Chapter 36
Violet
It’s a Saturday in late March, and Austin surprises me with a trip to the river. As soon as he tells me where we’re headed, a surge of excitement bubbles up inside me. The secret waterfall, our secret waterfall, just the thought of returning fills me with anticipation.
The past few months have been a whirlwind. Austin has been swamped with several big projects, and I’ve thrown myself into finishing my degree. It’s exciting to think that by the end of this year, I’ll finally graduate, but the exhaustion of juggling work, Adrian’s homework, and my studies has left little room for anything else.
But today is different. Adrian is spending the day with Josy, and for once, I don’t have to think about schedules or deadlines. It’s just me and Austin, and as we drive, the familiar landscape begins to unravel the knots of stress I’ve been carrying.
The trees along the roadside are budding with fresh, green leaves, and patches of wildflowers peek out from the edges of the path. The warm sunlight streams through the car windows, kissing my skin with a promise of spring. I let my head rest against the seat, watching the world blur by, the memory of our first trip to the waterfall dancing in my mind.
Austin glances over at me, his lips curving into a smile. “You seem happy,” he says, reaching across the console to take my hand.
“I am,” I reply, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ve missed this place. And I’ve missed you. Just...you, without the noise of everything else.”
He nods, his expression softening, a mix of understanding and affection in his eyes. “I know. It’s been a crazy few months, but today’s just about us. No distractions, I promise.”
The sincerity in his voice warms me more than the sun ever could.
When we reach the trailhead, the scent of fresh earth and pine greets us like an old friend. The weather is perfect—not too warm, with a soft breeze that carries the first hints of blooming flowers. The path crunches beneath our boots as we begin the hike, and the rhythm of our steps match the easy flow of our conversation.
We talk about everything and nothing, our words weaving together like the branches above us. He tells me about the latest project he’s been working on, and I share my excitement about graduation. But there’s also a beautiful silence between us at times, the kind that speaks volumes without a single word.
When we finally reach the waterfall, it’s even more breathtaking than I remember. The water spills over the rocks in a silver cascade, catching the sunlight and turning it into a shimmering dance. The sound is steady and soothing, like nature’s heartbeat.
Austin and I find a flat rock near the edge, setting down our things before slipping off our shoes and stepping into the clear, cool water. The shock of it makes me gasp, and Austin laughs, splashing me playfully.
“Hey!” I protest, laughing as I splash him back.
The next few moments dissolve into pure, unfiltered joy. We laugh until our sides ache, the sound bouncing off the cliffs and mingling with the roar of the falls. The water is chilly but refreshing, its crispness waking up parts of me I didn’t even know were tired.
Austin swims closer, his hands circling my waist. His touch is steady, grounding me in the moment. “I missed this,” he says, his voice barely louder than the water around us.
“Me too,” I whisper, my arms looping around his neck.
For the first time in months, everything feels right, simple, easy, and exactly as it should be.
“Come with me,” Austin says, his voice low and steady as he reaches for my hand. The cool water swirls around us as he leads me closer to the waterfall. The cascade thunders above, creating a misty veil that sparkles like diamonds in the sunlight.
We slip behind the curtain of water, the roar muting the outside world, enclosing us in a private sanctuary. The hidden cave feels alive, the damp rock walls glistening and the air cool and charged with energy.
Austin turns to face me, his eyes serious, yet soft. My breath catches when he reaches into the pocket of his swim trunks and pulls out a small box. The moment seems to stretch, suspended like a drop of water before it falls.
He opens the box to reveal a solitaire diamond ring, the stone catching the dim light and throwing a prism of colors against the damp stone. I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth as tears instantly sting my eyes.
“Violet,” he begins, his voice thick with emotion, “I never thought I was worthy of love. I spent thirty-five years convinced that the kind of love my parents had was out of reach for me. I had high walls, high standards, and a belief that maybe I wasn’t meant for that kind of happiness. But then you came into my life.” His eyes bore into mine, glistening with unshed tears. “You’ve brought so much joy, so much light, that you’ve transformed my world. You’ve shown me beauty in the smallest things, in every detail, every moment we’ve shared. You’ve opened my heart in ways I never thought possible. I can’t imagine a future without you, Violet. Will you marry me?”
The words hang in the air, echoing softly against the cave walls, mingling with the sound of the water.
I nod quickly, tears spilling freely as my voice catches in my throat. “Yes, Austin. Yes!”
His shoulders relax, and a brilliant smile breaks across his face as I throw my arms around him. “Oh my gosh, Austin, you make me so happy. I never thought I would find someone like you, someone who could see me, truly see me, for everything I am.”
I step back just enough to place my hand on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palm.
“After my divorce, I thought I was broken,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “I thought I wasn’t enough—ugly, fat, unlovable. But you... You’ve shown me what true love is. You’ve helped me see that I am worthy, that I am beautiful, and that even my flaws are part of what makes me whole. I love you, Austin. I love you, and I can’t wait to grow old with you by my side.”
His hand covers mine, pressing it firmly against his heart. “You don’t have to thank me for loving you, Violet. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I was done for. And I promise, I will spend the rest of my life showing you just how much you mean to me.”
I let out a soft sob as he slips the ring onto my finger, the cool metal grounding me in the reality of this perfect moment. He cups my face, and our lips meet, a kiss full of promises and love, the sound of the waterfall blending with the rush of my heartbeat.
After what feels like an eternity yet no time at all, Austin pulls back slightly, his forehead resting against mine. “We should get dressed,” he says with a small smile. “I’m taking you to dinner to celebrate.”
I laugh softly, brushing away the tears still clinging to my cheeks. “I’d go anywhere with you.”
He grins, his fingers lacing through mine. “Good, because this is just the beginning, Violet. Our beginning.”
