“It’s baby Lex,” Kayley said, tears shimmering in her eyes. “She has blue eyes like you, and she’s adorable, just like you.”
“No, me baby Wex,” she argued, pointing to herself. “Dis my baby. My baby gul. Out, Daddy.”
Ben took the box from her to open it, and Kayley turned the video camera off. “Who wants cake?”
The kids all cheered, and Kayley sat the cake in front of Alexis. Of course it was a Disney Princess cake, but thankfully was a pull apart cupcake cake so she didn’t have to make a mess. Lighting her number two candle, the group all sang “Happy Birthday”. Alexis’ face beamed as she looked around, seeing everyone looking at her.
“Blow out the candle!” Kayley instructed, videoing again. Alexis leaned over and blew gently, and the candle went out. Clapping her hands, she grinned up at Ben when he handed her the Bitty baby.
“What’s her name, Lex?” Kayley asked as Emily stepped into the picture to help pass out cupcakes to impatient kids.
“Her name Pwincess,” Alexis said immediately, rubbing the baby’s head softly. Kayley zoomed in on her face, loving the adorable look that she had on her face while looking at the doll. She looked almost—motherly.
Ben leaned over and kissed Alexis. “That’s a perfect name, Lex.”
Kayley sniffled at the tender exchange. She didn’t think she would ever get used to how much love this man showed them.
“Kay,” Ben called from across the pavilion, “can you do me a favor and go to my car and get my sunglasses? I’m going blind out here.” Ben was separating sand castle building tools across the sand for their family vs. family sand castle contest.
“Sure, babe, hang on one second,” Kayley threw away remnants of lunch and cupcakes, trying to clean as she went so they didn’t have to stay forever after the party was over. Grabbing his keys off the table, she headed for his Camaro in the parking lot a couple hundred feet away. Opening the door, she grabbed his sunglasses out of the console and shut the door. Running her hand along the car, she stood there for a moment and reveled in the car that was a machine representation of Ben: sexy, muscular, and powerful. While she really could care less about cars, there was something about this car that coiled desire inside of her. Maybe it was remembering back to the time he pulled up at her office, looking like a god stepping out of the sexy, strong machine. Or maybe it was the times they would drive his car places and he would rest his hand on her leg while he smirked at her with those intense baby blues staring a hole through her. Or when he had the windows down and his blonde hair rippled in the wind, making her want to do nothing else other than hold onto it as they made love.
Shaking her head at herself, she headed back for the party, where Ben had everyone assembled around the sand tools, giving instructions. As she approached, Ben finished and looked at her, giving her that short-circuiting smile that made her tingle from head to toe.
“Ready?” Ben looked at her, and she nodded her head, rejoining the group. He looked around the group. “Everyone else ready?” The group echoed yes loudly, and he cheered. “Okay, since it’s Princess’ birthday, I think it’s only fair that we get to start to dig first. Any objections?” He looked around at the heads shaking no. “Perfect. Princess, let’s get a start. Grab me the shovel, and give one to Mommy, too.”
Alexis ran for the shovels, bringing back enough for them. When she handed Kayley hers, she noticed that Alexis was wearing a necklace, but it was tucked under the tee shirt Ben had put on her to protect her little baby skin after being out here all day. Figuring it was a gift she didn’t see, or Ben had finally found jewelry for her, she made a mental note to ask him later.
Ben and Kayley started digging, followed by Alexis’ little digs. After a few big piles of sand were extracted, Kayley’s shovel hit something hard, and it sounded like glass against her plastic shovel. “Hold on, babe, I think there’s something under here. Don’t let Alexis dig for a second until I see what it is. It sounds like glass.”
Ben stopped and told Alexis to stop, waiting for Kayley to get to the object. Alexis watched intently, wanting to see what it was. Ben turned and caught Kayley’s mom’s eye, who smiled encouragingly. Kayley finally got to the object, and she lifted it out with the shovel, just in case it was broken.
Lifting up a small glass bottle, she furrowed her brow. “What in the world?” She turned it over, seeing that it was completely intact. It was like one of those bottles that you find washed up on the shore. “It’s a message in a bottle! This is awesome!” Kayley could see a small paper in the bottle. “I wonder how far away this traveled to get here? It doesn’t even look old!”
“Wow, that’s pretty cool, baby. Open it up, maybe it’s someone looking for a long lost love.”
Kayley looked at Ben and placed her hand over his. “Always a romantic. I love that about you.”
“Open, Mommy! It’s a pwesent for you!” Alexis hopped up and down on her knees, impatient.
