Page 52 of Frozen Hearts

“I really think simple works for the two of you,” River replied.

“It does definitely fit the two of you,” Brianna laughed.

“Okay. Then that’s the plan,” Mel said confidently.

“What can we do to help?” Brianna asked.

“Nothing. I have everything I need and I’ll see you both after it’s over,” Mel grinned.

“Good luck, buddy,” River said, pulling Mel in for a hug.

“Everything is going to be great,” Brianna smiled, she pulled Mel in for a hug. Mel wrapped her arms around Brianna a little tighter, and waited an extra beat before letting her go.

“Love you guys,” Mel said as she walked them to the door.

“We love you, too,” River smiled.

Mel wasn’t sure what to do with her suddenly empty house. Mase and Sushi lay in their respective dog beds. It had been a blessing that the two of them had gotten along since day one. In contrast to their owners.

Mel had sent Willow out on some trivial tasks in an attempt to get her out of the house. Now she picked up her phone. Mel gave a deep sigh, then dialed Willow’s number.

“Hey, babe,” Willow rasped into the phone.

“Are you okay?” Mel asked.

“Yeah. I got the flowerpots you asked for. They were a little heavier than I was expecting,” Willow laughed. Mel felt a slight pang of guilt.

“Aww, thank you. Listen, let me make it up to you with dinner on the beach,” Mel said. She could feel her smile growing.

“Honestly, that sounds fantastic,” Willow answered.

“Great. Then meet me there.”

“Okay. I’ll see you in a little bit.”

Mel couldn’t stop her smile from growing. She patted her pocket and felt her nerves dissolve. She was about to propose to the person she wanted to spend her entire life with. And she couldn’t wait.

Mel had everything laid out on the beach when Willow arrived. Mel had set the scene with a large blue towel spread across the sand and a wicker picnic basket that Mel had bought special for the occasion. The picnic basket was the sort of thing that made for beautiful photos but wasn’t terribly practical. The basket had almost spilled its contents multiple times on the trek down to the beach. Now, seeing the surprised and delighted expression on Willow’s face made it all worthwhile. Willow’s smile brightened her entire face.

“Oh my gosh. I didn’t expect you to go through so much trouble,” Willow said. She bent down to give Mel a kiss on the lips.

“It’s the least I could do after making you run around all day,” Mel laughed.

“I’m always happy to run around for you,” Willow grinned.

Mel patted the spot beside her on the blanket. Willow slid into the spot next to her and eyed the food. Mel had made sure to pack all of Willow’s favorites. In the distance over the ocean Mel could see dark clouds forming and beginning to roll in. She hoped the weather would hold until she could propose, but with Florida weather Mel knew she couldn’t be sure.

Willow had already grabbed a couple of crackers and smeared them with cheese. Mel leaned back on her elbow and let Willow enjoy the moment. She watched as the waves crashed against the shore with a bit more intensity than before. Mel felt a sense of growing dread. She willed the weather to remain calm for another hour or so.

“I have something to tell you,” Willow began. She had a crinkle in her forehead that signaled genuine concern. Mel cocked her head to the side unsure what could be going on.

“What’s going on?” Mel asked as her concern mounted.

“I think I got the wrong size of flowerpots,” Willow explained. Mel’s eyes were drawn to the growing black clouds behind Willow’s shoulder. Mel’s eyes were drawn to the spot. Willow tilted her head and gave Mel a questioning look.

“Is everything okay?” Willow asked. Mel did a double take, her attention snapping back to Willow.

“I’m sorry. What are you talking about?” Mel asked. Willow gave a tiny laugh and rolled her eyes.

---