by Scott Wylder
“I’m going to go get us some waters and sunscreen, baby girl,” I said. “Do you want anything?”
“Can I have ice cream?”
“Not before dinner, baby girl. Don’t want to ruin your appetite.”
She pouted, but nodded.
I walked away to a nearby vendor and grabbed waters and sunscreen. I stopped before I returned to Katie. I felt in my pocket and found the engagement ring I had bought a month ago. I took a deep breath. I could do this. I already knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. But, I was so nervous.
I pulled out my phone and called Ethan. “Hey, man,” I said. “I don’t know if I can propose to her. I think I’m losing my nerve.”
He snorted. “You? The hotshot lawyer is losing his nerve?”
“She might think it’s too soon.”
“Look, you love her. You already know you want to be with her forever. The two of you could always have a long engagement. Just pop the question, man. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
“You’re right,” I said, taking a deep breath. “Just so you know, when it’s your turn, I’m not going to let you chicken out either.”
Ethan laughed. “Me getting married. That’ll be the day.” There was a hint of longing in his voice, though.
“Okay. I’ll tell you how it turns out, okay?”
“I’d better be your best man.”
I hung up and started back towards Katie. She was making a small moat around the sand castle and didn’t see me as I walked up.
“What have I told you about being more aware of your surroundings?” I said gently but firmly.
“I knew it was you.” She gave me a huge grin.
I sat down next to her on the sand. “Listen, Katie, I have a serious question to ask you. A grown-up question.”
She frowned. “I—is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?”
“No, no, of course not.”
Shit, I was already messing this up.
“It’s just. . .” I pulled the ring out of my pocket and held it in my palms. “I love you so much and I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of you. I want to make you happy and safe forever and I was wondering…. would you marry me?” I held the ring out towards her.
She stared, stunned.
“A—are you sure?”
“I wouldn’t have bought the ring if I wasn’t.”
She grinned and launched herself at me, throwing her arms around my neck.
“Oh my gosh, yes! Yes! I love you!”
I smiled, feeling relief and happiness welling up inside me.
“I love you baby girl,” I whispered as I pulled her close to me. Before she could change her mind, I slipped the ring on her finger. She stared at it, a slight smile on her face. “You’re everything to me.”
She hugged me tighter, smiling. “You’re everything to me too, Daddy.”
I hope you enjoyed the first book, and thank you for reading. Aren’t Katie and Jake perfect for each other? Poor Ethan is still looking for his own Little. Follow him on his journey to find love in the next book!
Jake and Katie are engaged and on their way to Happily Ever After, but their story still isn’t finished. Click here to receive the epilogue for FREE to know what happens to them next!
Copyright © 2021 by Scott Wylder
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