Page 48 of Rev

We find a spot to sit and watch the waves while eating ice creams we’ve bought from a nearby stand. The sweetness of the treat contrasts with the sharpness of the ocean air, creating a perfect balance. Harley laughs as a particularly cheeky seagull tries to snatch a bite from her cone, and I can’t help joining in with her laughter.

“You know, I’ve never felt more contented than I do right now,” she says, leaning her head on my shoulder. “It’s like everything has finally fallen into place.”

Her words warm my heart, and the ring in my pocket feels like it’s burning a hole, but I’m waiting for the right time. We talk and laugh some more while watching the children paddle in the small waves. Their carefree joy is infectious.

As the sun begins to dip towards the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, I know it’s time. I stand, and taking Harley’s hand, I pull her up with me.

When I called Shaun last night he was surprised to hear from me. I had to tell Harley I was popping to the shop so I could phone him. I would have preferred to speak to him in person, but I knew I had to get his permission first before I proposed, so a phone call had to suffice.

“Harley,” I say, my voice suddenly thick with emotion. “There’s something I need to ask you.”

She looks at me, her eyes wide and curious. “What is it, Hadrian?”

Taking a deep breath, I drop to one knee, and Harley’s hand flies to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears.

“Harley, you’ve brought so much light into my life. You’ve shown me what it means to truly love and be loved. You’re my home, no matter where we are. Will you marry me?”

The world seems to hold its breath as I wait for her answer. Her tears spill over, but she’s smiling. Her joy radiates from her like the sun.

“Yes, Hadrian,” she says, her voice trembling with emotion. “Yes, I will marry you.”

I slip the ring onto her finger, and standing, I pull her into my arms. Our kiss is full of promise and love, and with the waves crashing as if in celebration and the children’s laughter echoing around us, I feel like the luckiest man alive.

We stay there, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the sun sets. The future is bright and full of endless possibilities.

As we make our way back to the bike, hand in hand, I glance at her, my heart overflowing with love and gratitude.

“Thank you for saying yes,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.

She smiles, squeezing my hand. “Thank you for asking. I can’t wait to start this next chapter with you, Hadrian.”

The ride back to the inn has my head filled with thoughts of future plans and dreams. And as we pull into the car park, I know that no matter what comes our way, we’ll face it together, united by love and bound by the unbreakable promise we made at the Giant’s Causeway.

TWENTY-ONE

REV

The air is heavy with the scent of pine, and there’s the distant murmur of a stream as I make my way to the clearing where Hades and I have often sought refuge from the world. It’s a place of solace, and our secret haven nestled deep within the forest that’s a short distance from Belfast.

I’ve always found comfort in the familiarity of the towering trees and the gentle rustling of leaves, but today, there’s a nervous energy in my step.

I clutch the small velvet box in my pocket. Its weight is both a comfort and a reminder of the gravity of my actions. I proposed to Harley, and her smile and the tearful joy in her eyes are still vivid in my memory, playing over and over like a cherished reel. Now comes the hard part—telling Hades.

I know he won’t be angry. Well, maybe a bit upset that I didn’t tell him first. But I wanted Harley to say yes before I told anyone else. Deep down, I was afraid she’d say no. The fear of her walking away had been racing through my thoughts right up until the moment she accepted my proposal.

Hades is already there when I arrive, leaning against our favourite oak tree, lost in his thoughts. He looks up as I approach, his expression unreadable, and for a moment, I wonder if he already knows. We’ve always had this uncanny ability to sense each other’s emotions, even from a distance.

He’s dressed in his cut, dark jeans, and a white tee that looks like it’s seen better days. His hair isn’t as long as mine, but it’s tied into a bun at the back of his head.

“Brother, you look like a man with something on his mind,” he greets me with a smile.

I chuckle, trying to ease the tension in my own chest.

“You could say that,” I reply, taking a seat on the moss-covered ground opposite him.

The sunlight filters through the canopy and casts dappled shadows that dance around us. There’s a moment of silence, the kind that’s comfortable between brothers, but today it feels charged with anticipation. I take a deep breath, and the scent of earth and pine grounds me.

“I’ve done something, Hades,” I begin, my voice steady, despite the nerves. “Something significant. I know you’re going to be angry, but I needed to do it on my own.”

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