Chapter 23: Celebration At the Beach

“I’ve got another surprise for you,” said David, a short time later.

Jasmine raised an eyebrow. “Another one?” she asked teasing. “I don’t know if I can take any more after this one.”

David grinned. “You’ll love it. I promise,” he said, kissing her one last time before taking her hand.

As they began strolling down the beach, David thought about all that had happened that day. I can’t believe this is real, he thought to himself as he looked over at Jasmine. It had been all he’d thought about for the last few weeks and now it was here – she’d said yes! He could hardly contain his excitement. He wanted to shout at the top of his lungs how happy he was and how much he loved her…and yet it still wouldn’t begin to fully express all that he felt for her. She was the most precious thing in the world to him and he loved her more than he ever thought he could love anyone.

“When did you know?” Jasmine asked, stopping suddenly.

“Know what?” asked David.

“That you wanted to propose again?” she asked.

“Before the accident,” said David, taking her hand and continuing to walk. “But then when you were hurt I just wanted to give it time – time to make sure you were okay then time to make sure that we were okay.”

“Oh,” she said, smiling. “You know, it’s funny. A few weeks ago I was crying on Lisa’s shoulder about how much I wanted to marry you and how hard it was to be patient. What a difference a few months make, huh?”

He laughed. “Yes, it was so hard waiting, especially after Catalina Island. I think that was the turning point when I knew that it was time. I couldn’t wait any longer,” he said, squeezing her hand.

She stopped to look at him. “David, I have to tell you something about before...I'm so sorry. I was so afraid of turning out like my parents that I pushed you away but it was never you. You have always been amazing and wonderful. Thank you so much for not giving up on me, on us. Thank you for loving me the way that God loves us. I am so, so thankful."

At this, she began to cry. David took her in his arms. "Baby, don't cry. That's all behind us now. Remember when you told me that everything happens for a reason? Do you still believe that?"

Jasmine could only nod. 

"So do I. We've learned and grown so much from what we've gone through. I love you more now than I thought possible." 

“I love you,  too,” she said. He pulled her close and kissed her before wiping away her tears.

"I'm sorry to get all weepy. I'm sure I look a mess."

"You look beautiful," he said, planting a kiss on her nose. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, much better thanks to you."

Then, laughing he said, “Okay, let’s keep walking."

"Where are we going?” she asked, managing a smile.

“We’re almost there,” he said, smiling mysteriously.

“No clues?” she asked.

“Nope,” he said, grinning.

It was a lovely evening. Dusk had given way to a brilliant sunset and they could feel the warm ocean breeze. As they continued walking, Jasmine could see something twinkling in the distance. And the closer they got, she heard the sound of voices. Suddenly, she gasped as she saw that it was a canopy of lights with a table set for a celebration in the center. All of their closest family and friends were there, including their parents, and Lisa and Edgar.

“Oh my gosh, David!” she said, stopping suddenly. “You did all this?”

“Tonight is a special night,” he said. “I just wanted it to be perfect for you.”

“It is,” she said, looking at him adoringly. “It’s amazing…I love you.”

“And I love you,” he said.