Chapter 22
Josh
"Okay, so you have everything set?" Michelle's voice crackled through the phone.
"Yes, Michelle, I have everything set," I replied, trying to maintain my patience. Michelle, one of Brenna’s best friends, felt personally responsible for making sure the evening would go perfectly. I understood her concern, but I was equally invested in this evening since I would be asking Brenna to marry me.
"Okay, okay," Michelle said. "Once you give us the go-ahead, Alicia and I will head to the B&B to get everything decorated for the party. And you are certain she has no idea that all the guests for this week are actually people she knows?"
"I am positive," I said, smiling. "She has been checking in people all morning. She just texted me to say that everyone was there and that they seemed like a fun group."
I had asked several friends and colleagues to come and pose as vacationers for the week. Tonight, I was taking Brenna out for dinner. While we were gone, her parents, Michelle, Alicia, and three other friends from college would arrive and prepare for the surprise engagement party. They had flown into LAX the night before and stayed at a hotel by the airport. They would drive up and get everything decorated. When we returned from our date, we'd walk into a celebration with all the people Brenna loved.
Rylan had enlisted a few of his friends to help with the party, ensuring it would be a wonderful night. The past six months had flown by, but they had been absolutely wonderful. Rylan was thriving in high school, excelling in football, maintaining good grades, and actively participating in the debate club. He always enjoyed his weeks with Brenna, and their bond had grown strong.
My work transition has gone smoothly. We were now operating internationally, with new properties in Mexico and Canada, and I was becoming proficient in both Spanish and French. The Tides Pull Bed and Breakfast was more popular than ever, booked out months in advance, receiving rave reviews, and even featured on a travel television show.
Brenna and I had been dating the entire time, growing closer each day. It had been such a natural progression, and the only reason I had waited this long to propose was to arrange for everyone to be here for the party. I had known since our first date that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. If I were completely honest with myself, I had known since long before our first date.
"Okay," Michelle said. "I will stop second-guessing you now."
I laughed. "No, you won’t," I said, laughing. "But that’s okay. I know it’s because you love her. I love her, too, and we are going to make sure this night is everything she would ever want it to be."
Michelle laughed. "Okay, good," she said. "I am glad you know that my nagging comes from a good place, and I am also glad that you know I’m not going to stop!"
I thanked her again for all her help, and we ended the phone call. I looked at my watch and checked again to make sure the ring was in my pocket. I wasn’t picking Brenna up for another two hours, and I had nothing else to do but wait. I turned on the television and tried to pay attention to what was on the screen, but for the next hour and forty-five minutes, I kept eagerly checking my watch.
Finally, it was time to go. I jumped up, grabbed my phone, and texted Rylan.
Hey Ry - I’m heading out the door to get Brenna. You know the plan, right?
Rylan was at his friend’s house, but I knew he would respond immediately. In less than a minute, he answered.
Yes, I know the plan. I helped you come up with it, remember?
I laughed aloud as I read the message and saw the eye-rolling emoji he had sent. He was just teasing me. He was almost as excited about this event as I was.
Sweet. See you soon. Love you.
I wasn’t expecting a response, but I was touched when he answered me one last time.
Love you too. I’m stoked this is happening.
I smiled, thinking back to Rylan’s reaction when I told him I was thinking about proposing to Brenna.
"What’s there to think about?" he had asked. "She’s like the coolest girl ever."
He wasn’t wrong.
He had helped me pick out her ring and then asked if he could get her a gift of his own. I told him, of course, he could and asked what he was going to get, but he wanted it to be a surprise for both of us. He planned to give it to her after we got engaged, but that was all I knew.
As I arrived at the B&B, my heart pounded. I wasn’t exactly sure why I was so nervous since I knew she would say yes, but I figured it was just because it was such an important night. I grabbed the single red rose I had picked for her and rushed up to her door.
I knocked, and she opened it immediately. She was wearing a pretty pink sundress and sandals, her long, sun-streaked hair cascading in perfect waves around her shoulders. She looked absolutely beautiful.
"You are breathtaking," I said, handing her the rose and giving her a quick kiss.
"Thank you," she said, smiling. "I can say the same about you."
