“Do we have anymore Dorito’s back there?”

Twisting myself like a grapevine, my seatbelt slices into my neck. It’s a miracle I can see anything back here, in between the layers of suitcases, coolers and not to mention the entire black case holding all of Nathan’s audio books that he refuses to leave back home.

“I can’t see anything back there.” Squinting, a ‘REST STOP’ sign comes into view. They’re becoming farther and fewer in between the higher up the state we go. When Nathan suggested we take the weekend off for ourselves, it was the perfect escape from my boss’s overbearing demands.

One hundred miles ago, the trees along the highway were beautiful. The fresh air outside was practically richer than the pine tree freshener swaying off of his rear-view mirror. Now the trees are just running together, blurring into a green nothingness. Bending over, I notice my purse overflows with receipts and I’m reminded of all the other times I promised I’d clean this thing out. Blindly feeling for my phone, three new notifications wait for me: two from my mother, wishing us a good trip and one from Buzz Feed.

Beside me, Nathan’s thumbs are tapping on the wheel in tune with the piano solos from our favorite John Legend album. Sneaking a side glance, his sandy blonde hair blows in the wind. His singing is barely audible over John’s voice. I’ve told him millions of times that he has an incredible voice but he still doesn’t believe me.

“Hey, wanna know what Stranger Things character you are, based on the ice cream sundae you make?” The hesitation in his voice is almost comical.

“Didn’t we just do that one like an hour ago?”

“No, that one was what Avengers character are you, based on the colors you pick.”

Normally, I work very hard to restrain against subjecting Nathan to this little obsession of mine. But I can’t help it, I’m so bored and we have like another hour and a half at least. Not to mention, I’m so hungry that I’m ready to start gnawing on this seatbelt at any second.

“Honestly, cuddle muffin, I don’t know if I can handle it. I’m starving.” Pointing to the upcoming blue road sign alongside the edge, logos of gas stations and restaurants pass us by. Flipping my head upside down, my brunette bob is finally growing out enough to make for a baby ponytail. With my elastic in between my lips, my finger shoots out in the direction of the sign.

“Eye eye Captain.” Giving my thigh a gentle squeeze, pleasure radiates down my body. Three years together and his touch still makes me swoon.

Less than a half mile from the exit and an ear-splitting pop with a lopsided shaking sinks my heart into my chest. This is the last thing we need right now.

“Shit.” Pressing the hazard lights, Nathan eases off the gas, before bringing the car over to the edge of the freeway. Glancing out the window, cars pass by, none of which are slowing down in the slightest. Where has common decency gone?

Grabbing his sunglasses from the front cup holder, he makes his way to the back tire.

“What was that about?” I ask.

“Based on that lopsided shaking, it’s pretty clear we’ve got ourselves a flat. That, or we hit something that refuses to let go of the tire.” A sly smirk comes over his face as he bends down to inspect the damage.

Groaning, my hands grasp at my sun dress. Red strawberries cover the fabric, only making the entire situation suck that much more. “I’m gonna die.” Rolling down my window, the breeze loosens up most of my ponytail.

“Hey, how’s it looking back there?”

Wiping the oil smudges from his palms onto some sort of crumpled paper towel, he shrugs. “Do you want the good news or the bad news first?”

“Bad?”

“It’s a flat.”

“And the good news is…?”

“You’re dating an auto mechanic. Replacing tires, I could do with my eyes closed. Give me like fifteen minutes, tops.”

Fifteen minutes. I can make it that long…right? Beside me, my phone is bouncing from one edge of the cup holder to the other. Thank God for small distractions, at least.

“Hey mom”

“Hey sweetie! I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” It’s sweet in a sad sort of way that she thinks she’s interrupting my life with her calls. I don’t blame her though - without dad around, she doesn’t have anyone to talk to.

“Nope, actually, your timing couldn’t be more perfect.”

“Why is that?”

“We just got a flat. We’ve still got a least a hundred miles left too.”

“Has Nathan told you where you guys are going?” Something in her tone shifts, almost in an ‘upper hand’ type way.

“He hasn’t answered me the last three times I’ve asked so I’ve just stopped asking.”

“Well, surprises are always a fun time. Anyway, sweetheart, I’ll talk to you later, love you!” Before I even have a chance to get a word in, she’s already hung up.

Looking down at the screen, the time reads 12:12. I know for a fact, it’s been longer than fifteen minutes. Stepping out of the car, cigarette butts have been littered all over the concrete.

