Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Miguel

When we cross Lake Shore Drive and head down the walk to the beach, I’m elated for Ruby’s sake. I honestly wasn’t sure we’d make it this far. There were a few times along the way that her anxiety seemed to take hold of her, and she’d stop in her tracks. But each time, she’d resume walking, and now here we are. We’re standing on the beach.

Ruby kicks off her sandals and grabs them by their straps and holds them in her free hand. I have a death grip on her other hand, just as a precaution. I’m prepared for absolutely anything.

I look down as she buries her toes in the sand. She’s smiling, and when she glances up at me, I see tears glittering in her eyes.

“I’m here,” she says in awe. “I’m really here. I did it.”

“Yes, you did.” I kiss her.

We hear the bell from the cart of Mexican popsicles.

“How about a popsicle?” I ask her.

She spots the man pushing the cart of popsicles and smiles. “Oh, my God, there he is! Come on!”

We catch up with the vendor, and I order two popsicles. Ruby unwraps hers—Tropical Medley—tastes it, and sighs. “It’s just as I remembered.”

We walk barefoot along the beach, the water splashing over our feet, holding hands and enjoying our popsicles. Ruby seems a bit tense—she flinches at loud noises—but overall she’s doing well. I think—I hope—that this is the first step of many more to come. My goal, my dream for her, is to make it possible for her to enjoy a normal life, go out and do things. Have fun.

We finish our popsicles and toss the sticks into a trash can. We’re at the far end of the beach now, where very few people are. It’s quiet here, and Ruby seems more relaxed.

When we come across a bench beneath the shade of a massive oak tree, we sit together. I put my arm around her, and she leans into me.

“So, what do you think?” I ask her.

“It’s better than I imagined.”

“Would you like to do this again?”

She nods. “Yes, definitely.”

I kiss her temple. “I’m proud of you.”

She gazes up at me. “I couldn’t have done this without you.” She turns to sit facing me and reaches for my hand, linking our fingers together. “Thank you, for being you. For giving me the sense of safety I so badly needed. Between you and Edward, I feel like I’ve been given a new lease on life. Like I get a second chance.” She cups my face and runs her thumb across my lips. “Would you be terribly surprised if I said I love you?”

My heart stops, skipping a full beat, before it starts racing. “Surprised? Yes. But also terribly glad to hear it.” I chuckle. “I think I fell in love with you the moment I first saw you, but I never in a million years dreamed you could feel the same way. You reminded me of a beautiful princess trapped in a tower, but I knew I was hardly prince material.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Miguel Rodriguez. You are definitely prince material.” And then she rises up in her seat and kisses me. She takes one of my hands in hers and presses it to her chest. “You’re my prince.”

I thread my fingers in her hair and bring her in for another kiss. I drag her closer, and she straddles my lap, facing me as we kiss. Fortunately, there’s no one else close enough to get an eyeful.

Finally, she pulls back, her cheeks flushed, her blue eyes sparkling. “Miguel Rodriquez, would you be mine forever?”

I nod, stunned by her request. I tuck a lose strand of her hair behind her ear. “Only if you’ll be mine forever, too.”

She smiles. “I’d love to.”