Joshua and Bella stepped into the aquarium-themed store after lunch, the faint sound of ocean waves playing through the speakers and the scent of sea salt in the air. Glass shelves were filled with shells, glow-in-the-dark fish keychains, and shark mugs, but Bella’s eyes immediately locked onto something massive at the back of the store.

“Oh. My. Gosh.” She pointed dramatically, her jaw dropping. “Josh… look at THAT!”

Joshua followed her gaze and nearly laughed out loud. Sitting on the top shelf was a giant blue whale plushie, easily bigger than Bella’s torso.

“No way,” Joshua said, shaking his head. “That thing looks like it could sleep in our bed.”

“Exactly,” Bella said, already speed-walking toward it like she’d discovered buried treasure. She reached up and hugged the plush whale like it was her long-lost best friend. “He’s perfect. Look at him!”

Joshua folded his arms, smirking. “You’re joking, right?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” she asked, clutching the whale tighter. “He’s soft, he’s adorable, and he needs a home.”

Joshua laughed. “Bella, we barely have room for all your pillows. Where are we even putting that?”

“In our bed,” she said instantly. “He can sleep between us.”

Joshua raised an eyebrow. “Between us? I think I’ve got some competition.”

Bella giggled. “Don’t be jealous, babe. You’ll still be my number one. He’ll just be number two.”

“Wow. Glad to know where I stand,” Joshua said, grinning as he checked the price tag. “Bella… this thing is $150.”

Her eyes widened, then she put on her best puppy-dog eyes. “Please, Josh? I promise I’ll love him forever. I’ll even name him after you—Whaley Karty.”

Joshua groaned, rubbing his face. “Whaley Karty? That’s the worst name I’ve ever heard.”

“But it’s cute!” she argued, hugging the plushie tighter. “Pleaseee. For me?”

He stared at her for a long second, trying to hold firm, but the way she was smiling—bright and hopeful—made it impossible.

“Fine,” he said finally.

Bella squealed so loud a kid turned around. “YES! You’re the BEST boyfriend ever!” She kissed his cheek, then ran to the counter with the massive whale in her arms like she’d just won the lottery.