Page 34 of Tides and Tidings

A wave of relief washed over me—the first hard thing was done. “This was the first thing on my to-do list. I figured the rest of the plan was pretty pointless if I didn’t get the green light.”

Rose sniffled, “I’m honored you would ask for my blessing. Do you need any help with planning?”

“Maybe? I was thinking about a Christmas engagement but wasn’t sure if that was too cliché.”

“Super cliché, but Blythe would eat it up. The holidays hold a special place in her heart. Making more memories during the Christmas season would just be icing on the cake for her.”

“I was thinking of planning a trip for just the two of us. Maybe go to a nice dinner and propose.”

“Perfect. Do you have a ring in mind?”

“That’s what I need your help with. I don’t want to get her something that she might hate.”

“For starters, she would never hate what you picked. Google rose gold cushion cut engagement ring.”

“Were you just speaking English?”

“You have so much to learn. I can text you some pictures of the style she likes.”

“You’d do that?”

“You’re one of the best things that’s ever happened to Blythe. The least I could do is help you with this monumental task.”

“Send everything over. This has got to be perfect.”

“It’s got to be perfect,” replayed repeatedly as I sat here and played with the box in my hand. It might be small, but this is the heaviest box I’ve ever held. I looked at the sparkling ring and imagined it on Blythe’s hand. Rose said she would love it, but what if she didn’t? I can’t return it if she hates it.

I heard the shower water turn off and carefully placed the ring box in my suit pocket.

“Time check?” Blythe yelled through the bathroom door.

“You have forty minutes until we have to leave.”

“Kay!”

Even though these nerves are no joke, asking Blythe to marry me is the biggest honor. She saved me. When I was in the worst headspace, she frolicked her way into my life and healed parts of me I didn’t know needed healing.

I knew she was something special when I laid eyes on her for the first time. Last year, when she got a flat tire and was stuck on the side of the road in a storm, she reaffirmed that. All she wanted to do was dance in the rain. I could tell she was starting to relax at that moment, and the real Blythe came out.

In a desperate attempt to distract myself, I started scrolling on my phone when a text from Rose came in.

Rose: You good?

Charlie: Yeah.

Rose: Nervous?

Charlie: I could easily throw up right now.

Rose: That’s what I like to hear! Nerves mean you care. Is everything ready to go?

Charlie: I think so.

Rose: Good! I know what Bee is wearing and you’re in for a real treat.

Charlie: I can’t wait for this to be over.

Rose: Soon enough! Video call as soon as it’s done.