by L A Morgan
“Whatever this is,” he commented, “it’s much heavier than I expected.”
At last, he drew it onto the pier. The item turned out to be a black, plastic bag. It was tightly sealed.”
“Open it!” Laurel demanded in excitement.
“That’s your job,” he said with a smile.
Without wasting any more time, the woman opened the bag. Her eyes gleamed when she saw what was inside. The large collection of jewelry sparkled in the sunlight.
After looking around to make sure nobody was watching them, Michael softly said, “It looks like we’ve found Aladdin’s treasure.”
“I’m starting to believe in fairytales,” she whispered back.
* * * *
Later that day, Laurel and Michael received the reward money in a formal ceremony at City Hall. The media was there to capture the moment. The couple was presented with an oversized check for $100,000. The people from Costa Rica had added to the reward.
Smiling for the photographers, Laurel whispered to Michael, “My parents might see this on the news.”
“Maybe you should call to tell them first,” Michael suggested.
“As soon as we get back to the motel.”
After that, the city officials and theft victims had arranged a special dinner party in the couple’s honor. Laurel’s face started to hurt from smiling so much. She had never before felt so happy.
When they finally got back to The Oasis, Michael suggested they might walk on the beach for awhile. Laurel instantly agreed. She still felt too excited to go back inside.
As they walked along the shore, Michael said, “It feels good to be alive.”
“It certainly does,” Laurel replied. “The Cat’s going to go to jail for a long time, and we each have $50,000 for putting him there.”
“You’re the one who found the jewels, Laurel. I want you to have the whole reward.”
“Don’t be silly. I never could have done it without you.”
“You not only could have, but you would have. You’re the one that spotted him all those times.”
“And if you hadn’t taken me on those nice dates, I wouldn’t have seen him at all.”
“I don’t want to argue about this now. Let’s discuss it tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” Laurel repeated wistfully. “The last day of our vacation.”
Saying this, she stopped walking to stare out at the ocean. The eastern pressure front had passed. Now, the waves lapped gently on the shore in a soothing rhythm. Michael also stopped and turned to look at her.
After a moment, she quietly said, “After that, I won’t see you anymore.”
The man suddenly broke into laughter.
“You’re laughing,” she stated. “Why?”
“You’re not going to shake me off that easily, Laurel.”
“Why?” she repeated.
“Because I love you.”
Seeing her look of doubt, he went on, “I know we’ve had our differences in the past, but when I thought you were dead, the truth slammed home. I’d been fool to let my grief come in the way of what I’ve found. The thought of losing you was more than I could bear.”
“Oh, Michael. I love you, too.”
The man looked deeply into her eyes. They were filled with undeniable longing. Tears suddenly streamed down his cheeks.
“Laurel, my angel,” he whispered. “You’ve brought me back from the dead. Will you marry me?”
“That will solve the problem about the reward money,” Laurel mischievously replied.
“Is that a yes?” Michael felt compelled to ask.
“Of course it is!” Laurel cried, flying into his arms.
The tide swept in over their feet, but they didn’t even notice.
* * *