We swim back to our spot, the cool water invigorating yet calming. After drying off, we change into our clothes, and as we leave the waterfall, I can’t help but steal glances at the ring sparkling on my finger. Excitement bubbles inside me like a secret that I can’t wait to share with the world. The sun is setting and we need to hurry up before night falls. It would be very hard to walk on this trail without light. When we are finally near the end of the trail Austin takes my hand and guides me along the path toward the park’s pavilion. There’s a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, and I know he’s up to something.
“What’s going on?” I ask, narrowing my eyes playfully.
“You’ll see,” he says with a soft chuckle.
As we approach the pavilion, I notice fairy lights strung across the beams, their glow turning the space into something magical. The sound of voices reaches me, and I spot a gathering of familiar faces. My breath catches when I realize what’s happening—a surprise engagement party.
When we step into the pavilion, cheers erupt, filling the air with joy and excitement. “Congratulations!” everyone calls out, their smiles lighting up the night.
Josy is the first to rush over, her arms flung wide as she embraces me tightly. “Oh my God, Violet! I’m so happy for you both!” she exclaims, her eyes shimmering with emotion.
Before I can respond, Adrian bolts toward me, his face glowing with delight. “Mom! Look at all the decorations! Isn’t this awesome?”
I hug him, brushing a hand over his hair. “It’s perfect, sweetheart. Just like today.”
Austin’s family gathers around next. Elena, one of his younger sisters, steps forward, balancing her toddler on her hip. Her warmth radiates as she pulls me into a hug. “Welcome to the family, Violet. We’re thrilled for you and Austin!”
Hailey, his other sister, grins as she approaches with her little one toddling beside her. “Congratulations! I can’t wait for more family get-togethers and to see what a beautiful bride you’ll be.”
Beckett, Austin’s youngest brother, stands nearby, his resemblance to Austin uncanny. He steps up with an easy smile, shaking my hand firmly. “Welcome, Violet. I’ve never seen my brother this happy. You’re clearly his better half.”
I laugh, my heart brimming with gratitude, and glance at Austin, who watches me with a love so evident that it’s almost overwhelming.
My parents and brother are here too, their smiles reflecting pride and happiness. Everywhere I look, I see faces that have shaped our lives in so many ways.
Noah and Esteban stroll up to Austin, pulling him into a series of dramatic bro hugs.
“You’re so lucky that Vi said yes,” Esteban says with a sly grin. “Imagine if she said no. Talk about awkward.”
“Dude, don’t be a jerk,” Noah says, rolling his eyes.
“What? It’s true!” Esteban shrugs. “He was so confident, strutting around like of course she’ll say yes. I’m just saying, backup plans are important.”
Austin smirks. “Backup plans? Like your Saturday nights, Esteban?”
Noah doubles over laughing, and I shake my head, grinning at their internal joke. Esteban pretends to be offended, clutching his chest as if he’s been stabbed. “Wow. So this is how it’s gonna be, huh? Betrayed at an engagement party. Congratulations, Vi. You’re marrying a comedian.”
I lean into Austin, flashing a grin at the group. “I’m marrying the love of my life,” I say, wiggling my eyebrows. “And I love his confidence. Besides, didn’t you know that Austin is the hottest man on this planet?”
Esteban gasps dramatically. “What? Are you kidding me? I am way sexier than this guy!” He strikes a pose, pointing at his own chest like he’s about to audition for a modeling gig. “You’re just lucky Austin saw you first. There’s no way you’d be able to resist all of this,” he says, flexing his muscles like he’s about to break the space-time continuum.
I burst out laughing, glancing at Austin, who’s trying to hide his grin. “I’m pretty sure I’d resist the temptation, Esteban,” I tease, “but thanks for the offer.”
“No, seriously,” Esteban says, still posing. “You’d be on your knees begging for a date with me.”
Noah is shaking his head, snickering. “You really don’t have the self-awareness to stop, do you?”
Esteban shrugs, clearly unbothered. “Confidence is key, my friend.”
Austin raises an eyebrow. “And that’s why you’ll end up alone for the rest of your life. I don’t think any self-respecting woman would put up with your crazy shit.”
Esteban throws his hands up in mock protest, following Noah as they start debating the surprising number of women who would love to date him.
“Don’t worry, man,” Esteban says, still grinning. “I’m like a magnet for women. The right one will come along eventually. You’ll see.”
Noah laughs, shaking his head. “Yeah, if by ‘right one’, you mean the kind of woman who loves a good circus.”
I watch them walk off, shaking my head. “Your friends are crazy.”
He chuckles, leaning into me. “Tell me about it. But they do keep things interesting.”
Austin pulls me closer, still smirking. “Yeah, I’ll give them that. At least they’re not boring .”
Austin wraps his arm around me, pulling me close as I lean into him. His voice is soft in my ear. “I wanted to celebrate with everyone who’s important to us. You deserve nothing less.”
Tears fill my eyes as I look up at him. “This is more than I’ve ever dreamed of. Thank you.”
The evening unfolds in a blur of hugs, laughter, and heartfelt toasts. The food is delicious, the music lively, and the pavilion hums with the love and joy of everyone gathered. I show off my ring, and it’s passed around as everyone admires the elegant solitaire Austin chose.
Pictures are snapped, stories shared, and the night feels endless and fleeting all at once. As the celebration begins to wind down, I find myself sitting beside Austin on the pavilion’s steps, the soft glow of the lights illuminating the love in his gaze.
I reach for his hand, intertwining my fingers with his. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “For all of this. For everything.”
He kisses my forehead, his lips lingering as if to seal the moment. “I love you, Violet. This is just the beginning of our forever.” I glance back at the pavilion, where the people we love most laugh and chat, the night wrapping us all in its tender embrace. “You know, I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, Violet.”