Chapter Twenty-six
Kade
I pace the length of my room, a plan coming together in the back of my mind.
A plan that’s equal parts crazy and amazing. I need to let Emma know how I feel about her, and that I don’t want to lose her. So it”s got to be something that screams “you”re my everything.”
Emma deserves that and so much more. I chuckle, thinking how she gets that cute crease between her eyebrows when she”s surprised. Today, I”m aiming for that look.
I run my hand through my hair and make the call. And I get the answer I was hoping for. Things seem to be falling perfectly into place, and I’m relieved. Finally, things are working out for us.
My heart is racing with adrenaline. This is it. The day I lay it all on the line. No more hiding, no more playing it cool. Emma”s going to know just how deep this bad boy has fallen for her.
“Hey, Em,” I say as soon as she picks up. I can”t help the smile that spreads across my face at the sound of her voice.
“Hey! What”s up?” Her tone is light, curious. She has no idea what I”ve got planned.
“Get ready for an adventure,” I say, trying to keep the nerves out of my voice. “Pack an overnight bag, and I’ll pick you up in thirty.”
“An adventure?” She lets out a happy laugh, a sound I want to keep hearing for the rest of my life and damn, it revs me up. “With you? Always.”
“Trust me,” I say. “This day... it”s going to be special.”
We’ve spent the last several weeks together, laughing, teasing, and loving, and I’m ready for more of her - all of her.
“Everything with you is special,” she says, and I can almost see the blush that must be dusting her cheeks.
“Hurry up and pack. See you soon.” With those final words, I hang up, my whole body buzzing with anticipation. Emma”s trust, her innocence, it”s something sacred, something I vow to protect with every fiber of my being.
Today, I”ll show her just how much she”s changed me. The bad boy, the brother”s best friend, the man to relieve her of her v-card, none of that matters anymore. All that”s left is the guy who”s completely, irrevocably in love with her.
“Let”s do this,” I whisper to no one, grabbing my keys and heading out the door.
I grip the steering wheel, stealing glances at Emma as we drive down the coastal road. Her hair flies wild with the windows down, her laughter mingling with the salty rush of the sea air.
“Where are you taking me?” she asks loudly over the wind, her sky-blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Guess you”ll just have to wait and see.” I’m not about to spoil the surprise.
“Come on, Kade,” she says, playfully nudging my arm as I realize I like the sound of her begging. “A tiny hint?”
“It’s not the botanical gardens,” I say in an unhelpful tone, and she rolls her eyes.
“Come on, a better hint than that.”
“Absolutely not,” I say, though every cell in my body itches to tell her. To spill the secret and watch her face light up even brighter than it already is.
“Fine.” She huffs, but her smile never fades. She turns her gaze out to the rolling waves, her profile etched against the sprawling ocean like some kind of ethereal painting.
“Remember our trip to the botanical gardens?” I ask, careful not to give anything away.
“Of course,” she says, a wistful note in her voice. “I had an amazing time.”
“Well, the truth is that I settled for the botanical gardens - they weren’t my first pick.” I nod, keeping my eyes on the winding road. ”Had to settle for the botanical gardens instead.”
“Settle?” She laughs, a sound that warms me from the inside out. “That day was amazing, Kade. If that’s settling, I’m afraid of what you have planned.”
“Good,” I say, teasing her and loving the annoyed sigh she gives me. She’d been so sure I was going to tell her where we are going. No way.
“And today... is going to top that trip.”
Her hand finds mine, fingers intertwining effortlessly. The connection sends a jolt through me, a current that”s become familiar yet still manages to surprise me every time.
“Whatever you”ve planned, I”m sure I’ll love it,” she whispers, her fingertips tickling my palm for a second before she holds onto my hand again.
But perfect doesn”t cut it; it has to be extraordinary. I focus on the road to the lighthouse.
“Kade...” she says, but I hear that tone of her voice and shake my head gently.
“Let”s just enjoy the ride,” I say, and she squeezes my hand in agreement.
We drive in comfortable silence, our shared laughter now replaced by something deeper, a silent understanding that today, everything changes. She might not know how or what or the gravity of the change yet, but she will.
And as the lighthouse creeps into view, I feel it in my bones - this is where our story will take its next big leap.
The lighthouse emerges before us, its white tower blinding in the sunlight. Emma”s grip tightens in mine as I make the turn and park the car. We step out of the car, and her gaze sweeps upward, tracing the spiraling architecture.
“Wow.” She exhales, her sky-blue eyes gleaming with childlike wonder and excitement.
“Come on.” I take her hand and pull her toward the lighthouse. Every step of the way, I feel her pulse grow faster and excitement leaves her trembling, until finally, she pulls away and crosses the threshold. The echo of our footsteps fills the cavernous space inside as she looks up.
“Are we... are we going up there?” She sounds stunned, excited, and afraid all at once.
“We are,” I say with a nod, talking to the person who typically runs the tours. She says there’s no group, and I ask if we can just go up if we’re careful. She agrees.
