A hawk dips through the air and flies into the forest, swooshing above us.
“That’s the direction of our spot,” I say. “We should follow.”
“Can’t argue with a hawk.”
We hold hands and walk down the beach, the sun shining brightly above us.
“Do you remember when those birds ate all our berries?” Elliot asks.
I cough out a laugh. “We were furious.”
“You kept mutteringbested by a songbirdto yourself that afternoon.”
As we step into the forest, the familiar scent of sea water wafts through the air. “The birds are likely still here. Don’t flash your berries around.”
“I’d never be so indecent.”
We pause and lock eyes before both laughing.
I stroke Elliot’s face, feeling his beard. “How about the night we finally made a fire? I’ll never forget what it felt like to eat those clams.”
“I remember we got in a fight about moving stones, and something bit you. I still wish I knew what.”
“Something cute and small, let’s assume.”
“You’re the nature expert. Guess it must be true.”
We come around a bend, and it appears before us. Our old spot.
It’s been well over a year, and there’s barely any sign of us that has survived the weather. But you can see the remnants of the kitchen fire, charred wood, and there’s a pile of shells near our bed as well as my old, tattered underwear.
“My god,” I say, taking it all in. “Look at this.”
Elliot kisses me before easing away. “I really hoped these would still be here,” he says as he steps under the rocky ledge.
“My old underwear?”
Elliot laughs. “No. The shells.” He gets down on his knees and lifts a few from the pile, dropping them in his hand and listening to the musical clatter. “I love these shells.”
Instead of standing, Elliot reaches into his pocket and turns, pivoting on one knee.
My breath catches. He’s holding something in his hand and looking at me, but I’m struggling to register what’s happening.
“Hank,” he tells me, “this is where I first fell in love with you, and so this is where I want to ask you if you’ll spend the rest of your life with me.”
Warmth bubbles through me, and I hold Elliot’s gaze as his carefully considered words flow out.
“It took a total catastrophe to bring us together,” he says. “But life with you has been a dream, Hank. You’re kind, and steady, and smart. You bring out the best in me, and you have the grace to accept me when I falter, too. The way you take care of me is like a revelation. You’re my wilderness man, my geeky accountant, my love. Every day, I’m amazed by you, Hank, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you’ve made me.” He lets out a shaky breath. “Will you be my husband?”
I take his hand and pull him up into my embrace. “Elliot,” I say, humming his name under my breath. “Yes. Of course. I love you.”
Birds sing from the trees, and wind rustles the branches as we kiss.
When he steps back, Elliot opens the ring box and takes the ring out. “I got the dinner date shell inlaid and sealed. That’s the pink and peach and purple shiny bits.”
I hold my hand out, and he slides it on my finger.
“Do you like it?” he asks.
