Page 127 of Rule 4: Never Get Stranded with a Sports Reporter

“There are red roses on the sand,” Cal says.

“Are there?” I try to keep my voice innocent, then I sweep up and pick up one. I extend it to him. “For you.”

His eyes round. “Something is already happening here. Maybe we should go.”

“There is something happening here. But it’s for us.”

His mouth drops open.

And I know, right then, that he’s imagining why we’re here.

Hope and happiness flitter over his face, before he ushers them away and squares his shoulders. “Oh? Like an anniversary celebration.”

“Sort of,” I admit.

It’s not exactly one year since we were last here. That would have been cool, but I had hockey games scheduled, and there’s no way I wanted to get a vacation by irritating Coach so much he had to bench me. Fortunately, Coach has been happy with me these days. All my teammates have been. I’ve never had a more active social life, and Cal is by my side at every party and gathering and event.

But with any luck this will be a date we mark with anniversary celebrations for the rest of our lives.

It’s too early to tell him now.

Instead, I lead him to the beach. They’ve dismantled my attempt at a shack, which is for the best, but the stone circle we used for fire is still there.

I lead Cal to it. A silver tray sits on a table with two chairs on either side.

“Lunch is served, my love.”

Cal looks around happily. “You arranged this?”

“Sure did.”

He gazes at the tray. “It’s a nice place to have lunch.”

“Uh-huh.”

He’s still looking at the table. This is the time. I wasn’t sure what part of this trip to do this in, but the timing is right. And honestly, I can’t wait another moment.

I drop to my knees. I remove the ring box from my pocket, opening it up. “Cal?”

He swings around.

His face goes soft. “Baby.”

“Will you do me the utmost honor of making me the happiest man—”

Cal’s hand flies to his mouth, and tears start to roll down his cheeks.

I smile at him, then continue.

“...by marrying me?”

“Oh, God.” His voice wobbles. His calmness is gone. “Of course, I’ll marry you, baby. Of course.”

And now tears fill my eyes.

Because what if he’d said no? But he didn’t because we’re us, and we’re supposed to be together forever.

We fell in love in Fiji.