Forever.

Chapter 29: Technically

Claire's P.O.V. (Continued)

My heart pounds in my chest, filling my ears with it's fast rhythm.

Is he really doing this? What will I say?

"Braden," I say with nervousness.

"I'm not going to lie, I am really nervous right now." He says.

"What are you doing?" I ask. He repositions himself on his knee and clears his throat.

"I never thought in a million years that I would be capable of loving someone this much, but then you came into my life and turned it upside down. You showed me something that I had never seen before. You showed me love and how it's worth fighting for. Other people get fairy tales and rainbows, but that's not what we got. We didn't get the most ideal circumstances, but the cards we were dealt helped us develop a genuine relationship based on respect for each other.

"And, oh my god, I respect you so much. You are the strongest person I have ever met. You're kind, funny, smart, brave, honest, and so so beautiful. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but when I see a picture of you, I can only think of three. I love you.

"I know that you're going to say that we're too young and that neither of us should be ready for this kind of commitment, so I'm going to ensure that nothing will be able to get in the way of our relationship until we are ready. So, this ring will symbolize my promise that I will always be there for you no matter what happens and that I will always love you. Will you promise to do the same?" He asks.

Tears form in my eyes and a smile comes across my face. I cover my mouth with my right hand and laugh a little.

I nod.

"Yes," I say with my hand still over my mouth. "Yes," I say again as I remove my hand.

He slides the ring on my finger with a smile. He stands up and wraps his arms around me. I lightly giggle in his ear and he kisses my neck.

"I love you," he whispers over the sound of the ocean.

"I love you too." I say.

He pulls back and leaves his hands on my waist and I clasp my hands together behind his neck. I smile and bite my lip, causing him to smile in return.

"When did you plan this?" I ask.

"Few days ago. I was actually going to do it yesterday, but we were a little...occupied." He says with a smirk.

I blush and look down.

"Yeah," I say.

"Hey, I told you not too fancy." He says.

I pick my head up.

"You think this is fancy?" I ask.

He nods.

"This is not fancy." I say.

"Then why are you so beautiful right now?" He asks.

"Because you're happy, that's why." I say as I ruffle his hair with my free hand.

He smirks and looks me up and down multiple times.

"Stop!" I say as I hit his chest.

"Fine, do you wanna go get something to eat?" He asks.

"Sure." I say. He takes my hand in his and we walk off.

The sky is still an orange color, now with a very faint tint of blue. The ocean water comes up and runs over our feet, and it's cold.