Pulling the small cork out of the bottle carefully so it wouldn’t break, she threw that to the side and then shook the bottle so the paper would fall into her hand. Finally getting it out, the crowd moved closer, murmuring to one another about what it could be. Opening the paper, her eyes scanned it quickly, then again.
Our forever starts today.
“Hmm,” she murmured, still looking at the note. “‘Our forever starts today’. Well, that doesn’t tell me much of anything.”
Looking where Ben was just a moment ago, he was no longer there. Turning her body, what she saw behind her caused her entire body to start shaking and her heart to beat so loudly she was sure the entire party could hear it. Her mouth dried out as she stared, unable to fully comprehend what was happening here.
Ben, her Ben, the man that had made every day worth living again, was kneeling on one knee on the sand with their baby girl sitting cross legged next to him. “Kayley Lynn Carson,” he began, now that he had her attention. A small gasp came from her, and her hands flew to her mouth. Tears poured down her face. The group of people that were standing there watching all of a sudden didn’t exist. It was just her, Ben, and Alexis. Her head felt fuzzy and her body unstable. She licked her lips, trying to wet them.
“One year ago today, I met the most amazing woman at one of the lowest points of her life. I fell head over heels in love with her, and I gained a daughter at the same time. When we met, it was like my soul reached out and grabbed yours, like we were two pieces of the same puzzle that finally found its match. I never, ever want to be without you, not for a moment. You filled something in me I didn’t realize that needed filled. You’re my best friend, my lover, and the best person I have ever known. We have come so far in the last year, baby. I want to spend my life waking up to you, laughing with you, and telling you every single moment that I love you and appreciate you. Will you marry me, Kayley?”
Ben produced a ring from his pocket, and Kayley’s eyes fought for what to look at—Ben’s blue eyes, filled with emotion and love, or the shining ring in his hand. Stepping forward towards him, she attempted to take a deep breath. She knew that everyone was still standing there, but she could care less. Her eyes locked with his, she tried to tell him everything that she was unable to make her mouth say.
“I-” Kayley put her hands back at her mouth, gasping, tears still running in rivulets down her cheeks and dropping on the sand. “I can’t believe this,” she finally got out. The ring was stunning, a three stone emerald cut platinum engagement ring that had to be at least two carats. She dropped down so she could be eye to eye with him. Covering his hands with hers and looking into his hopeful eyes, she couldn’t believe that she had come full circle. This was really happening.
“Ben, I want nothing more than to be your wife. I love you. You’re my best friend and my lover, the person I can’t get enough of. You saved both of us in different ways. I’m not just saying yes, Ben. I’m saying that I would absolutely, positively, never want anyone else to wake up with every day, to go through lif
e with, to be the father of my children. Yes, Ben Nichols. Yes.”
Tears spilled down Ben’s cheeks as she answered, and as he slipped the beautiful ring on her left hand, his hands shook. “The three diamonds are to represent the three of us.” The crowd cheered as the two newly engaged lovers kissed and Alexis clapped her hands.
Ben stood up, bringing Kayley with him, and scooped up Alexis. “SHE SAID YES!” Ben yelled, lifting up their joined hands. “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!” Everyone cheered, gathering around the couple and offering their congratulations.
“Wait, wait!” Kayley shouted out, still shaking from the feeling coursing through her veins. “You all knew about this, right? There really wasn’t a sand castle building contest?”
The group looked at one another and then all nodded their heads. Kayley looked at Ben. “Wow, you’re good, Dr. Nichols!”
“And don’t you forget it,” Ben said huskily, dipping her backwards and kissing her until she was breathless.
“We’re so happy,” Kayley’s parents came to them, tears shimmering in both of their eyes. “We could never ask for a better outcome, for both of you.”
“Looks like I get a new daughter,” Ben’s mom and dad approached, and Kayley hugged them tightly.
“And granddaughter,” she added, and they beamed at Alexis.
Alex’s parents approached, hanging back behind Ben and Kayley’s parents. Kayley spotted them and met Elizabeth’s eyes. She reached out her hand, and Elizabeth moved forward and gripped her tightly.
“I could’ve never asked for a more wonderful man for you,” she complimented. “Alex would be so happy that you’re moving on.”
“You’re always a part of my life, and Alexis’,” Kayley said tearfully, hugging her again, then Allen. “Please don’t forget that.”
As the parents moved away to go get some champagne that had mysteriously made its way to the party, Emily and Trevor stepped up with Cam and Kellie, holding baby Kasen.
“Congratulations, man. That was well played,” Cam said, shaking Ben’s hand and hugging Kayley.
