73

AUDREY
After settling some more of my things in our room, Gabriel and I joined Coulson and Maya on the beach.
“After the game, I’ll take you to the town to fetch things you might need. We’re staying here until Sunday,” Gabriel said.
“Yeah. It looks so beautiful here. It’s such a waste if I can’t even get to stroll.”
Gabriel kissed my forehead. “Just what I’m thinking. Come on.”
The game went on two versus two, and I teamed up with Coulson. Our team nearly got every pass and service. I was laughing so hard.
Halfway through the game, we called for a water break, and Maya handed me a bottle of energy drink and another one for Coulson. Gabriel chugged on his bottle and breathed out.
“We still have another half,” Maya said. “So don’t think that we already lost.” She laughed.
“You’re on the losing side because you’re there, Maya,” Coulson joked.
She pouted. “Gabriel is scoring!”
“I pretty much own all the scores.” Gabriel messed up with his sister’s hair. “Maybe you picked the wrong game.”
“Hey!” she slapped his brother’s arm.
We all laughed at their jokes, and while we were resting, I looked at the townhouse and watched Elazar and Helen having a moment by themselves with a morning’s snacks. I grinned at the sight of them.
After three games, I had one loss when I was teamed up with Maya—which was already obvious since we were against two athletic guys. Gabriel and I decided to go for a tour of the town and walked around the sidewalk stores selling mementos, food on carts, low-priced clothes, and swimsuits. I didn’t have anything in my luggage, so I picked up two pairs of bikinis and stopped by the souvenir store.
Gabriel and I purchased a matching wool bracelet and strolled again while walking hand in hand.
I loved it. I loved every moment that I thought the Liam I knew was still inside, even though he denied it and insisted that he change—a modest man, full of dreams, and I could already tell in his expression that he was enjoying the moment.
Then we had a late lunch in a tropical restaurant that served freshly grilled seafood, and you had to eat with your hands.
“This is amazing,” I said after eating to my heart’s content. Our table was filled with seafood, but I couldn’t believe we had actually emptied it. “I’m so full.”
Gabriel grinned and placed a glass of water in front of me. “Bottoms up, or you’ll get bad digestion.”
“But I can’t anymore.” I touched my tummy. “Look at my belly. It’s so big!”
“I don’t care. Finish this up.” He laughed.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“What’s not to enjoy?” he teased. “Come on. Just a little.”
I grabbed the glass and took a small gulp, but I didn’t finish it. “I can’t.”
He chuckled at me, and we exited the restaurant.
We walked to the beach again, and we went to the water this time. The water slapped at my feet, sparkling and bubbling like saline. Even though the afternoon sun was almost set, I couldn’t help but smile as the breeze touched my face. The waves were mild but roaring onto the shore with a soft hiss, flaking the deep bronze sand beneath my feet. A cold but serene feeling flows through me.
“Audrey?” he asked softly.
“Hmm?” I responded, watching the orange sun and the indigo sky.
He turned and faced me. “You know how much I love and care for you, right?”
I smiled. “Of course, I know. I feel it every second. Why?”
He brought my hands to his lips and kissed my knuckles. “I love you, Audrey. I know I haven’t directly spoken of these words because I know that the word alone isn’t enough, but yes, I have loved you all these years.” He released one of my hands and slipped his hands into his shorts’ pocket. By the gesture alone, my heartbeat sped up.
“Gabriel…”
“I’ve waited for this moment, Audrey.” He drew out his hand, and this time, he was holding a piece of a small and delicate black velvet box.
I covered my mouth because my jaw felt like it stuck, and I couldn’t close my mouth.
Gabriel opened the box, and an exquisite blue diamond stone in the middle of white gold appeared before my eyes. My heart melted with inexplicable emotion.
“I can’t lose you again. I lost you once, and I think we’ve waited long enough,” he spoke. “Audrey, will you accept this token, my love, and allow me to take care of you for as long as I can live? Because I could never live without you now.”
“Gabe…” I whispered, and my eyes welled, and my whole being felt like vibrating. The sound of the waves, the brilliance of the ocean as the sunset shaded. Grabiel’s five o’clock shadow added up to intensify my emotions.
“Audrey, will you marry me?”
I chuckled. “Oh my God!”
He grinned at me with his soft features. “Well?”
“I love you too, and even though I’m still so shocked… we already talked about this… and now…” I stuttered.
“I have to make sure I’ll take this properly,” he said proudly.
“And it’s so beautiful, and that looks expensive.”
He cocked his head. “Audrey, don’t you think what I need is your answer?”
I pressed my lips and stared at him.
“Yes!” I screamed. “God, yes!” I jumped on him, and he caught me with his arms, lifted me, and spun me around.
He laughed deliciously. “God, you have me nervous.” He brought me down and slid the ring on my finger. He squeezed me against his warm body. “I love you.”
“And I love you…”