic: an Angeline pinot noir and a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, and fruit.

The fluttery feeling in my stomach grew as the minutes passed. It was almost time.

I fiddled with my hair. “We need to hurry. He’ll be here any minute.”

What would Esteban think? Would he like it?

“Almost done.” Stephany gave Eva a look.

What was that? I shook my head.

The sun was about to hit the horizon when I saw him. He was dressed in khakis and a white linen shirt open enough to show his chest. His pace was slow and deliberate. His bare feet kissed the sand as he approached. His dimples melted me as he smiled at me, walking through the torch walkway Eva had just finished.

Both girls smiled and stepped to the side, facing us.

My chest was about to explode. My heart was beating so loud I could almost hear it.

In three long strides, Esteban reached me. He caught sight of the blanket, and his smile grew. With all the elegance he carried, he kneeled in front of me.

I widened my eyes and covered my mouth. Could it be? My throat tightened, and my eyes flooded with tears. Was this really happening?

Esteban looked up, and I got lost in his sky-blue eyes. “Roberto Fernández. My love. My Robbie. My everything.” He took my hand and kissed it, then settled his loving gaze on me. “Seven months ago, I sensed a soul that called to mine, and I couldn’t do more than smile. The moment our eyes met, I knew I was meant to walk my life with you. Your canvases enamored me. Your humbleness and the way you’ve opened up to me since that first night caught me off guard, and even though I spent years running away from love, I fell for you. You are my everything. That piece of my soul that makes me whole. I can’t imagine my life without you. If you’ll have me, I want you to be mine and I yours for the rest of our lives.”

He took out a small box and opened it. The ring was silver with a diamond encrusted in the center and golden waves engraved all around it. It was stunning.

My heart leapt into my throat as he removed it from the box, then held my left hand in his. His eyes looked more beautiful than ever, glazed with tears. Tears I carried too. Tears of joy. Tears of love.

“Robbie. Will you marry me?”

Heat radiated throughout my chest. I trembled with joy. “Yes. Now and forever, yes.”

Esteban wasted no time in putting the ring on my finger. “Now and forever.”

I grabbed his hands and pulled him to me.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed me hard.

I opened my mouth in surrender and gripped the back of his neck, deepening the connection as cheers erupted all around us.

We both smiled, then faced everyone. Raúl was there as well as Javi and Gina. Quique and Miguel beamed from their spot next to Eva and Stephany.

Even as I smiled, a pang struck my chest. My parents still hadn’t talked to me, and they were the only ones absent. Even though I’d made my peace with their rejection, I would have given everything to share this moment with them.

Esteban squeezed my hand, then everyone engaged in congratulations, kisses, and hugs.

“Thanks, girls. This wouldn’t have happened without you.” Esteban patted Eva’s and Steph’s shoulders as he stood between them, watching me.

Stephany and Eva were the ones who gave me the idea of how to make this afternoon special after I asked them for their opinion.

They smiled.