He chuckles at my raised eyebrow and extracts himself from my arms. Taking my hand, he tugs me further down the shore. "Come on, you."
I follow him, curiosity bubbling inside me. He pulls me toward an outcropping of rocks jutting out from the cliffside which create a small alcove, sheltered from the wind. I stop in my tracks, my breath catching at the sight before me.
"What is all this?" I whisper, awe coloring my voice.
He's transformed the secluded patch of sand into a magical oasis. A plush beach blanket is spread out, inviting us to sink into its softness. Surrounding it are wooden posts stuck into the sand, draped with twinkling fairy lights that cast a warm, ethereal glow over everything.
A small Bluetooth speaker plays soft jazz, the mellow tones drifting on the ocean breeze. The centerpiece of this enchanted setting is a wicker picnic basket.
He tugs me toward the blanket, a shy smile playing on his lips. "I wanted to welcome you home properly."
We settle onto the blanket, and Martin begins unpacking the basket. He pulls out a bottle of my favorite Cabernet Sauvignon, two stemless wine glasses, and an array of mouthwatering goodies.
There's a charcuterie board laden with an assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and dried fruit. Crusty bread and crackers accompany olives and sun-dried tomatoes. My stomach growls appreciatively.
"And for dessert, we have your favorite truffles from that little shop downtown," he says, producing a small box of gourmet chocolates.
I'm overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness. This man, who once convinced himself he was too set in his ways for love, has created the most romantic setting I've ever seen.
"Martin, this is... incredible," I manage, my voice thick with emotion. "I love it. Thank you."
He reaches out, cupping my cheek in his hand. "You're worth every bit of effort."
A while later, I lean back against his chest, savoring the warmth of his body and the gentle rise and fall of his breathing. I'm pleasantly full and relaxed. The wine has left a pleasant buzz humming through my veins, making everything feel soft and dreamy. The sun has long since dipped below the horizon, leaving us bathed in the soft glow of the fairy lights. It's like we're in our own private universe, the two of us wrapped up in a cocoon of contentment.
His fingers trace lazy patterns along my arm as we listen to the waves roll in. The rhythmic sound blends with the soft jazz still playing from the speaker, and I simply can't imagine a more perfect moment.
"Jesse," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. "These past six months have been the best of my life, you know."
I turn to look up at him, my heart swelling at the emotion I see in his eyes. "For me too," I agree, reaching up to brush my fingers along his jawline.
He catches my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. "I never thought I'd have this again," he continues, his voice thick. "After Richard... I convinced myself I was done with love. That I was too old, too set in my ways."
I stay quiet, giving him space to gather his thoughts. Martin's not usually one for grand declarations, so I can tell this means a lot to him.
"But you," he says, shaking his head with a soft laugh. "You came crashing into my life like a bloody hurricane. Turned everything upside down in the best possible way."
"Careful," I tease gently. "You're dangerously close to being romantic."
He rolls his eyes, but his smile is fond. "Cheeky bastard," he mutters, before his expression turns serious again. "I mean it, Jess. You make me happier than I ever thought I could be again. I love you so fecking much."
My heart skips a beat as he gently nudges me to lean forward. I shift, curious and a little confused, until he reaches into his back pocket. Time seems to slow as he pulls out a small velvet box, and suddenly, I can't breathe.
Martin's eyes, usually so confident and full of mischief, are wide with vulnerability. His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows hard while he shifts onto one knee in front of me.
"Jesse," he begins, his voice uncharacteristically shaky. "I never thought I'd be doing this again. But you... you've changed everything for me."
I'm frozen, my mind racing to catch up with what's happening. Is this real? Is Martin really about to...?
He takes a deep breath, steadying himself. "You've shown me it's never too late for love, that my heart still has room to grow. You've become my home, my safe harbor, my greatest adventure."
Martin opens the velvet box, revealing a simple, elegant platinum band. The fairy lights dance off its polished surface, and I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes.
"Jesse Greenwood," Martin continues, his voice growing stronger even as it trembles with emotion. "Would you do me the incredible honor of becoming my husband?"
The world narrows to just this moment - the soft sand beneath us, the gentle crash of waves, the twinkling lights, and Martin's earnest, hopeful face. My heart feels like it might burst.
Martin
