Page 31 of Harvest Season in Kentbury
Raffa
We’re here, standing on the edge of paradise.The waves roll in, gentle and rhythmic, as the sun dips low on the horizon, casting everything in a golden glow.The breeze carries the scent of salt and something sweet I can’t quite place, and I’m holding Meadow’s hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine.
Cancún at sunset—there’s nothing like it.But even with all the beauty around me, nothing compares to her.She’s laughing at something I said, her eyes sparkling like the water behind her, and all I can think is how lucky I am to have her in my life.
We walk along the shore, barefoot in the white sand, the sound of the ocean our only companion.I’ve been planning this for weeks, and yet, now that the moment’s here, my heart is racing.I keep sneaking glances at her, and each time, I’m hit with the same thought: I want this forever.I want her forever.
I know this time will be different because I’m in love with her—not just the idea of her, but her.Because I see her, every part of her—the good, the messy, the vulnerable—and she sees me.We don’t just fit; we choose each other, again and again.It’s not about convenience, it’s about two hearts that have finally found their rhythm, two souls that recognize each other in ways no one else ever could.This is what I’ve been waiting for, what I didn’t even know I was missing.The balance to love and life and everything in between.
I stop walking and gently tug her hand, pulling her to face me.Meadow looks up at me with that curious tilt of her head, the one that always makes me smile.Her hair is tousled by the wind, her cheeks flushed from the sun, and all I can think is how breathtaking she is—so effortless, so completely herself.I don’t just love her; I admire her.Her strength, her kindness, her passion for everything she touches.And I want to spend the rest of my life showing her just how much she means to me.
“What?”she asks, her lips quirking into a smile.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself.This is it.No turning back now.
“Meadow,” I start, my voice soft but full of everything I’ve been holding in, “there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
She raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but still playful.“Oh?Are we finally getting to the part where you confess your undying love for me?Because news flash you did it a year ago.”
I chuckle, shaking my head.“That part’s already obvious.”
Before she can say anything else, I drop to one knee, right there in the sand, the waves licking at my feet.Her eyes widen, and I watch as the realization hits her.Her hand flies to her mouth, her breath catching, and I swear my heart skips a beat.
“Meadow,” I say, looking up at her, “you’re the most incredible person I’ve ever met.You’ve changed my life in ways I can’t even explain.Every day with you feels like an adventure, and I don’t want that to ever end.I want to spend the rest of my life with you—traveling, exploring, really living.Not just existing, but living.And I want to do it all by your side.”
Her eyes are shining now, tears threatening to spill, but she’s smiling, the kind of smile that makes everything else fade away.
“I never imagined I’d meet someone like you,” I continue, pulling the small velvet box from my pocket and opening it to reveal the ring.“But here you are, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it.So, Meadow, will you marry me?Will you be my partner in all of this—in life, in love, in every crazy adventure we’ll have together?”
For a second, it’s like time stops.The sound of the waves, the breeze, the fading sun—it all disappears.There’s just her, standing there in front of me, her eyes locked on mine.
Then, she nods, laughing through the tears.“Yes,” she whispers, her voice breaking.“Yes, Raffa, of course.”
I stand, slipping the ring onto her finger before pulling her into my arms.The world rushes back in as I kiss her, the taste of salt on her lips, the warmth of her body pressed against mine.This is it.This is everything I’ve ever wanted.
When we finally pull apart, she’s laughing again, that beautiful sound that always makes my chest tighten.“You really had me going there,” she says, holding up her hand to admire the ring.
“I wanted it to be perfect,” I admit, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.“Because you deserve nothing less.”
“It was more than perfect,” she says softly, her hand resting on my chest.“I love you, Raffa.And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
I smile, my heart full in a way it’s never been before.“Me neither.Let’s make it the best life, Meadow.Let’s see the world.Let’s live.”
As the sun finally sinks into the horizon, casting the sky in shades of pink and orange, it’s in this moment that I realize what was meant to be temporary is now my forever.Little did I know that I’d find so much more in Kentbury: my purpose, my family—my heart.
