Page 104 of Flashback for the Forward

“It’s a rose petal.” My thumb ran over the velvety surface dotted with saltwater. “Wonder where it came from.”

When I stood up, there was a flurry of them swirling around us in the coastal wind.

Huffing out a laugh, I said, “What in the world?”

“Bridget?” Cole cleared his throat.

I turned around, and my heart nearly stopped beating when I saw him down on one knee, not caring that water came rushing in around him.

A hand flew up to my mouth. “Oh my God.”

Was this really happening?

Blue eyes shining with love, he withdrew a square jewelry box. When he cracked it open, there wasn’t a ring inside. Instead, it contained the silver half-heart pendant he’d given to me over a decade ago.

I gasped. “Where did you get that?”

Cheeks tinting pink, he confessed, “Gave Captain Phillips some signed memorabilia in exchange for a shoebox of personal effects found in a closet.”

Tears crested my lashes, streaming down my face.

He reached out to grab my left hand. “My beautiful girl, I have spent half my life in love with you. And there’s a promise I made many years ago that I think it’s long past time I make good on, don’t you?”

I nodded, barely able to see him through my waterlogged vision.

“Bridget Russell, you are my partner, my soulmate, the other half of my heart. And I was wondering if you aren’t too busy for the rest of your life, that you might want to spend it with me?”

“Yes.” The word fell from my lips on a sob.

Cole was on his feet in an instant and pressed his lips to mine in the most achingly sweet kiss.

When he withdrew, he undid the clasp of the chain, affixing it around my neck. “Back where it belongs.” His fingers traced over the pendant.

Cheers erupted from down the beach, and I lifted my head to find our found family rushing toward us.

I was pulled into hugs by Arizona and Maisie as Levi and Crew congratulated us.

Then there was Austin, who took one look at me and said, “What, no ring?”

Levi cuffed the back of his son’s neck, reprimanding, “Rude.”

“It’s okay,” I said, not wanting the teen to get in trouble for asking a perfectly reasonable question. Touching the necklace I’d thought was all but lost, I explained, “This means so much more to me than any diamond.”

Cole winked at the boy. “Don’t worry, bud. I’ve got a ring back at the house.”

Austin nodded his approval.

A bottle of champagne and one of sparkling grape juice were pulled out of a cooler I hadn’t noticed they’d brought with them, and plastic flutes were filled before Crew lifted his in a toast.

“To the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Cole Astor.” He tipped his glass in Cole’s direction. “You finally got it right, big brother.”

My man was so deliriously happy that he let that one slide as everyone said in unison, “To Bridget and Cole!”

I took a drink, the bubbles dancing across my tongue as I stared at Cole. His dark hair was windswept, the ocean serving as the most stunning backdrop for this perfect moment.

I was exactly where I was always meant to be.