Page 129 of I’m Already Gone

We stroll down the paved path until our feet hit the soft sand. It’s a beautiful evening. The sun, a molten orange, is sinking low, but its golden rays pierce through the scattered clouds. Seagulls squawk overhead, circling lazily, and the wind carries the fresh, salty scent of the ocean. I close my eyes for a moment, letting the salty air fill my lungs, trying to push past the tightness in my chest.

“You look really beautiful, Mom,” Jake murmurs beside me.

I glance over at him, my heart swelling a little, and smile lovingly. “Thank you, sweetheart. I feel beautiful,” I admit.

Ethan has a way of making me feel seen, cherished, and beautiful, even when I feel anything but. It’s like his own special superpower.

“Dad’s really stepped up, hasn’t he?” Jake adds, almost to himself.

I nod, my gaze fixed on the horizon. “Yes, he has.”

“You seem… happier. Are you happy?” he asks hopefully.

“Yes, I am happy, Jake. And yes, I’m glad he’s back, too, but not just for me. I’m glad he’s here for all of you,” I tell him.

The fact that Ollie has accepted him without question, and how Ethan has so naturally taken him in as one of his own sons… It’s the greatest gift I could ever ask for.

My steps falter. The pressure in my chest tightens further, forcing me to stop and gasp for air. I close my eyes, trying to regain control.

“Are you okay, Mom? Do you need to stop?” Jake asks, lightly touching my arm.

I press my hand to my chest, working to steady my breath. “Yes,” I manage, a little breathless. I take another deep breath through my nose, opening my eyes to see the unconcealed worry etched on his young face. I force a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. Let’s not keep your father waiting.”

We continue our slow trek through the soft sand until I see Ethan. He’s standing at the edge of the ocean, his silhouette facing me, framed by the golden sunset, the sky a canvas of soft blues melting into brilliant gold. He looks so handsome in his gray slacks and crisp white button-down, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing strong forearms.

Ethan gives Jake a subtle nod and a smile. Jake places a tender kiss on my cheek. “Have a great time, Mom. I love you.”

I lean my head against his for a moment. “I love you, too, Jake.”

He turns and walks away, leaving me to take the final steps toward Ethan on my own.

“Hey,” he says. His grin is contagious, reflecting the joy he has been bringing into my life.

“Hey, yourself.”

His gaze sweeps over me, a slow, appreciative journey from my sandals to my face. “You look so beautiful, Lily.”

I smile, feeling a blush creep up my neck. “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

His grin widens as he inches closer. He takes my hand in his, his touch warm and comforting. “I want to show you something.”

He moves to the side, revealing the sand behind him, and the sight before me leaves me breathless. Laid out in the sand before us are purple roses and delicate white lilacs, meticulously arranged in the shape of a heart. Tiny battery-operated fairy lights are woven through the flowers, making them sparkle. And in the very center of the heart, spelled out in more flower petals, are the words “Be Mine Forever.”

“This is…” I start, completely overwhelmed, turning to him.

He’s on one knee, a small velvet box held in his hand. And inside the box, nestled on a satin cushion, is a diamond ring, sparkling with a thousand promises.

I look at him, my eyes wide and glistening, the tightness in my chest momentarily forgotten.

He locks eyes with mine, and for a moment, the world outside fades away. Those familiar deep, steady pools that have seen me at my absolute worst, and not once, not ever, did he judge me or belittle me or make me feel anything less than whole. Even through my bouts of nausea and sickness, he always, always finds a way to remind me how beautiful I am and how much he loves me.

Ethan

Her deep pools of silver widen further, a look of pure shock as she registers the ring. It’s a 24K white gold, elegant band featuring a diamond heart nestled in the center, surrounded by a heartbeat engraving.

My heart frantically hammers against my ribs, drowning out the ocean’s roar. She looks breathtaking, like an angel. The dress I chose clings to her perfectly. I love how much more confident she’s been since we arrived at the beach house. She rarely covers her head with a scarf anymore.

“Lily, you’re it for me. You’ve had my heart racing from the first moment I saw you on the playground. From the first glance across the room when I realized my feelings for you went beyond friends, to our first hesitant touch, our first date, and our first kiss.”