Sofía is the end of my road.
Every path I take leads to her. When I’m away, she’s the beacon guiding me home.
Doug circles around us, capturing the moment, and Molly bangs against her tank, the metal clang a joyous sound. Cathy offers a thumbs-up, indicating we can surface, and once our heads break the water, I’m on Sofía.
Our masks clash awkwardly as I rip her mouthpiece out and kiss her. She squeaks but returns it with equal frenzy. Laughter and cheers mingle with the beating in my ears.
“Best surprise ever,” I tell her between kisses, savoring the feeling of her smile against my lips. “Marry me?”
“Ask me again later with the ring.” Pink tinges her cheeks. “It’s beautiful.”
“Your sisters helped me design it. They found your inspiration board.” I raise a brow. “Howdidyou find it?”
“I, uh, well…sometimes Mateo can be a blabbermouth when he’s drunk, and at our last girls’ night, he was four dirty Shirleys in, and he mentioned cupboards are good hiding spots. I went exploring. I had to climb on the counter, but I found it.”
Her expression is both triumphant and bashful, and the joy she’s trying to hide makes me think of the hopes and dreams she poured into the wedding dream board she made. Gorgeous gowns and massive floral arrangements. Bachelorette locations and stunning venues.
While I don’t think she’d ever admit it out loud, she imagines a magical, intimate wedding. With her sisters’ help and Charlie and Amy’s input, it was easy to find the perfect ring. It’s the start to everything she’s conjured in her fantasies.
Tears stream down her cheeks, and she removes her dive mask, swiping them away. Her gloved hand cups my jaw, a tender expression overtaking her face.
“Thank you,” she mumbles, voice cracking. “For showing me what real love should feel like.”
“For the rest of our lives,” I tell her.
I plan on showing her for the rest of our lives.
The End
