The soft crash of waves echoed in the evening air as Olivia felt the warmth of Zack's hands gently covering her eyes. She let out a small laugh, trying to peek through his fingers, but he only tightened his hold playfully.
"Zack," she protested, her tone laced with amusement. "What are you up to?"
"Patience, princess," Zack's deep voice murmured against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
Zivia giggled beside her, clutching Olivia's hand tightly. The little girl was practically bouncing with excitement, her tiny feet barely touching the ground as she led her mother forward along the soft, cool sand.
"Momma, no peeking!" Zivia warned in a singsong voice.
Olivia chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, alright. But if I trip over something, you both are in trouble."
"You won't," Zack reassured, his breath tickling her skin as he guided her carefully. His hands remained firm over her eyes, ensuring she couldn't catch even a glimpse of what awaited her.
The salty breeze carried the scent of roses-fresh, intoxicating, and undeniably romantic. The gentle flicker of candlelight cast a golden glow over the setting sun, and soft petals crunched beneath their feet as they neared the destination.
Zivia suddenly released Olivia's hand, her excited squeal barely concealed.
"Zivia?" Olivia called out, a slight frown forming.
Zack, however, remained behind her, his hands still shielding her sight. He maneuvered her carefully, positioning her just right before his fingers slowly slid away.
"Open your eyes, princess," his voice was a husky whisper, filled with something unspoken, something deep.
As her lashes fluttered open, Olivia's breath hitched.
There, against the backdrop of the breathtaking sunset, stood an enormous heart-shaped floral arch, glowing softly with the golden-orange hues of dusk. A neon sign nestled within the heart read in elegant, cursive letters:
Will you marry me?
Her lips parted, a sharp inhale stealing her words. The scene was mesmerizing-white and blush rose petals scattered across the sand, flickering candles standing tall in glass holders, their flames dancing in the breeze. Sparkling fountains shot into the sky on either side, crackling like tiny stars against the canvas of twilight.
And in the middle of it all, Zack was on one knee.
A single ring gleamed between his fingers, catching the last rays of the sun. It was breathtaking-an intricate mix of silver and rose gold bands, intertwined like destiny itself, leading up to a stunning, sparkling diamond at its center.
Olivia's heart stopped.
Her hands flew to her mouth as her vision blurred with unshed tears.
"Zack..." she whispered.
His gaze held hers, unwavering, filled with nothing but love, adoration, and a hint of nervous anticipation.
---
Zack took a slow, steady breath, his fingers tightening around the ring as he gazed up at the woman who had been his past, his present, and the only future he ever wanted. His heart pounded, his emotions raw, stripped bare under the golden twilight.
"Olivia," his voice was thick with emotion, almost cracking under the weight of his words. "You are the woman of my dreams. You have been since the moment we met as kids, back when we were still in diapers, back when we were just two silly teenagers in love."
