Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 107(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 107(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
She pouts. “I’ll find out when the pilot announces it then,” she says, grinning.
I’m one step ahead of her. “Nice try, baby girl,” I say, shaking my head. “The pilot and the flight attendants have been instructed not to give anything away, either, not until we get there.”
She gapes at me, crossing her arms over her chest in pretend offense. “So mean,” she huffs, but there’s a spark in her eyes that gives away just how excited she is.
I’ve had this trip planned for weeks, ever since she first mentioned in casual conversation that she’d always dreamed of going to Bali. Whatever she wants, she can have. I’ll give her the world, the moon, and the damn stars if I could.
Since I can’t, I’ll give her the vacation of her dreams.
“Oh my God,” Delaney breathes as we step off the plane, her eyes going wide and her cheeks flushing as a warm, balmy breeze hits our skin. “You brought me to Bali?”
Her voice is awestruck, and I grin as I nod. “I did, but there’s more to this surprise. Are you ready?”
She nods eagerly, practically bouncing as she rushes to the car waiting for us. The whole drive to our accommodation, she has the window down, taking in every detail of the landscape as we pass. When we eventually pull up to where we’re staying, she squeals in excitement.
“This is insane!” she gasps out, clutching my arm.
“I’m glad you like it,” I say.
It took me a while to find the perfect place to stay, but the second I saw this elaborate, unique property, I knew it was perfect. It’s a treehouse, a beautiful log cabin in the huge branches of a giant tree. It’s wild and luxurious, nothing like anything else. The views look over the crystal clear beach and sea, and the stars in Delaney’s eyes as she takes it all in is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Even the beauty of Bali doesn’t compare to my girl.
I keep an eye on the time as we carry our stuff inside, shower, change out of our plane clothes, and unpack a little. I have another surprise planned for tonight, and I don’t want to miss the sunset.
“Come walk with me along the beach,” I ask her, holding out my hand. She’s changed into a floaty pale yellow sundress, her blonde locks tied up with a hair claw clip. She’s effortlessly beautiful, breathtaking, and I can’t wait to officially make her mine.
While she searches for her sandals, I triple check that the velvet box is secure in my pocket, anticipation tingling through my blood.
“Ready?” I ask as Delaney slips strappy sandals onto her feet and gives me a warm smile.
“Yup!”
I take her hand, leading her down the spiral staircase to the bottom of the tree. Her fingers are laced through mine, and she smells of something sweet and enticing, and I inhale her perfume greedily. The smell of sea air and blooming flowers wafts on the breeze, and Delaney tips her head back to the sky with a dreamy expression on her face.
The beach is only a five-minute walk away, with golden sands and warm sea gently lapping at the shore. Shells and pebbles dot the sand, a small crab scuttling along the sun-warmed ground.
“It’s so beautiful here,” Delaney sighs happily. “I can’t imagine anything more perfect.”
I smile at that, stepping in front of her and capturing her attention. “What about now?” I ask and sink to one knee. The sheer look of surprise and joy on my girl’s face doubles my heart rate. I’m the luckiest fucking man in the world.
“Damien!” she gasps, hands flying to her mouth, eyes going wet with tears. “Oh my God.”
“Delaney, my pretty girl,” I start, pulling the velvet box from my pocket, opening it so the sapphire sparkles in the sun. It’s the same shade as her eyes, unique and beautiful. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was meant for her. Just like the second I saw her, I knew she was meant for me. “No matter how much money I have in my bank, how many successes I have, I’ve never, ever known happiness like I have when I’m with you. No sea or sky or beach can compare to how stunning you are. No jewel is as precious as you are to me.”
“Oh, Damien…” Delaney sniffles, looking down at me with so much love in her eyes I want to pull her into my arms and hold her forever. But not until I’ve asked her the question.
“Baby girl, will you be mine forever? I made sure to get your grandmother and brother’s permission to ask you this because I know how important they are to you. I promised them, and I promise you, that I’ll spend the rest of my life taking care of you. It would be my honor,” I say, taking the ring from the box and hovering it over her ring finger. “So, Delaney Graeme, will you marry me?”