Malibu beach

Your bare feet sink into the warm sand as you walk beside him, the horizon washed in pink and gold. It's a truly beautiful sunset, one you've seen so many times since moving here with him.

He slows, then stops altogether once you reach your favorite spot. Today you should you'd read together, like you always to on fridays, while the sun slowly sets, but he has other plans. He drops to one knee, and you drop the books.

The ocean seems to still.

The wind tugs at his hair as he opens a small box, the diamond catching a flash of sunset fire. But his voice, low and certain, anchors you more than the waves ever could.

“I don’t want this to just be a moment like any other,” he says, looking up at you. “I want this to be where everything begins. With you. Will you marry me?”

The sea roars in approval, gulls wheel above, and for a heartbeat it feels like the world is holding its breath, waiting on the single word only you can give.