That North Carolina Summer

Chapter 38

A/N: Sexual Content, not super descriptive though.

I brush my hands off on my jeans as I step back to survey my work.

She is going to love it. I smile at the thought.

A blanket is spread on the sand, a few feet from the waves calmly crashing. Candles sit in the middle in between bowls of fruit, sweet dips, and yogurts. Sitting on the edge of the blanket is a wrapped package containing the sweatshirt, a few of her favorite candies, and on top of that, a small box with a beautiful tiny rose gold ferris wheel necklace.

The necklace was my favorite part. I had ordered it online two weeks ago and was so happy when it arrived just in time. The necklace itself was perfect, but the fact that it actually spun around made it even better. The ferris wheel was about the size of a dime, and had little diamond studs in each of the seats around the wheel. I loved it. It reminded me of the 4th of July, one of my favorite nights.

I glance down at my watch to check how I'm doing on time, and start back towards camp. Once back, I gently shake Rylie awake. I watch as her eyelids flutter and take in the details of her face. Freckles are sprinkled across her cheeks and nose. Her long, dark lashes brush the tops of her cheekbones. Her deep blue eyes open, clouded with sleep and connect with mine.

"Happy birthday, Ry. I've got a surprise for you." I whisper softly, enjoying the sleepy smile she gives me. "Can you get dressed and meet me on the deck?"

She nods before stretching. I leave her side and walk out the door.. Once outside, I lean against the railing and survey the morning view. The air is warm, and a small breeze tickles my skin. The sky shows a hint of pink as the sun prepares to rise, scattering the color over the quiet ocean. The smell of salt rides from the water on the wind, towards me. I inhale deeply, letting the familiar scent calm my nerves as I wait for Rylie.

She appears a moment later dressed in a long sleeve shirt and jeans, looking adorable as she rubs the last of sleep from her eyes.

"Are you ready?" I ask, and she nods, taking my outstretched hand in hers. I lead her down the stairs towards the beach. We walk in silence for a few seconds before she speaks.

"You didn't have to do anything, you know. For my birthday." She adds.

"I know. I wanted to, and you deserve it." We reach the blanket and Rylie gasps, her eyes widening.

"Aspen..." Her voice is a soft whisper. I grab her hand and gently pull her down to the blanket. "You did all of this?" She asks, her eyes shining. I nod, my lips pulling up in a smile. Rylie leans forward to cup my cheek, pressing her lips to mine.

"Thank you. No one has... no one has ever done something like this for me." Her voice is full of emotion.

"I wish everyone could see how amazing you are and just how much you deserve."

She kisses me once more before we turn to watch the sun peak above the ocean, ready to start its day. Once we finish eating, I hand her the big package, keeping the small box in my lap for last. Rylie grins as she sees the candy, and she gasps when she pulls out the sweatshirt.

"I love it! You got it that one day at the shops, didn't you?"

"I did! You made it so easy, too!" I laugh. Rylie slips on the sweatshirt, giving me an adorable grin. "Okay, last thing." I say, handing her the small box.

She grabs it gently, curiosity in her eyes. "Aspen, you're proposing so soon?" She fakes surprise. I laugh, shaking my head.

Not today. Hopefully one day...