Fate

Let's Celebrate

LUKE'S POV



I was helping set up the party with Grace. She and James came over at about 8 am (which is way too early for me if I might say) so it could all be ready by the time Bridget wakes up.

James and I cooked breakfast while Grace cleaned up. I had a special gift planned for Bridget. It was why I needed to know if she truly loved me or not.

Honestly, I've missed her since we broke up. I've tried to find other girls that were like her which I knew was a mistake because they would just remind me more of her. I thought it would make me feel better if they were like her.

I always dated blondes with blue eyes. They were nothing like her though. Now that I have her I can't let her slip away from me. Just to make sure of that, I'm making a promise with her.

Right when I'm home I have to break up with Dara. I can't lose Bridget by telling her. Therefore she won't find out. I don't want to fight with her anymore. I just want us.

"Luke, I think we're ready," Grace said excitedly peeking her head through the kitchen door. "When you guys are finished in here would you mind waking Bridget up? I sure she'd be happy to wake up to you. I usually jump on her."

I chuckled at her. "Will do chief!" I said giving her a small solute. She closed the door and I looked at the clock; 9:13. She should be waking up any minute now. I turned toward James.

"James do you love Grace? Like... would you marry her?" I sound like a chic. I shrugged.

"In a heartbeat," he said passing me with plates of food. He walked straight into the dining room.

I sighed and followed him with the rest of the food. There was bacon, eggs, toast, fruit salad, and a few omelets. We did good! It smelled great.

I took a deep breath and walked towards Bridget's room. I slowly turned the knob. She was still sleeping and I walked to her side and sat on the bed.

I pushed the hair that came loose from her braid out of her face and kissed her forehead. "Morning birthday girl!" I said softly.

She rapidly blinked her eyes and stretched her arms. "Hi." She smiled.

"C'mon up birthday girl! You're 23 now!" I pulled her out of bed and out the door. I went behind her and wrapped my arms around waist and rested my head on her shoulder as we walked. Grace and James' faces went to a huge smile.

"Happy Birthday!" They both yelled.

She ran from my grasp and hugged Grace. "Thank you," I heard her say.

"It wasn't just me," Grace said pulling back. "I had help from your wonderful boyfriend and this lump!" She said pointing to James.

"Hey! At least I was being a helpful lump!" He said trying to defend himself. He crossed his arms.

"My helpful lump," Grace said kissing his cheek. James pulled her to his side, wrapping his arm around her hip.

"So what are we doing today?" Bridget asked in excitement.

I looked at Grace and shrugged. "Whatever. I think we were just gonna hang around and drink," I said.

"Just party, I guess." Grace added.

"Good enough for me! Let's eat!" Bridget said grabbing a plate.

***

Everyone ate their food which was very tasty if I do say so myself... I was waiting for the perfect time to do my gift. We only had 2 days left together and I will make em' count.

"Bridget could you come outside with me for minute?" I asked when she looked like she was about done with breakfast.

"Of course babe," she took my hand and we walked out the back door. I took one more glance at James over my shoulder and he winked at me. He already knew my plan.

We walked down the beach towards the water but I stopped her about midway. "Bridget... I really wanna give something to you." I took her hand and looked her dead in the eyes.

"What is it?" She sounded nervous.

I took a deep breath. I got down on one knee and looked into her eyes. She looked afraid. I pulled the ring from pocket and opened the box.

"Bridget this isn't a proposal," I said softly and relief washed over her face. Was she that afraid to marry me? "This is a promise. A promise that someday we will get married and have a family. This is a promise that you're mine and mine only." I said softly.

Her eyes look conflicted. It looked like she was thinking about what to say. Please say yes.... Please, please, please.

"So what do you say?" I gave her the best smile I could which wasn't that great. She swallowed and took a breath.

She pulled my arms up and brought me to a standing position. Is that a no?

"Luke... Do you... Are you really ready for that kind of commitment? I feel like we're taking this too fast," she looked up at me with worry in her eyes.

"Bridget I'm in this one hundred percent if you are. I'm only ready with you. Please be mine." I said taking her hand again. "I love you."

She looked as if she was about to cry. She hugged me and I could feel her head nodding on my chest.

My face turned into a giant grin and I hugged her tighter. I pulled back and slipped my ring on her finger. She looked up at me and smiled. She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me down for a long kiss.



GRACE'S POV

"What is he doing out there?" I asked James. He was looking through the sliding glass door.

"He's giving her a promise ring," He smiled.

"Awe! How cute!" I clapped my hands and watched them hug. "We are gonna have so much fun tonight!" I explained.

"Of course we are! Because you planned such an amazing day." He said walking towards me.

"I didn't do anything. All we're gonna do is drink and party!" I chuckled.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and looked at my eyes. "Well she's happy. So you did everything right." He kissed my forehead.

"Um... Those aren't my lips." I teased. I pulled him down to my lips and was laughing in between.

My laugh was contagious and made him laugh. Luke and Bridget came back inside and pulled me aside.

"Grace did you just see that? I said yes to his promise! A promise that we would someday get married..." Bridget said excitedly.

"Bridget, that's great! I'm so glad you trust him enough to do this." I'm so happy for her.

"Grace... I also never got to tell you that we... kind of.. had... Well we did the 'deed' if you wanna say that." She whispered to me.

"You what? When was this?" I asked. Why didn't she tell me earlier?

"It was about three days ago... I wanted to tell you before but you were having your meltdown about breaking up with James!"

"Okay... That's fine. We will talk about that when we get home. Now let's just have fun! It's your birthday!" I blasted the music and pulled out the drinks I bought this morning. "Let's get this party on!" I yelled holding up a Mike's Hard Lemonade.

"Grace... It's only 11 o'clock." James said grabbing the drink from my hand.

"So! It's 5 o'clock somewhere," I said grabbing my drink back and winking at him. The wise words of Jimmy Buffet.