“Race you to the top?” She grins mischievously, the same look she gets right before beating me at any game she sets her mind to.
“Hey, no fair,” I say with a chuckle. “You know I can”t say no to a challenge.”
“Then don”t.” She winks and takes the lead, tugging me along.
We ascend the spiral staircase, the steady rhythm of our climb punctuated by the soft tap of our shoes. The cool walls are smooth and every other landing, we can peek out the windows and out across the sea as we rise above the world below.
“Kade,” she says, pausing for breath and staring out a window at the sparkling ocean, “this place is amazing.”
“It’s not the only dream of yours I want to make come true,” I say in a teasing tone, but my chest swells with the truth of it.
“Is that so?” Her smile lights up the room more than the white paint and sunlight.
“Absolutely.” I walk past her up the steps. “I’m going to win,” I say.
“Oh, heck no,” she says, bolting past me up the steps.
We climb up through the hatch at the summit, and the endless blue sky greets us. The world below looks oddly small as I study the frothing sea and rugged, rocky coastline. Emma’s hand finds mine as she steps forward, her breath catching in a gasp that mingles with the soft whistle of the wind. She seems afraid of the railing, but peeks over the edge.
“It’s so pretty,” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs below as she scans the beauty of our spot.
“It is beautiful, isn”t it?” I say, standing close enough to feel the heat radiating from her body, despite the wind and chill in the air.
“More than beautiful,” she says, her eyes wide as she takes in the panoramic view. “It”s... it’s like a painting come to life.” I feel her struggling for a comparison and I watch her face, lit by the rays of sunlight filtering through the clouds.
She’s taking in the wonder of the landscape, but I just want to look at her.
“Imagine at night, all the stars...” She sounds stunned, glancing at me and away. But then her attention ticks back to me. “Are you okay?” she asks.
“I’m better than okay,” I say, opening the glass door into the bulb of the lighthouse. Surrounded by glass that distorts our view of the world, I smile at her as she turns to me again.
“Kade,” she says, her blue eyes dancing with excitement and joy, “this is really incredible. I’m so glad you brought me here. I didn’t even know you knew I wanted to come here.”
I shrug. “Alex helped me out.” Might as well give credit where credit is due.
Her laugh is soft, “Oh, Alex is out here telling all my secrets.” But the humor in her voice gives away that she’s only teasing. “You always know how to make me feel... cherished.”
“Because you are.” The truth of the words settles deep within me. “To me, you”re everything.”
Her wide eyes come back to me from the view again. “That’s... really sweet.”
“Emma,” I say, stepping closer, the magnetic pull between us undeniable. “You make every place special just by being there.”
She blushes, a delicate pink that spreads across her cheeks like a wildfire, and I can”t resist brushing my thumb gently across her skin. She leans into the touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” she says, opening her eyes to meet mine once more.
“It’s my pleasure,” I whisper. “Wherever life takes us, as long as you’re by my side, that”s where I”m meant to be.”
The wind picks up, swirling in the glass room and tugging at Emma”s curls. My breath catches, heart hammering against my chest. I drop to one knee as she turns to me again, feeling my movement.
“Emma Riley,” I say, the words catching in my throat.
“Kade?” Confusion flickers across her features before her expression settles into wide-eyed anticipation.
“From the moment I met you, I loved you.” I reach for her hand, her skin warm and soft against mine. “I feel for you with every challenge, every laugh, every moment with you. You’ve been a constant in my life, and this,” I gesture between us, “is the realest thing I”ve ever felt.”
Her lips part, but no sound comes out.
“I”ve fought this feeling for too long, thinking I didn”t deserve you or that you were off limits. And you were, for a while. But here, now, I can”t pretend anymore.” The words are calm, measured, and confident, exactly how I’m feeling now.
“Emma, I love you. More than I thought possible. And if you”ll have me,” I pause, ready for her response, “I want to spend the rest of my days proving that to you.”
Her hand tightens around mine, and I can see her pulse fluttering in her neck.
“Will you marry me?” I ask, ready to start this new chapter in our lives together. I’ve never felt so sure of a decision in my life as I do about this one.
“Kade...” Her voice breaks and I shift.
“It’s alright, I can wait,” I say, and she laughs, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She brushes them away, giving me an amused, faux angry look.
“Way to ruin the moment, ya jerk.”
I shrug. “If you’re going to be good at something, be the best at it.” I chuckle and she laughs.
“Yes,” she says. “My answer is yes.”
I exhale, relief flooding through me, so potent it”s dizzying. I didn’t doubt she’d say yes, but that doesn”t ease the feeling of putting it all out there like that.
My hands are steady as I slide the vintage, white gold ring onto her finger—a perfect fit, like us. Her eyes never leave mine, the emotion in them shining like the sparkle of sunlight on the waves around us.
“Really?” I ask, teasing her again, even though I feel a very real awe that she’s choosing me.
“Really.” She laughs, stepping in close and winding her arms around me. She tilts her head. “I like you at this height. Maybe you need to be in this position more.”
