Epilogue
As I settleinto my seat on the plane, the soft hum of the engine and the distant chatter of fellow passengers blend into a backdrop for my thoughts. The seat beside me is empty for now; Ethan’s off chatting with a flight attendant, no doubt charming them just as easily as he does everyone he meets.
He wants to make sure they bring what we need and I’ve no doubt he’s checking that there are plenty of gummy bears. I have plenty in my purse, but I love that he always makes sure that I have everything he thinks I need, and more.
We’re heading to the Maldives, a surreal thought, celebrating a year since our road trip—an adventure that turned out to be so much more than a journey across the country. It was a voyage into the depths of our pasts. During that trip not only did I figure out that my past doesn’t define me, but is there for me to learn. That my future isn’t defined and I also found my soulmate.
Ethan.
The reflection of the runway lights glimmers in my window, a myriad of tiny stars guiding us to our next adventure. It’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come, from two strangers who were trying to avoid life itself, to partners in every sense of the word. We’ve navigated the complexities of our lives together, finding strength in our vulnerabilities and comfort in our shared dreams.
In just a few weeks, we’ll be opening the doors to our very own art gallery-café, a dream that once felt as distant as the stars now reflected in my eyes.
Ethan has been supporting me and he’s my silent investor, though there’s not so much silence since he always has an opinion or two.
Living with Ethan has been an experience of constant discovery, each day peeling back another layer of who we are and also building our relationship. He loves me with a depth and sincerity that I’d never known possible. And I love him just the same.
It’s in the quiet moments, in the laughter that fills our home, and in the challenges we face hand in hand that I find the most profound expressions of his love.
As the plane begins to taxi down the runway, Ethan returns to his seat, his hand finding mine with an ease that speaks of familiarity. Our fingers intertwine, and I feel a sense of warmth and comfort wash over me. He leans in close, his breath tickling my ear as he whispers, “Ready for the next adventure?”
I turn to face him, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. “I’m ready if you are,” I mumble, my eyes sparkling with mischief.
Ethan’s gaze darkens, a hint of desire flickering in their depths. “Always, but . . . I was thinking. What if we try sex on the plane?” His voice is low and husky, awakening a hunger within me.
I raise an eyebrow, biting my lower lip as I try to suppress a grin. “We’ve done that before,” I remind him, my tone teasing. “That’s what private jets are for.”
He leans in closer, his nose brushing against mine as his hand slides up my thigh. “But my dirty girl likes it when she’s doing it in public places. It excites her when she knows they can discover her,” he mumbles, his words dripping with innuendo.
I feel a flush creep up my neck, my heart racing at the thought of his hands on my body. But as tempting as his proposition is, I know we need to be a little more discreet. I place my hand on his chest, gently pushing him back as I shake my head. “Nope. However, I’ll let you play with my chest of toys when we get to the hotel,” I counter, my voice dropping to a seductive whisper.
Ethan grins, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he leans back in his seat, his hand still firmly clasped in mine. “That’s a fair compromise,” he agrees, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my skin. “Love you, Lily.”
My heart swells with emotion, and I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. I bring our joined hands to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to his knuckles. “Love you more,” I whisper, my voice thick with the depth of my feelings for him.
As the plane takes off, I rest my head on Ethan’s shoulder, content in the knowledge that no matter where life takes us, we’ll always have each other.
The Maldives, with its endless canvas of stars and the gentle lull of the ocean, serves as the perfect backdrop for what I’m about to do.
Lily and I have come a long way since our road trip, a year filled with growth, understanding, and love deeper than I ever thought possible. Tonight, under the celestial glow and the soft symphony of waves, I plan to ask Lily to spend the rest of her life with me.
I’ve chosen a secluded spot on the beach for us, away from the lights of the resort. The sand is cool under our feet, and the night air is filled with the scent of the sea.
Lily is radiant in the moonlight, her laughter a melody that’s become my favorite sound. We talk about the underwater yoga she attended while I was on my Jet Ski. Also about the future, but my mind is focused on the words I’ve rehearsed a hundred times in my head. As our conversation lulls, I know it’s time.
“Lily,” I start, my heart pounding in my chest, “this past year with you has been the most incredible journey of my life. We’ve discovered so much together, about the world, about ourselves. And through it all, I’ve realized that every moment with you is a treasure.”
I go down on one knee, the sand yielding beneath me, her hand tightening in mine.
I reach into my pocket, retrieving the ring that symbolizes our past, present, and future. “Lily, I love you more than words can express. You’ve brought color into my life in shades I never knew existed. Will you marry me? Will you let me share every moment, every adventure, every challenge, and joy with you, for the rest of our lives?”
The pause that follows feels like an eternity, though it’s only a breath. Then, her answer, a single word filled with emotion, joy, and love, transforms the moment into a memory we’ll cherish forever. “Yes,” she whispers, and the world bursts back into motion, the stars above us witnesses to our promise, the ocean singing a chorus of congratulations.
As I slide the ring onto her finger, the commitment feels as natural as the tide, as right as the constellations above. This night. This proposal—is just the beginning.
It’s the beginning of us and our next chapter.
I’ve offered my heart and soul to the woman who completes me. And she said yes.
She said yes to us.
She said yes to continue exploring for the rest of our lives.
She said yes to become my forever—a masterpiece that will withstand the test of time.