Crouched down next to the tire, Nathan pulls at his t-shirt, a patch of sweat lining the collar.

“Are you doing okay? You’ve been out here awhile. Is there something else wrong with the car too?”

Working the wrench back and forth on the tire, he shakes his head. “It’s just these lug nuts are so tough to get off sometimes. They’re just giving me a run for my money is all.”

Leaning against the car’s red metallic exterior, the direct heat eases the goose flesh covering my arms. A quiet chuckle escapes my lips as the memory fades away.

“Hey cutie, what’s so funny over there? Let me guess, I have oil smudges all over my face?”

“You do, but no, that wasn’t what made me laugh. No, I was just thinking about the first time my parents got a flat tire together. Have I ever told you that story?”

“I don’t think so! But I’m all for stories, so lay it on me.”

“My parents were down in South Carolina, driving across the state over to the coast, when they blew out not just one - but both back tires! Of course, the fact that they were traveling at night, meant they had to wait until morning for help. They ended up sleeping in their car on the side of the road!”

Nathan shoves all of the lug nuts into his khaki’s pocket before setting the tire off to the side.

“Couldn’t your dad fix them?” He asks.

“Oh no, this was way before he learned every possible thing there is to learn about cars. Fun fact though -it was on that particular trip that he proposed to my mom!”

Nathan’s eyes grow wide as the wrench slips from his fingertips, clattering onto the hot concrete.

“Really? How ‘bout that? What a crazy coincidence! I mean, not that I’m proposing. Anyway, that must’ve been a great memory for them.”

Something in Nathan’s tone shifts, as if he’s never met my parents and only has my words to go by. He’s been so quiet on the drive. He’s not thinking of…

Shaking away my anxious thoughts, I open the back door, scouring through our suitcases looking for something -anything - edible.

“Hey, did you happen to pack any of those almond granola bars in your suitcase?”

Reaching across the seats, my fingers graze the edge of the metallic zipper. Pulling it toward me, Nathan’s oily hand snatches my fingers.

“What are you doing? What do you need out of there?” He asks.

“Didn’t you hear me? I’m looking for a snack.”

Zipping his suitcase back up, he shakes his head.

“I didn’t pack anything in there.” More cars pass by as we stand next to each other in uncomfortable silence. Tilting his head down to meet my eyes, he gives me one of his quirky Nathan grins.

“If I recall correctly, I think I might have packed something for you in the glove compartment.” Giving me one final kiss on the top of my head, he promises me he’ll be done soon.

The black vinyl interior burns the underside of my thighs as I fiddle with the glove compartment handle. My lips upturn into a child-like grin as I see the red package on top of the car manual inside.

Ripping the bag open, I pour myself a generous handful of skittles into my palm. They’ve been my favorite candies my entire life. Maybe Nathan was just preoccupied earlier and I’ve just been over-thinking everything.

A few minutes later, Nathan slides into the driver’s seat. There’s oil smudged near his lips and when he reaches over to kiss my cheek, I can feel the transfer of oil onto my cheek now too.

His grin reappears when he sees the half-eaten bag of skittles perched on my lap.

“Still hungry?” He asks.

“Starving.”

“Then let’s get ourselves some lunch.”

~~~

This may very well be the best burger I’ve ever eaten in my entire life. The man behind the counter reeked of marijuana, but I’m willing to turn a blind eye. Wiping away the squirt of mayonnaise from my mouth, Nathan watches me in disbelief. Sliding his leftover fries over to me, the gritty salt sticks to my lips. It occurs to me that Nathan must think I’m acting like a starved dog, ripping into food like this.

“Do you want another burger?” Already reaching for his wallet, my eyes cruise over the menu boards. Shaking my head, he leans back into the booth. Smearing the ketchup across the paper advertisement on the tray, a young woman behind the counter pours herself a generous cup of fresh lemonade. Leaning against the stainless steel counter, her eyes graze over the tables before she pulls out her phone. The crumbs scattered across each of these tables must not [bother her]. She rolls her eyes as she presses the green flash from her headset before making her way back.

“Sooo, I know I’ve already asked you, but can I please have a hint as to where we’re going?”

“You’re relentless, you know that?” Behind us, an older gentleman wearing a red flannel stands chatting with one of the employees up at the front counter. He must be a regular here.

Reaching for his black jacket, Nathan says, “Come on, we’ve got a long ways yet to go!” Setting our tray with the others, I follow him back out into the car, his hand enveloping mine.

