When I was ready, I ran to the truck with only one flannel in hand. I leaned into the truck window. “Do you want a flannel or something in case it gets cool?”
“Baby, if I need to get warm, I won't be using a flannel.” He gave me a grin and a wink that sent chills all over my body.
“Oh, you are on one today!” I laughed as I hopped in and closed my door.
“Oh, hold on. I forgot something.” He hopped out of the truck and ran back into the house, reappearing seconds later. He was so fast, not giving me enough time to steady my heart rate.
“Okay, sorry about that, I had to grab the salad tongs. I forgot to give them to Jenny.” He said as he passed them to me.
He reached out and took my hand as he drove to us in the direction of where we would have the bonfire.
Isat on the tailgate, flannel on, sipping a glass of wine Caleb had brought me. Duke sat next to me with his head in my lap, and we people watched together. I watched my friends, new and old, talk, laugh, and sing by the fire while roasting marshmallows. This bonfire night to celebrate the end of summer was a great idea that Caleb had. The friendships I'd made over the last couple of months, and reconnecting with friends from my past, was just what my heart had needed, and now it felt like we were celebrating.
I spotted Caleb on the other side of the bonfire talking to my parents. While they didn’t know all of what happened to me, they knew enough to be grateful for Caleb saving me. I watched Caleb when he spoke with them, respectful but comfortable, like he was talking to his own parents. I wished his parents could be here. They would be so proud of him for everything he’d accomplished.
When Caleb noticed me watching him, his blue eyes lit up and a smile crossed his face. He looked so handsome with the gorgeous sunset behind him as he walked over to me.
“What are you doing over here by yourself?” he asked as he stepped between my knees, placing his hands on my hips.
“Just taking it all in. I'm so happy here, with you, with our friends, with Duke.” I scratched under Duke's chin.
Caleb looked at me with such loving intensity. “Come here for a second.” He took my hand in his and helped me off the tailgate.
“Hey everyone, can you all come over here for a minute?”
As soon as everyone was gathered around, Caleb cleared his throat. “Rae and I want to thank you for coming here tonight. You all are important people in our lives. No matter how long we have known you. Which is why I wanted you to be here for this.” He turned toward me and Santana passed him something. I quickly realized what was in his hand.
Caleb reached for my hand and knelt in front of me. The group of friends began chattering quietly in hushed but happy sounding tones.
“Rae, you know I love you, right?”
I nodded with tears in my eyes.
“Sunshine, I have loved you since high school, and I let you get away back then. I never want to let you go again. Will you marry me?”
Tears began to fall steadily down my cheeks as I smiled and nodded. Caleb stood and I threw myself into his arms. “Yes, I will marry you, Ranger!”
Cheers erupted from the crowd of our friends and family as we stood there kissing, not even noticing anything going on around us, only focusing on each other.
Caleb and I sat onthe tailgate together, watching the fire die down, after everyone left for the evening. We held hands, but we were silent. No words were needed.
I looked down at the ring he had given me, a beautiful princess cut diamond on a white gold band—the perfect ring.
The fire had died down now, and I expected Caleb to pack up so we could head back to the house. Instead, he moved farther into the bed of the truck and lay down. “Come look at the stars with me.” I moved to where he was and lay next to him, pressed against the warmth of his body with my hand on his chest. Duke shifted from where he had been on the tailgate and curled up next to my feet.
Caleb gently rubbed circles on my arm as he whispered to me, “I love you, Sunshine.”
I whispered back “I love you too, Ranger.”
A few minutes later, I noticed Caleb’s hand had stilled, and he had lightly begun snoring.
How is this my life? How is any of this real?
I smiled to myself as I snuggled closer to Caleb. In the warmth of his arms, I soon fell asleep, too, happy and safe.
He’s got me, always. The best part is, I’ve got him, too.
