The Time Weaver

Part 15 - A Moment By the Sea

The evening breeze carried the scent of salt and the distant sound of crashing waves as Hazel and I walked hand in hand along the shoreline. The beachside cafe had been a perfect choice for our date, its cozy ambiance and the soft glow of string lights creating an intimate atmosphere.

As we strolled along the water's edge, I couldn't help but steal glances at Hazel, admiring the way the moonlight danced on her hair and the gentle curve of her smile. She caught me staring a few times, and each time, she would blush and playfully nudge me, making my heart skip a beat.

We found a secluded spot where the sand met the water, and I turned to face her, taking both of her hands in mine. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver sheen over the ocean, and the rhythmic sound of the waves provided a soothing backdrop to our conversation.

"Hazel," I began, my voice soft but determined. "Tonight has been incredible. Being here with you, it just feels... right."

She smiled warmly, squeezing my hands gently. "I feel the same way, Eric."

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "I've been thinking... about us. About where we go from here."

Hazel's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of anticipation dancing in her gaze. "What do you mean?"

I hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "I want to be with you, Hazel. Officially. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Her breath caught in her throat, and a radiant smile spread across her face. "Yes, Eric. I'd love that."

Relief washed over me, followed by an overwhelming surge of happiness. I pulled her gently into my arms, holding her close as if to seal the moment with an embrace. Hazel leaned into me, her head resting against my chest, and I could feel the steady rhythm of her heartbeat echoing my own.

Leaning back slightly, I lifted her chin with a gentle touch, meeting her eyes with an intensity born of newfound certainty. Without another word, I leaned in and kissed her softly, savoring the sweetness of the moment, the taste of salt on her lips mingling with the warmth of her breath.

The kiss deepened, a silent promise of the connection we had forged, the unspoken understanding between us growing stronger with each heartbeat. Our hands intertwined, fingers brushing against the cool sand beneath us, as we melted into each other's embrace under the canopy of stars.

When we finally parted, Hazel's cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright with unspoken emotions. "Eric..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the waves.

I brushed a strand of hair from her face, a smile tugging at my lips. "I'm so glad you said yes."

She leaned in, resting her forehead against mine. "Me too."

We stayed like that for a while, basking in the afterglow of our confession and the promise of a future together. As we walked back to the car, hand in hand, I knew that this was just the beginning of our journey-a journey filled with love, laughter, and the shared joy of finding each other once again.