Page 53 of Small Town CEO Grump

“I am so glad,” I said.

“Me too,” he said. “So when are you going to ask her?”

“Let me talk with your grandparents,” I said. “I want to have a party at their house afterwards, so I need to find out when they are available.”

“They’re always available,” Tyler said, confidently.

I loved how matter-of-fact Tyler was, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“That’s good to know,” I said. “I am going to call them in a little bit. But you can keep this a surprise for your mom, right?”

“Of course!” he said, nodding his head excitedly.

“Okay, good. I will know more later when exactly it is going to happen. But let me tell you my plan of how I want to propose. I am going to have you be a part of it, if you are willing.”

“You want me to be part of it?” he asked.

“Yes, I do.”

“Okay, wow. Tell me the plan.”

***

I took a deep breath as I stood and looked out at the ocean. I was standing at the exact spot where Jenna and I had shared our first kiss, and I couldn’t believe that in just a few short moments I would be asking her to be my wife. I was so excited, and more than ready, but I still felt nervous.

As I glanced up I saw Tyler walking down the shore with his mom. The plan had been that he would ask Jenna if she would take him to the beach to look for shells, and then I would be there to propose.

I smiled as I thought about how excited he was to be part of the proposal. I loved the relationship that Tyler and Jenna had. It was such a strong and unique bond, and I was so thankful that they allowed me to be around them and had welcomed me in.

As they got nearer to me Jenna looked over, and her face lit up as she saw me. For a moment she looked confused, and then a huge smile spread across her face as she realized what was happening. She looked down at Tyler and he nodded, then gave her a hug.

She then turned and walked towards me.

“Hello,” I said, once she was standing next to me.

“Hello,” she replied, her voice full of emotion.

“Do you recognize this spot?” I asked, smiling.

Jenna nodded. “Of course. It’s where I had the best kiss of my life.”

I smiled. “What a coincidence. Me too.”

Jenna smiled as I reached into my pocket. I got down on one knee.

My eyes filled with tears as I looked up at her and held out the ring.

“Jenna, I love you. More than I ever knew I could love someone. Would you do me the tremendous honor of being my wife?” I asked.

“Yes,” Jenna said, tears spilling down her beautiful face. “Absolutely yes.”

I stood up and wrapped my arms around her. As I kissed her I heard Tyler cheering.

Jenna laughed and we both turned towards Tyler, motioning for him to come and join us. He ran towards us as fast as he could, and the three of us stood on the sand, hugging one another.

“Did you know about this?” Jenna asked, looking down at Tyler.

“Yes!” he said, smiling broadly. “I have known about it for like a week, and kept it a secret the whole time. See, Ryan? I told you I could keep it a secret.”

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