“If you’d like,” I say, winding my arms around her. And she’s right; we fit perfectly together. But she playfully pushes me away, then takes my hands as if to pull me to my feet. I stand, pulling her into an embrace so tight I can only hope it might merge our souls. She molds against me, her warmth seeping into every corner of my being.
“Kade,” she whispers, her breath a caress against my neck as her lips touch my skin.
“Emma Riley,” I say, “You’ve just made me the luckiest man alive.”
She laughs as we linger in the hug, lost in one another until there”s nothing but us and the pulse of the sea below. Everything else fades away.
When we finally spiral down the lighthouse stairs, hand in hand, the truth hits me. She’s going to marry me. The wind greets us with a playful tug as we step outside, the taste of salt thick in the air.
“Look at you, Mr. Smiley,” Emma says, her voice light and teasing.
“Can”t help it,” I say, squeezing her hand as my heart does somersaults in my chest. “You”ve just agreed to marry a guy like me.”
“A guy like you?” She arches an eyebrow, stopping to face me, a mischievous glint in her sky-blue eyes. “No, Kade. I agreed to marry you. The guy who proposed to me in the lighthouse I’ve been dying to tour for years.”
“Oh, so if I proposed elsewhere, you would have said no?” I ask.
“Oh my gosh, Kade,” she says, bringing her palm to her forehead.
“I think we’re having a fight,” I tease, pulling her in to kiss her hand that’s still on her forehead.
“You are such a pain!”
“Guilty as charged,” I say, pulling her closer.
“Just don’t forget, Kade,” she says, poking my chest.
I’m quick to cut her off. “How can I forget him? He’s me?”
She shakes her head, laughter in her eyes. “I”m the one who makes you smile this big.”
I nod. “Well, that and my jokes.”
“Your jokes are terrible,” she says, rising up on tiptoe to kiss me. “I love them. And I love you.”
“And I love you.” I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with this woman. Her dream of visiting the lighthouse has come true, but my dream? My dream is her happiness, always and forever.
“Race you to the car!” she suddenly exclaims, breaking our stillness as she bolts.
“Hey, no fair!” I call after her, unable to hold back a smile as I chase after her.She darts ahead, her curls bouncing with each step. Her joy is infectious, and I realize I”d chase her to the ends of the earth if she asked. And when she glances over her shoulder at me... I’m struck with how lucky I am and how much I love her.
We reach my car, breathless, her laughter mingling with the crash of the waves. “I win,” she says, but there”s no triumph in her tone, only pure happiness.
“Every time,” I agree, because she has; she’s won me over completely.
“Kade?” She turns serious for a moment, searching my face.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you. For today. For... everything.” Her sincerity hits me hard, more intimate than any touch. She’s so grateful, but I feel like things like this are the bare minimum.
“Emma Riley, you’ve got nothing to thank me for.” I pull her against me, feeling the rightness of her in my arms. “I should be thanking you.”
“Fine,” she whispers, her gaze ticking to mine. “I’ll allow it.” Her fingers lightly trace the line of my jaw.
“Wait, you’ll allow what?” I ask.
“You to thank me.” She grins and I pick her up, spinning her around.
“Oh, you. Come on.” With that, I walk her to her side of the car and set her down, opening the door for her.“Let”s go celebrate the start of forever.”
“Lead the way, fiancé,” she says, the word sounding new, thrilling, and exciting as I get in the driver’s seat and guide us forward, into our future.
The sun sinks into the horizon, bleeding orange and pink into the sea. I pull Emma closer, our bodies melting together as we watch from our seaside sanctuary. The room is filled with the soft sound of waves, and I can’t think of a more perfect end to a perfect day.
“Look at that,” she whispers, her hand skimming down my forearm. “It”s like the sky”s on fire.”
“It’s nothing compared to you,” I say, my gaze drifting from the sunset to her face, lit by the dying light. Our eyes lock, and there it is—that electric current that”s always charged between us, even when we were at odds.
She chuckles softly, a sound that tugs at my heartstrings. “Flatterer.”
I shake my head. “Truth-teller.” I correct her, brushing a loose curl behind her ear.
She leans back slightly, studying me with those sky-blue eyes that seem to see straight to my soul. “Kade, do you ever think about how crazy this all is? How we got here?”
I nod. “Absolutely,” I say as my thumb traces small circles over her hand. “But then I remember that every argument, every clash, was leading up to this. To us.”
“Us...” She smiles, rolling the word around like it”s new, and maybe it is, in this context. “I like the sound of that.”
“Me, too.” My voice is low, heavy with emotion. “I”ve wanted ”us” for so long, Emma.”
“Forever,” she whispers into the sunset.
“Forever,” I echo, knowing that no matter what might happen in our lives, we”ll navigate the problems and victories, the joys and the sorrows, side by side.
Just like the lighthouse that has weathered the ocean”s fury for decades—we’ll stand steady, strong, and sure. I hold her tighter, feeling the beat of her heart against mine, and I”m flooded with gratitude for every twist and turn in our path that led us to this perfect moment.