~~~

The afternoon sun is finally fading behind the blanket of clouds as Kate White’s audio book ‘The Secrets You Keep’ rolls into its third chapter. Not that I’ve been paying much attention to it. I’m still trying to understand what specifically made Nathan act so jumpy earlier.

“Is it crazy that I think I know how this story might play out already?” He asks. It doesn’t surprise me. Coming from a father whose a published mystery author, Nathan’s knack for solving mysteries is practically ingrained in him.

“Do you still think about going back to writing?” I ask.

“If I could hit a big break like Stephan King and never need to work again, most definitely. But-“ he lets the words trail off, as the breeze sucks them out the open window. Inside, a piece of me shatters at the thought of him having to put his dreams on the back burner, in order to continue giving us a stable life together.

Was that his weird way of hinting at something? Like maybe he’s tired of the life we have together and would be happier doing something else? Something like writing? Maybe being with someone else?

Exit 134 comes into view and before I have a chance to badger Nathan if this exit is the one, he answers my question for me by merging over into the lane. After driving past a putt putt course, collections of tourists’ shops and the largest restaurant I’ve ever seen, Nathan pulls into a hotel’s parking lot. ‘Bay Side’ is printed in thick golden letters on the sign.

Pulling into one of the front spaces, Nathan folds up his sun visor as I take in the hotel’s architecture. The wood and stonework remind of me the cabin Nathan and I rented down in Tennessee for our first year anniversary.

My lips part open and my smile builds as we step inside the lobby. Every surface glistens as the scent of lemon furniture polish fills the room. Leather chairs sit around an electric fireplace, its fake embers glowing. On the far wall, a bank of elevators stand off to the side. Perhaps it’s just the entire ambiance in here, but those elevators look twice as large as the one’s we have back home. The line to check-in seems to grow before our eyes, with soft murmurs echoing around the room. A family with two young daughters stroll past us. The shorter girl smiles at me as she squeezes her stuffed unicorn closer to her chest. Wasting no time, Nathan steps in behind them, a bar-coded discount at the ready on his phone. While he waits, I head back out into the parking lot to grab out our suitcases.

Fresh peony’s and milkweed frame the lot. The Monarch butterflies fluttering in between the flowers remind me of those I see in my mother’s garden. With Nathan’s sole suitcase perched on the two that I packed, I wipe my brow. The heat rising up from the asphalt seeps through my sandals, burning the bottom’s of my feet. Glimpses of red on my shoulder catch my attention and I’m already thanking myself for packing extra aloe Vera gel.

“Eileen?”

Behind me, the last person I ever expected to see leans against the driver’s side door.

“Christian?”

“I can’t believe this!” Scooping me up into his arms, his arctic breeze cologne fills my nostrils, bringing back a flood of memories.

“Wow, Christian…this is…what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be back in…”

“California? Well, plans sort of changed a few months ago and so I came back here. I came back home.”

Home. The way he says it makes me feel like my gut’s been punched. It’s been four years since I’ve seen him. His eyes are still that same striking blue-gray color and he’s grown out a beard, which is new. The beard makes him look both more mature and youthful at the same time. He looks good.

“So your dad doesn’t need you at the company all the time anymore?” I ask.

“Nope. Honestly, I think he could feel how miserable I was. California isn’t like Michigan.” For a split moment, my mind forgets about Nathan and instead I’m back remembering my former life of when it consisted of only Christian and I.

“You look great, by the way.” Gesturing to my hair, he nods. “It looks really good that way.”

It occurs to me that Christian’s never seen my hair this short. I always grew it out when we were together. Brushing my bangs aside, I watch as Christian’s eyes scour the parking lot. Following his eyes, he stares at a family a few cars down unpacking their own vehicle.

He’s trying to play it off, but I know what he’s doing.

He’s looking to see if anyone comes over this way. To see if anyone comes over towards me.

Rolling his flip flop over some stray pieces of asphalt, he rubs at the back of his neck.

“I was actually going to give you a call a few days ago. Maybe see if you’d like to get a cup of coffee and catch up? I’m home for good now. Maybe we could pick up where we left off?”

I would’ve given anything to hear those words four years ago. A few months before Nathan and I met, I had spent many months learning how to live without Christian. Between his father needing him out in California to take over the business and my college degree that was only halfway finished with, we made the choice to go our separate ways. I didn’t want to break up, but the idea of doing long distance for at least two years was more than I could handle. I never imagined he’d come back here. Or that he would still be thinking about me after this many years.

