Happier With You | ✓

Chapter 7

**TRIGGER WARNING!!** THIS CHAPTER INCLUDES SENSITIVE TOPICS.

"Why are we here?" I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity as we walked along the shore. The ocean stretched endlessly before us, the waves rolling in with a rhythmic crash. A soft breeze carried the scent of saltwater, and the golden hues of the setting sun painted everything in warm, dreamy colors.

Cody didn't answer right away. Instead, he laid down a blanket on the sand, his movements careful but sure. He pulled a small picnic basket from his backpack and began unpacking its contents. Two sandwiches, a bowl of strawberries, and a thermos of what I assumed was hot chocolate.

"Just trust me." He finally said, flashing me that familiar, easygoing smile.

I raised an eyebrow but sat down beside him, watching as he poured two cups of cocoa. "Okay. But this better be good." I teased, trying to hide the way my heart fluttered at the effort he had put into this.

Cody chuckled and reached for my hand, his touch warm despite the cool evening air.

"Give me your hand." His voice was soft but certain.

I hesitated for only a moment before resting my hand in his. His grip was gentle but firm, and I felt the steady rise and fall of his breathing.

"Now close your eyes."

A giggle escaped me. "Cody-"

"Just trust me. London."

With a small sigh of surrender, I let my eyelids flutter shut, feeling the weight of the moment settle around us. The world melted into nothing but the rhythmic crashing of the waves, the distant cry of seagulls, and the warmth of Cody's presence beside me.

For a few seconds, everything was still. Then, I felt his hand slip away, leaving me momentarily adrift.

"Stay there. And no peeking." His voice had shifted-lighter, teasing-but beneath it, there was something else. A quiet sort of intensity.

I obeyed, my heart drumming a little faster in my chest.

"Cody?" I asked. "Baby where are you?"

"Just a second." He murmured.

The suspense was almost unbearable. I felt the sand shift beneath him as he moved, heard the faint rustle of fabric, and then-

"Okay. Open your eyes."

I blinked them open and gasped.

In front of me, nestled in a small velvet box, was a promise ring. A delicate band with a single, sparkling diamond that caught the sunlight in a breathtaking display of colors.

"Oh my." The words barely left my lips.

Cody exhaled, running a hand through his hair before meeting my gaze. "I know what you're thinking." He said quickly. "And before you say anything, just hear me out."

My throat tightened. "Cody."

"I know things are complicated right now." He took my hand again, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. "With the move. With everything happening in our lives. But none of that changes how I feel about you." His voice softened. "I love you London Wesley. And I don't want to wait around, wondering what's going to happen to us. I want you to know that no matter where life takes us-Utah, here, anywhere-I'm with you. Always."

My chest ached in the best and worst way. I glanced at the ring, at Cody's hopeful expression, and for a moment, I felt like the whole world had stilled.

"But, Cody." I hesitated, not wanting to ruin the moment but knowing I couldn't ignore the truth. "What about... your treatments?"

A shadow crossed his face, but he didn't waver. "London. I don't want my cancer to define everything. I don't want it to be this big, looming thing that stops us from living." He swallowed hard, his fingers tightening slightly around mine. "I don't know what the future holds. I wish I did. But what I do know is that I want you in it."