Page 97 of One Night in Hawaii

“I did. I know it didn’t seem like it, but deep down I felt a connection to you.”

Her words were exactly what I needed to hear to reassure myself I was making the right move. The ring had been burning a hole in my pocket for too long. It was time to put it on her finger. I’d been carrying it around waiting for the right moment. I was terrified I was going to lose the damn thing.

My heart pounded in my chest as I held Shiloh’s hand, feeling the warmth of her touch intertwining with mine. The moonlight danced on the waves, casting a silver glow over the ocean, creating a magical ambiance around us. We walked along the shoreline with our feet bare and the sand between our toes. The gentle rush of the waves enveloped our feet.

I couldn’t contain the overwhelming emotions that were swelling inside me. I stopped walking and stepped in front of her. I looked into her eyes and I knew without a doubt there was no other person in the world I wanted to share my life with. With a shaky breath, I began to express what had been bottled up inside me for so long.

“Shiloh,” I whispered, my voice carrying a mix of vulnerability and deep affection. “You’ve changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. From the moment I met you, my world was forever altered. Your kindness, your laughter, your strength—they all touched me in a way I never thought possible.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and I knew she could feel the intensity of my emotions. With each passing moment, my love for her only grew stronger, and I knew that this was the perfect moment to take the next step in our journey together.

Taking a deep breath, I dropped to one knee on the soft, sandy shore, and a rush of adrenaline surged through me. My hands trembled slightly as I reached into my pocket and retrieved the small, velvet box. The cool night air mixed with my nervous excitement as I opened it, revealing a dazzling ring that sparkled like stars in the night sky.

“Shiloh,” I said, my voice catching with emotion. “I can’t imagine my life without you. You’ve brought so much joy and love into my world, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my days with you by my side. I know it’s fast and I’m cool waiting until you’re ready. I want you to know I am one hundred percent committed to you. I’m not going anywhere. I don’t think I could even function in this world without you. You are my other half. You are my heart and soul and life isn’t worth living if I can’t live it with you. Will you marry me?”

Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at me, her heart clearly moved by my words. The ocean seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for her response. Time stood still as I waited, my heart pounding louder with each passing second.

“Yes,” she finally whispered, her voice barely audible above the sound of the waves. “Yes, a thousand times yes!”

Relief and sheer happiness washed over me as I slid the ring onto her finger and stood up. Pulling her close, I kissed her softly, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude for this beautiful moment. Our souls became one in the moonlit embrace, and I knew that from this day forward, our lives would be forever entwined in a love that would withstand any tide.

We kissed, embracing tenderly. My world opened up and all I could see was the brightest future ever. She was mine.

“I wish you could see the ring,” I said, laughing.

She held it up. “I can a little.”

“I designed it for you,” I told her. “I want you to look at the ring and know every detail was intentional. It was with you in mind.”

“I love you,” she said. “You spoil me.”

“I want to spoil you. Please don’t ever tell me I have to stop. I need to shower you with love and gifts. I’m not trying to buy your love. I just love to make you happy. If I can give you something that contributes to that happiness, I’m going to do it.”

“I know,” she said. “You’re a generous man and I feel very, very fortunate you’re mine.”

“Always.”

“Let’s go back!” she said and jumped up and down. “I can’t wait to tell everyone!”

“Should we do it tonight?” I asked. “It’s supposed to be Ryder’s celebration.”

She snorted. “He’ll get over it. It’s a surf shop. I’m engaged!”

“We’re engaged,” I reminded her. “Me and you. Engaged.”

She laughed and tugged at my hand, leading me back toward the party. She burst into the gathering with her hand held high. “We’re engaged! We’re getting married!”

There was an explosion of cheers. Penelope practically knocked me over with her exuberant, slightly drunken hug. “Congrats, big brother. Now, you did it right. She’s a keeper.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I’m feeling pretty happy about it.”

“I’m happy for you.”

Ryder shook my hand. “Glad you took the leap of faith,” he said, grinning. “And I never doubted she would say yes.”

“Let’s see the ring,” Penelope exclaimed. She grabbed Shiloh’s hand and nearly put it in the fire in an attempt to see the ring.

“Is it blue?” Shiloh asked me with awe.

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