oxygen (e.d.)

short chapter 4: the proposal

{riley}

"will you tell me where we're going?" i giggle as he drags me along the sand.

"no," he looks back and grins.

as i follow him, i notice how he's wearing a white button up, with the sleeves rolled up. his pants are nice and he's even wearing his louis vuitton belt he got for his birthday last year.

"why so fancy?" i smirk.

"because," he shrugs, making me annoyed with the short answers.

he slows to a walk, still holding tightly to my hand.

i never want to let go.

"i have class tomorrow, ethan," i tease, "just tell me where we're going."

"sorry miss 'soon to be lawyer' but tonight is going to be taken slow, thank you very much."

i look over our surroundings and laugh.

"wait isn't this the-"

"close your eyes."

i hesitantly oblige, placing my hand to shield my eyes.

"i'm nervous."

"you shouldn't be," he says.

we walk a couple more feet, and he finally allows me to open my eyes.

i squint at the sunset light and scan the beach.

i look behind me and down at my feet.

rose petals.

aw.

"this is so cute-" i giggle and turn back around.

he kneels down so he's on one knee, and my heart stops.

oh my god.

ohmygodohmygodohmyogod

i must look shocked, because he laughs and reaches for my hand.

the butterflies in my stomach take over, just like the first day i met him.

i start to tear up, and he hasn't even really said anything yet.

"riley kate romano," he starts in a low voice, almost a whisper, "it's crazy to think i fell in love with a bubbly, bright, gorgeous, and talented 18 year old seven years ago."

i clamp my other hand over my mouth, making sure i don't ruin the moment with my sobs.

"— my love for you has only grown stronger, and i want to spend the rest of my life with you."

i can't control the tears escaping down my cheeks as i look at the love of my life on one knee in front of me. he pulls out a small, velvet box from his pocket and opens it. inside is the most gorgeous ring i've ever seen.

"so, riley kate, will you give me the pleasure of marrying you?"

i can't even speak, let alone breathe, so i can only nod my head quickly and get out, "yes. yes of course."

he carefully slips the ring onto my left hand and it fits perfectly.

as he stands up, i hear claps around me.

i look to see my mom and dad, along with lisa and my brother standing a distance away. i wave, a smile on my face that reaches to my ears.

with a sweep of his hands, he pulls me in for a long, loving kiss.

"i love you," i choke out, feeling a little more controlled.

"i love you more." he mumbles against my neck, "and i can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."