Now he’s here in front of me, asking me to go back in time so to speak, to re-start up our lives. For the opportunity at a second chance.

“Well, you see, I’m actually not here-“

The hope in Christian’s eyes fades as he sees the steel gray suitcase perched on top of the blue ones I brought.

“Christian, it’s been years-“

Slipping his hands back into his pockets, he gives his phone a quick glance before meeting my eyes.

“You don’t have to explain anything to me, Ellie. I understand.”

My heart feels like it’s being ripped in half, watching the pain in his eyes as he walks back towards the sidewalk. I know I should let him go and head back into the hotel where I’m sure Nathan is waiting for me.

But I can’t let him walk away. Slamming the trunk down, I run to catch up with him, my dress flowing behind me. Gripping his shoulder, he turns around, his eyes scanning my face.

“What are you doing?” He asks

“I need to get this off my chest.”

Christian patiently waits as I swallow down the lump in my throat.

“When you left, my entire world was shattered. I was mad, Christian. I was so livid. I loved you and you chose to leave.”

“Eileen, you know that’s not true. I didn’t have a -“

“But as time went on, I accepted that you didn’t have a choice. That didn’t make the pain hurt any less, but I could at least come to terms with it. When I finally met Nathan, I felt ready. I felt ready to let you go.”

It isn’t until I look down, that my hands are trembling. What am I doing? I should be back with Nathan, I shouldn’t be wasting my time doing this. Christian and I haven’t spoken in so long. I know that I don’t owe Christian anything. But a person never truly forgets their first love. I want to do this. I need to do this. I need to say goodbye.

“Eileen…” he says, reaching for my trembling hands.

“I love Nathan, Christian. I love him so much.” I say.

Christian’s once sharp jawline now looks blurry through my watering eyes. Wiping my cheeks, he pulls me into one of his classic ‘Christian hugs.’ Pushing my hair out of my eyes, he gives my hands a gentle squeeze.

“It’s alright to love him, Ellie. You know that right?”

Using his thumb, he wipes away the newest tear sliding down my face.

“I’ve been gone a really long time. I know you had to move on at some point. There will always be a part of me kicking myself for leaving. But I will never come in between you and the man you’re…meant to be with.”

Christian’s gaze isn’t on me, but on something behind me. His body stiffens as his eyes widen. By the time I turn around, all I can see is Nathan standing by the car, shoving something into his khaki’s pocket as he watches us.

“That man really loves you. I hope you guys will be really happy together.” A moment passes before he adds, “I don’t want to take up anymore of your guys’ time. Enjoy your vacation, Ellie.”

Giving me one final hug, Christian makes his way down the sidewalk as I make my way back towards the man I am meant to be with.

~~~

Setting my lemon themed toiletries bag on the bathroom counter, I can hear the bed moan as Nathan throws our suitcases on them. Snippets of commercials make their way through the closed door as he sifts through the television channels. We didn’t speak a word the entire way up here and I’m grateful he’s allowing me the space to process what happened in the parking lot. Wiping my eyes for what feels like the millionth time, the toilet paper is finally burning my eyes. I can hardly hear my own pep talk over the whir of the overhead fan.

“You got the closure you needed. You just need to explain that to Nathan. He’ll understand.” Taking a deep breath, I unlock the door. The air freshener plugged into the wall sends out sandalwood and jasmine. The ache in my spine softens as the plush carpet cushions my bare feet. On the television, Tom Hanks is screaming for his volleyball Wilson, making me smile. Rummaging through his suitcase, Nathan slams the steel gray cover back down, before zipping it back up. His gaze pierces mine and he gives me a thin-lipped smile. There’s confusion in his eyes and all I can think about is why I’m so terrified to broach the subject.

Staring at his suitcase, Nathan slides it off the bed before setting it against the wall. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he sets his phone on the nightstand beside the binder of pamphlets before motioning to the space beside him. The crisp white duvet offers little comfort as the next round of silent tears run down my face.

“I think we should probably talk about what happened in the parking lot” he says.

Nodding, I explain everything to him. He’s fiddling with his thumbnail the entire time as he stares down at the carpet, unable to meet my eyes until the final words leave my mouth.

“I told him how much I love you.” This grabs his attention, as he looks over at me.

“You really love me” His words sound more like a question than a statement.

“I needed Christian to know that I moved on. To give him closure. And I guess to give myself closure too.” Sliding in closer, Nathan wraps his arm around my waist, practically pulling me onto his lap.

“I really do love you with everything I have, Nathan.”

“I love you too, Eileen. Perhaps more than you know.” The confusion has left his eyes and for the first time since we started this entire trip, he feels like his normal self again.

Setting me back down beside him on the duvet, he gets up, reaching for a plastic white bag. Eying him suspiciously, he gives me a sly smirk.

“What’s in the bag?” I ask.

Untying the knot, my mouth drops open as I groan into my hands.

“I told you not to bring those!”

“I have to wear these! These are what’s in style!” Sliding his white socks up his calf, he slips each foot into his strap sandals.

“That’s ridiculous.”

“That’s only because you’re jealous. But don’t worry, I have the solution.”

Dropping to his knees, he bestows me a pair of white toe socks, with a pair of my strap sandals from home.

“I am not wearing that.”

“Why not? The last time we did this, you made a new friend!”

Setting the socks and sandals inside of my suitcase, I shake my head.

“That woman offered to give me her son’s number - he was a licensed therapist! She thought I was nuts!”

Nathan’s eyes are running with tears, as his cheeks turn a new shade of red.

“And to think, I was only gone for five minutes! The look on her face when she saw me step in beside you was priceless!”

Stepping into the bathroom, over his shoulder he calls out, “This is a vacation tradition! The reactions we get are priceless! When I come back out, I want to see you rocking those socks and sandals, because we’re heading out for dinner.”

It’s no use arguing with him. Sighing, I slip the socks and sandals on, before laughing at myself in the television’s black reflection. Reaching for my purse, Nathan’s phone lights up with a new text. It’s from his brother. ‘Good luck bud. Lemme know what happens.’

