8. Josh

CHAPTER 8

JOSH

There's a certain thrill in the air as I pack my bag, thoughts bouncing around my head like pinballs. This trip to Florida isn't just any regular getaway. I'm introducing Lyric to Pops and Gram—which is huge—but I'm also planning to propose. Just thinking about it makes my heart race.

Ever since she first stepped into my office, I've been dreaming about this moment. I want it to be perfect. And, honestly, there's no better place than Pops' pond, the backdrop of so many of my childhood memories. It's serene, familiar, and holds the kind of family love that I want to share with Lyric forever.

I'm up early, buzzing with anticipation, and by the time I wake up Lyric, my vehicle's packed not just with our clothes but with things we might need for the trip... and my secret weapon, the three-carat engagement ring.

We'd been talking about this trip for the last couple of weeks, and the stars finally aligned when Cash Montoya, CEO of Montoya Investments and a longtime friend of mine, agreed to lend me his private plane for the journey.

The day starts bright and promising as we make our way to the small local airport where Cash's sleek private jet waits.

"Wow, I can't believe you got a private jet for our trip." Lyric quips, awe lighting her eyes as we pull up. She's sporting her usual effortless elegance, combining comfort and style like she invented it.

"Only the best for you." I pull her curvy body close and kiss her sweet lips.

"I love you," she groans against my lips, and I forget about the flight attendant and pilot watching our display.

"I love you, too." I lead her onto the spacious jet and help her get hooked into one of the leather seats.

The plane ride itself is smooth and uneventful. Lyric sits across from me, engrossed in the view, her eyes wide when we break through cloud cover into brilliant blue.

A little over an hour later, we touch down in Florida, where the air feels thicker and is scented with ocean salt and sun-kissed earth. It's comfortable and familiar, much like stepping into a cherished memory.

The drive to Pops' place is another dose of nostalgia, each mile streaked by swaying palms and unabashed sunshine. Lyric's chattering beside me about our plans, and I sense how nervous she is. I take her soft hand in mine and bring it to my lips. "They are going to love you."

"I hope so." She gives me an unsure smile. "This is gorgeous." Lyric looks around as the small bungalow comes into view. It sits nestled gently amidst whispering palms and the roaring Atlantic Ocean surf. Its exterior, painted in soft pastels of coral and turquoise, blends seamlessly with the lush surroundings, exuding a relaxed coastal charm.

A cozy porch wraps around the front, adorned with a pair of rocking chairs and a small table. Pops and Gram step out on the porch and wave as we drive up. I help Lyric out of the rental SUV and grasp her soft hand in mine reassuringly.

"There's my boy!" Pops shouts, a slow grin spreading over his weathered face. "How did your ugly ass find such a gorgeous girl?" He pulls Lyric in for a hug and whispers to her, "Call me Pops, gorgeous girl."

"I have no idea how I got lucky enough to win her heart." I laugh and hug him while Gram reaches for Lyric.

"Nice to meet you, Lyric." Gram gives my girl a big hug. "I've been waiting to meet the woman who stole my Josh's heart."

Lyric laughs, falling easily into their embrace. "It's wonderful to meet both of you. Josh has told me so much about you and this place."

Introductions blur into a warm welcome that only Pops and Gram can deliver. Gram ushers us inside with promises of her infamous lemonade and chocolate chip cookies.

I'm buoyed by how effortlessly Lyric fits in with my family. Watching her interact with Pops and Gram, seeing her laugh at Pops' exaggerated tales of my youth warms my heart.

Lyric, lounging comfortably in the armchair next to me, fits right in as though she's always belonged. She leans forward, chuckling at one of Pops' legendary tales of his early days fishing, eyes bright with genuine affection. My heart swells watching her, knowing how seamlessly she's become part of my family.

Then Gram, with her eyes twinkling in that conspiratorial way she gets when she's about to share something from the family vault, catches Lyric's attention with a gleam that spells certain embarrassment for me.

"Did Josh ever tell you how he got that little scar on his forehead, dear?" Gram asks innocently, though we both know she's up to no good.

