Page 160 of Brute of All Evil
“You’re supposed to be looking at the sunset.”
“Or I could just keep looking at you.”
He smiled and moved closer so he could wrap his arm around my shoulder. Myra had packed beer and a few snacks, two blankets—one for the sand, one to wrap around us—and a few sturdy pillows.
It was quiet here on this stretch of beach, only a few people out walking. They paid us no mind.
Ryder adjusted the blanket around us both, and I leaned my head on his shoulder.
“Watch the sun,” Ryder said.
“Maybe I don’t want today to end,” I said.
He hummed and waited a moment. “Do you know the legend of the green flash of light when the sun slips into the sea?”
“It brings luck,” I said.
“It brings luck in matters of the heart,” he replied. “Let’s watch for the flash of green.”
It sounded important to him, like discovering the magical, mythical things in Ordinary were always important to him. I loved that, his curiosity, his delight in all things supernatural, his delight in the beauty of the world.
“I love you, Ryder Bailey Reed.”
“I love you, Delaney Bailey Reed.”
He caught my hand, the rings on our fingers clicking and slotting together. We held each other and watched the sun slip down and down, the ocean breathing and breathing.
Just as the sun winked green, just as Ryder’s breath caught in wonder, I closed my eyes, andsavoredthis feeling, this moment, knowing there would be so many more magical moments in our lives.
But I was in no rush to let this one end.
