Nina appears at my elbow with two beers. “She's perfect for you. I haven't seen you this happy since…well, ever.”
“She is pretty amazing,” I agree, accepting the drink gratefully.
The ring box in my pocket feels like it weighs ten pounds, and I've been fighting nerves all afternoon.
“You nervous about tonight?”
“Terrified,” I admit. “What if she says no?”
Nina gives me a look that suggests I might be the dumbest person alive. “Brandon, that woman looks at you like you hung the moon. She's not going to say no.”
“Easy for you to say. You're not about to propose to the most incredible woman on the planet.”
“Trust me, any woman who moves across the country to go to college and then stays to build her own career isn't going to walk away from love when she finds it.”
Nina gives me one more encouraging smile before heading back to the party.
A few minutes later, Stella approaches with her phone in hand, looking puzzled.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
“Just Natalie. She's heading to Jake's Fourth of July party.” She pauses, looking confused. “Which is weird because I didn't know they were that close. Since when does Natalie hang out with Jake?”
I file that information away as interesting but not immediately relevant. “Maybe they bonded over being the only single people in our friend group?”
“Maybe,” she says, but she still looks confused.
The sun is starting to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. Perfect timing.
“Want to take a walk on the beach?” I suggest casually. “The fireworks should start soon, and the view is better down there.”
“That sounds perfect.”
We make our way down the wooden stairs to the private beach, hand in hand. The sand is cool under our feet, and the lapping of the waves provides the perfect backdrop. In the distance, I can hear my family's laughter drifting from the deck above.
“This has been incredible,” Stella says, stopping to face the water. “Your family is wonderful. I can see where you get your charm.”
“They love you. My mother hasn't stopped talking about how smart and beautiful you are.”
“She's been showing me photos of you as a baby. You were adorable.”
“Were?”
She laughs and bumps my shoulder with hers. “Still are.”
The first firework explodes overhead, casting colorful light across the water.
It's time.
“Stella,” I say, my heart hammering against my ribs.
“Mmm?” She's still watching the sky, mesmerized by the display.
I drop to one knee in the sand behind her.
“Turn around.”
She does, and her hands immediately fly to her mouth when she sees me kneeling there with the ring box open.