~~~

‘Jenkins & Junes’ is packed as Nathan and I get shoved around. Beside us, families sit on benches near the entrance waiting for their buzzers to go off. By the time we get seated near the back corner, my mouth is ready to devour every dish inside this restaurant. Our mouths water as wait staff carry platter after platter of sizzling steak fajitas, crispy Hawaiian pizzas, and warm, bubbly soups.

Leaning in, Nathan asks me if I saw the elderly couple who laughed on our way back here at our getup.

“They thought it was funny!”

“They probably thought we’re ridiculous.” Giving me a playful shrug, he returns to analyzing his menu.

In between the loud laughter and the shouts, I watch Nathan fiddle with his black jacket’s pocket for the third time.

“Nathan?”

Holding his chin up with his fingers, his gaze is locked onto a family a few tables ahead of us.

“Nate?”

Narrowing his eyes for a split second, he cracks a tiny smile before finger drumming on the table.

“Earth to Goober!”

Blinking away his daydream, he leans in towards me. The lamp above us shadows part of his face, only helping to make my knees feel weak - even while sitting.

“What did you say? Sorry, I was…dazed there for a minute.”

“You’ve been fiddling with your pocket all evening. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s great.”

Before I have a chance to question him, our waitress appears out of nowhere, quickly taking our order before disappearing into the crowd of hungry guests.

Patting his stomach, a baby burp escapes Nathan’s lips. I shouldn’t have been surprised when he ordered a bacon burger. He’s determined to try every bacon burger on the planet. Opening the passenger side door for me, he slips a kiss on the back of my hand. The first time he opened my door for me, I thought he was just trying to win me over, but I was wrong. His mother had simply raised a well-mannered man. Reaching for the auxiliary cord, I pull up my Spotify play list as Nathan drives us to the outskirts of town. Turning into a public park entrance, he laughs as the next song begins.

“What’s so funny?”

“You’re the only person whose play list goes from classical piano to ‘Panama’ to ‘Tiny Dancer’ to ‘Last Christmas’ all within twenty minutes.”

Sliding my sunglasses down onto my nose, I shrug. “Hey, I’m all about enjoying a sliver of everything!”

The curves in the single lane road transport us from the hustle and bustle from the town to a one-on-one feeling with nature, giving me time to mentally analyze Nathan’s behavior at dinner.

Maybe he was just stressed. Today has been a long day for both of us.

Placing my hand on his upper thigh, a tiny scowl furrows over his brows, before sliding my hand closer to his knee.

Is it possible he’s still upset about what happened in the parking lot?

Turning my attention to the window, rocks tumble along the shoreline as the water coats their rough edges with each incoming wave. Pulling into a cracked parking lot, Nathan and I make our way down the rickety wooden steps down to the sand.

