Just as she practiced all those months ago, Tatum pops up, and I follow her lead. We're soaring across the liquid glass, and I watch her stance as she takes complete control of the board. The water rolls as she leads the board right before the break then zooms across the white water like she's been surfing for at least five years.
“Whew, that was a good one!” I shout, catching up to her.
When we’re both on the sand, Tatum turns toward me. “Easton, you can't just mention getting married and then paddle away!”
I chuckle at how flustered she sounds.
“I couldn't help it! You know it was a good one,” I defend, then change my tone. “So?”
“So what?”
“I'm still waiting for your answer.”
She blinks at me, frazzled. "Are you asking me to marry you, or are you asking if I want to get married?"
“I'm asking you to marry me.”
“See, I can't tell if you're kidding or not.”
I take her shaky hands in mine. “I'm dead serious. Will you make George the happiest hamster alive and marry his daddy?”
Her hand flies to her mouth as a combination of laughter and sobs surface. “You're really serious!”
Finally, I get down on one knee to prove that I’m not joking. “Tatum, you once told me that when the right person comes along, I'd know. You said waiting to find the one was worth it. And I've waited years for you, so you'd be crazy to think I'm ever letting you go. I know in my heart that you're it for me and that we're meant for each other, but if you're not ready for this step, that's okay too. Someday I'm making you my wife."
She nods, wiping tears off her cheeks, and finally whispers, “Yes.”
“Yes?” I ask, making sure I heard her correctly.
“Yes! Yes, I'll marry you!” She giggles as I stand and lift her in my arms.
“It's about damn time!”
“We've been together for literally four months,” she reminds me when I set her down.
“And I was ready to marry you after one.” I shoot her a wink.
She playfully rolls her eyes. “You're crazy.”
"Crazy about you." I grab her hand and kiss her knuckles. "We can go pick out a ring together. That way, you can choose the one you like."
“You didn't plan this?”
“Not exactly, but I’ve wanted to ask you since we moved into the condo. I couldn’t imagine waking up without you beside me. When Oakley brought it up, I knew the time was now.”
“She's going to gloat like hell, you know that, right?”
I shrug. "That's what younger siblings do. Just have to make sure we plan it a year out, so she doesn't lose her shit."
She laughs. “Too bad. I don't think I can wait a year.”
My brows shoot up. “Is that so, future Mrs. Belvedere?” I pull her into my arms.
“Yeah, I like the sound of that way too much.” She smirks. “Let's have a spring wedding.”
“Deal.” I tilt up her chin and kiss her mouth. “My promise to you is to give you whatever you want and need, baby. You're my heart and soul.”
“I love you,” she whispers.
“I love you more.”
The next three days in California fly by. Oakley freaked out as soon as we gave her the news. Then we spent an entire day ring shopping and another with Oakley trying to convince us to get married in Hawaii. After thinking about it, we decided it wasn't a bad idea after all. Plus, the surfing in Hawaii is incredible.
Before we came to the airport this morning, Oakley stopped by our hotel to say one more final goodbye. The girls cried, and I promised to let her stay at the beach house some time. As sad as we were to leave, we were ready to share the news with everyone.
We FaceTimed my brother and Piper that same day. They both were so excited. Piper's already giving me a mile-long wedding to-do list and insisted on letting her hire a wedding planner.
I declined her offer, but of course, she wouldn't shut up about it until Tatum finally gave in. With the exception that she doesn't go overboard. We all know that's going to happen anyway.
As Tatum and I finally board our flight to Florida, I whisper in her ear, “Want to have another first together and cross one more place off the sex bucket list?”
She smirks at the idea of joining the mile-high club. "Let's do it, future hubby."
Epilogue
TATUM
ONE YEAR LATER
I've waited for what feels like an eternity for this day, and it being here is giving me major anxiety.
After Easton and I got married in Hawaii five months ago, we started the process of finding a surrogate. It's something we started talking about after we got engaged. Although I have PTSD from losing my son eleven years ago, I'm finally ready to try again. Since I'm thirty-eight and have never had a healthy pregnancy, the risks were too high to try to conceive. Of course, if it happened, it happened, but it was safer for my mental and physical health that I don't.