Lyric's gaze shifts to me, curiosity piqued. "No, he hasn't," she replies, clearly intrigued, her eyes flicking to the faint scar just above my right eyebrow. I swallow a groan. Here it comes. "And I've been dying to know how it happened."

"Gram, seriously?" I try, offering her my best ‘don't do this to me' look, but it's all in vain.

"Well, he was just a wee thing, barely two," Gram starts, waving off my silent protests like they're inconsequential breadcrumbs. "He'd just used the big boy potty for the first time and was turning to celebrate with Pops. Only the little guy forgot to pull up his pants. When he tried to take a step, he tripped over his pants and went down hard, cracking his head on the side of the sink." Pops snickers and grabs another cookie while Gram finishes her story. "Little Joshy," Gram uses the embarrassing nickname, making me roll my eyes with resigned affection, "didn't let it slow him down one bit."

Pops snickers, clearly still amused decades later, as if the sting of fear they felt has long since healed, leaving only the fond memory of a clumsy, adventurous toddler.

"It sounds more dramatic than it actually was," I interject, trying to dial back on Gram's colorful version. "A couple of stitches, some tears, and I was back to running around like nothing happened."

"But it taught him a good lesson about pulling up his drawers before celebrating," Pops chimes in, giving me a wry smile.

"That's a good lesson to learn," Lyric teases, reaching over to brush back a stray lock of my hair and teasingly inspecting the scar, her fingers gentle on my skin. "A battle wound from toddlerhood is adorable."

"That's me, Mr. Adorable," I mutter, feeling a familiar warmth in my cheeks. There's no hiding anything around here, not from Gram, and certainly not from Lyric now.

We share a fantastic meal peppered with Gram's undeniable culinary mastery. Afterward, Pops asks me if I plan to do any fishing on this visit.

"Hell yes." I glance over at Lyric. "What do you say we hit up the pond tomorrow? Florida style."

She nods eagerly, clearly taken with the idea. "I'd love nothing more."

"Oh, it's on!" I say, grinning at the challenge.

That night, after we settle into the guest room, I pull Lyric close and attempt to fall asleep, but I end up tossing and turning most of the night thinking about the pond, the ring, the words, and keeping my sweet girl forever.

When morning comes, Lyric stretches next to me, and I have to fight the urge to forget my grandparents are right down the hall.

After we shower and dress, we share breakfast with Pops and Gram on the back deck before we head to the pond.

Armed with rods, tackle boxes, and the ring hidden in my pocket, we set off down the path to the small pond on the edge of the property.

"Ready to see if you can kick my ass fishing again?" I tease as I get our lines ready. When she looks away, I slide the ring from my pocket and carefully tie it to the end of the line where the hook should go.

I mentally cross my fingers, hoping she doesn't notice the ring before she casts her line. My heart pounds away in my chest as I wait for her to reel it in.

She finally begins to reel in the line, and I take a deep breath and prepare my spiel.

When the line breaks the water, the sunlight reflects off the large diamond and catches Lyric's attention. I hear her indrawn breath and turn to watch as she grabs the line and brings the ring up to her face. "Lyric," I begin as my heart pounds away. "I… uh…" Where the fuck are all those goddamn words I've been practicing?

She takes the ring in her fingers and turns to me, curiosity etched in her features. "Go on…"

"Well," I continue, sinking to one knee, taking the ring from her fingers with hands that feel suddenly steady. The world narrows to just us, this one act sealing so many whispered dreams. "I love you. I want all my days and nights to start and end with you for eternity. Will you marry me?"

Her eyes, already glistening, widen with joy, the pond reflecting delight and surprise. There's a pause, time enough for my heart to bind itself irreversibly to her response.

"Yes, yes, and yes!" she cries, wrapping her soft arms around me as the word becomes perfect. I hug her curvy body close, thanking my lucky stars for bringing my sweet girl into my life.

Her answer echoes in my soul like music that's finally found its harmony, resonating through the world that feels brand new in every conceivable way.