Danielle out of nowhere loudly cleared her throat. “Alright you two.” They stopped kissing and peered in her direction. Dad and Michael were loaded down with beach stuff while Danielle and Mom each held a twin. “We get that you two can’t get enough of each other.” Danielle set Amelia down on the sand. “But come on, this is a family place.”
Mom smiled. “Please don’t stop on our account.” She placed Lily on the sand next to Amelia. “I like seeing my son happy and in love.”
Brooke chuckled and loosened her grip around his waist.
Danielle removed the bag of sand toys from her shoulder and dumped the entire contents on the sand in front of her twins.Dad and Michael dumped their stuff, and each went to work setting up chairs.
Logan exchanged a glance with Brooke.
Then he blurted out, “We’re getting married.”
Danielle’s mouth dropped open. Dad and Michael stopped their set up and stared.
Mom clapped her hands together. “Oh, my.” She raced over to them and threw her arms around both of them. “This is the best day ever.”
Dad came over and slapped him on the back. “Congrats, you two.”
“Sorry to break up this love fest.” They broke apart. Danielle pointed at Brooke’s finger. “Where’s the ring? I thought that was the biggest part of getting engaged.” She placed a hand on her hip. “Come on baby brother, I used to think you were sharp.”
“I told Brooke,” He tugged her close, “we’ll stop at a jewelry store on the way home, and she can pick out whatever ring she wanted. I was worried she wouldn’t like what I picked out.”
“Ahh,” Danielle said knowingly. “I see.”
“I have a friend who is a jeweler,” Michael piped in. “I can text you his info, he’ll give you a good deal.”
“Great.” Logan kissed Brooke on her temple. “I’d appreciate it.”
“Fine, but the ring had better be big.” Danielle held out her hand, revealing her sparkly diamond. “It still makes me happy every time I look at it. I know it shouldn’t matter, but it does.”
Brooke laughed. “I don’t care what size it is. Promise.”
“No, no.” Danielle wagged a finger. “My brother had better not be cheap.”
“Hey,” Logan said. “I’m right here, and I won’t becheap.”
“Good,” Danielle said like she was satisfied. “Because you deserve it, and more, for taking this guy off our hands.”
“Danielle,” Logan said with a warning tone.
Then the twins started crying. His family sprang into action and found something different for them to play with. They worked together to set up his family’s chairs and umbrellas. Later, once they had eaten lunch, Logan led Brooke down to the water’s edge for a minute alone. The water raced over their feet and nipped at their ankles. They stared out at the glistening water.
“I’m sorry I didn’t exactly give you a romantic proposal.” He ran a hand down the length of his face. “I was caught up in the moment but can do a redo after we buy the ring.”
Brooke squeezed his hand. “Absolutely not.” She peered over her shoulder back to where his family sat on the sand. The twins dumped buckets of sand on their heads. “I love you. I don’t want to wait another minute to have that ring on my finger.”
“I love you back. No more waiting.” Logan leaned in and kissed her.
A refreshing breeze drifted between them. The sunshine made his skin tickle. Brooke smoothed out the front of his shirt then patted his chest.
Her eyes sparkled with the light of the sun. “It’s the perfect day.” Brooke tugged her gaze away from him and out to the water.
“Agree.” Logan grinned. “The perfect day.”
“I’ll remember it always.”
The water splashed around their ankles. “Me too.” Logan kissed her on the temple then wrapped an arm around her waist.
Brooke laughed. “I can’t believe they still don’t know our whole arrangement was only supposed to be until Aubrey and Ian’s wedding.”