From here, the cars traveling across the Mackinac Bridge look like little dots, their red brake lights reminding me of Christmas tree lights. Behind me, Nathan’s socks and sandals are kicked off into a pile by the sole green metal bench.

“Come on cuddle muffin, the water waits for no one!”

Stripping off his jacket, I notice something bulging from the inner pocket. It’s probably just his wallet.

Biting my bottom lip, a sliver of his abdomen catches the sunlight as his t-shirt rises. The view is enough to create pulsing all through my body. Chuckling, Nathan gives me a responding wink.

Glancing down at my dress, I shake my head. “I’m not wearing a swim suit underneath this!”

“We don’t need swim suits, now come on!”

Swooping me up like a bride, the waves soak the hem of his shorts as he continues to go out deeper.

“Dip your hand in the water” he says.

Letting out a moan as my fingers graze the surface, I can feel the water tickle the bottom of my toes.

“This is like the perfect bath water temperature!”

“I’m glad you think so” A sly smirk reveals his left dimple and it suddenly occurs to me what he’s thinking.

“Nathan, I swear to God, whatever you’re thinking of doing…” Before I have a chance to say anything more, the water covers my body. Popping my head up, Nathan is nowhere to be seen.

“Nathan?” Besides the last of the ferries traveling under the bridge for the last time today, there’s no one around for miles. Worry begins to circulate through me.

“Nathan! Where are you?”

The grip of hands squeezing my ankle under the water throws me backward, falling into the water again. This time, when I resurface, Nathan is beet red in the cheeks with laughter.

Wading my way over toward him, his arms are too slippery to form any sort of grasp. Planting a fish-water kiss to my lips, the humor in his eyes is gone the minute he sees the seagulls playing with something on the sand. From here, I can’t exactly make out what it is, but it’s small.

Leaping out of the water, waves splash around him as he runs waving the seagulls away from his jacket. My stomach hurts from how hard I’m laughing. Nathan used to be terrified of seagulls growing up. The way his arms are flailing around now, all I can picture is eight year old Nathan.

It isn’t until the seagull takes off with a small box, that he turns to face me. The laughter slips off of my face, replaced with confusion.

Running out toward the sand, my dress suddenly weighing an extra few pounds, I grab his shoulder. I can’t hear exactly what he’s saying. Something about ‘being ruined’?

“You’d think a person can trust a damn seagull! Wouldn’t you?”

“What did he take off with?” Making a visor from my hands, the seagull has the box perched in his beak above the water. Before I can blink, the seagull drops the box into the water.

Pacing back and forth, Nathan kicks up the sand, creating a sand tornado.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid”

“Earth to Nathan! Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

“It’s ruined”

Sitting on the bench, his elbows are perched on his thighs. Pulling on his bottom lip, he shakes his head in defeat. Whatever was inside that box, has him completely rattled.

“Your engagement ring was in that box.” He says the words so casually that they don’t register in my mind.

“You were going to propose?”

My hands cover my parted lips. It all makes sense. The way he dropped the tools earlier today, the way Christian’s body stiffened and how he told me how lucky I was, the text message on Nathan’s phone. It all adds up.

Wiping at my face, a baby smile grows on my face until I’m laughing.

“What’s so funny?” He asks.

“I thought we might be breaking up!”

Furrowing his brow, he turns his body completely toward me.

“Breaking up? Why would you-“

Slapping his hand to his forehead, he groans.

“You thought my nerves were about me wanting to break up with you, didn’t you?”

“A little bit. Today just wasn’t like you. I was worried you were questioning our relationship.”

Rubbing my knee, he shakes his head.

“I mean, I have been thinking about our relationship a lot over the last few weeks. I’ve been terrified to ask you this question all day and now I don’t even have the ring anymore.”

“Why were you nervous?” I ask.

“I mean, I figured my odds were pretty good, but you never know. I guess I was just scared you somehow might say no and the idea of not being with you…it’s a scary thought.”

“Nathan, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You and only you.”

Getting up from the bench, Nathan turns to face me, before taking a knee.

“Eileen Murphy, I have no ring and I smell like fish water,” pretending to make a box out of his hands, he adds, “but I love you more than anything in this world. Will you do me the extraordinary honor of marrying me?”

Slipping my hands into his, his lips upturn into a grin.

“Yes! Of course I will!”

The seagull’s loud squawk breaks up our kiss, and we both glance down to the other end of the beach.

“I promise I will buy you a new ring.”

Shaking my head, all I can do is laugh.

Never, ever believe you can trust a seagull.