“That was beautiful. Congratulations,” Kellie echoed, hugging Kayley while holding a sleeping Kasen. They turned to go up to the pavilion with the rest of the party-goers.
“You,” Kayley pointed at her best friend. She held her hands up.
“I had no idea until ten minutes ago.” She elbowed her husband. “This one, however, is the guilty party. He and Ben had this whole thing set up.”
Trevor grinned, giving Ben a high five. “Mission accomplished, bro.”
Kayley turned her face to Ben’s, and he leaned over and kissed her.
“That was the best proposal I’ve ever seen,” Emily said, dabbing her eyes. “I’m a hormonal pregnant woman. Stop being such a damn star, Ben. You put everyone else to shame. Seriously.” The friends laughed, then headed back for the pavilion as well, leaving them at the water’s edge alone.
“Mommy, wook. Wex got neckwace.” Alexis pulled the necklace out of her shirt. Kayley leaned over to look at the silver heart that dangled from her necklace. Daddy’s Princess was engraved on it. “I’m Daddy’s Pwincess. Fowever.”
Kayley leaned into Ben, emotion threatening to overtake her again, and held her hand out in front of her. It was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen, and she had the most amazing man standing next to her holding their miraculous daughter. They were getting married.
“Tell me,” Kayley said, digging her toes in the sand. The party had long gone, including Alexis, who Ben had arranged to stay with Emily and Trevor without either she or Emily knowing. He had it all planned out, and man, he had done well. He had also arranged for them to stay down the beach at a hotel tonight, and after a celebratory dinner on the beach, they were now sitting in chairs, watching the sunset.
Ben’s hand made circles on hers, going around and around her new ring that she couldn’t stop staring at. She was going to be Mrs. Ben Nichols. “Tell you what, fiancée?” Ben had called her that about a hundred times since he proposed a few hours ago, and every single time, her heart rate accelerated in excitement. Running his hand down her leg, he leaned over his chair and used his other arm to encapsulate her neck, pulling her closer. His hot breath danced over her lips, making her shiver. Circling her arms around his neck, she tilted her head and connected her lips to his, opening her mouth and flicking her tongue out, teasing him. Growling, he held her head so she couldn’t move and joined his tongue with hers. They kissed until they were breathless and wished they were inside the hotel room.
“These chairs aren’t helpful for getting close,” Ben said, winking at her. Picking up her legs and laying them on his lap, he began stroking them. “Okay, so tell you what. Sorry, I distracted you.”
“Tell me how you did all this, from the beginning.” She sat back, her hands on Ben’s arm, as he began the story.
“Okay, well, this goes back to around Christmastime. I really did want to get you that infinity ring from Tiffany to match your bracelet.” He ran his finger along that ring as he spoke. “But I had no idea what your ring size was, so I didn’t. I knew I was going to propose on Alexis’ birthday, but I had no idea how to figure out what size to get you until we had the New York trip sprung on us for the interview. Then, my plan started coming together.”
“So that’s the reason we went to Tiffany’s,” Kayley put it together.
“Yes,” Ben smiled. “I already had the ring picked out, I had talked to Tiffany before we got there.”
Kayley looked at him, shocked. “Wow. You really are good.”
He kissed her hand. “You got that right. Anyway, once we knew what your ring size was on the right side, she said your left side would be pretty close if not exactly the same. So I ordered the ring.”
“When I was there?”
“No. I already had it ordered, they were just waiting on the size. Once she got your size that night, they shipped it to me at my office.”
“Sneaky, sneaky man. So wait, this ring is from Tiffany’s, too?”
“Only the best for my baby,” Ben squeezed her leg, running his fingers along the inside of her thigh.
“Okay, then what? How did you decide to do it today? And how in the world did you get a bottle buried in the sand?”
Ben laughed. “So curious, my love. Have you not learned the lengths I will go to for you? Well, as much as you thought I was stalling or didn’t want to marry you, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. See, I knew that I was proposing on Alexis’ birthday for months now, probably ever since we got back together after…” Ben broke off. Neither of them liked to talk about that time.
“You knew this whole time?” Kayley couldn’t believe it, all that time that she was worried he didn’t want to commit, and he was devising his plan.
“Why do you sound surprised? I told you that I knew I loved you almost from the first time I met you. I planned for it to be today for a few reasons. One, I wanted something happy to be associated with her birthday, since last year wasn’t a happy memory. Two, I knew I wanted our families involved, and the friends was a bonus. Three, it’s the one year anniversary of the day we met, the day that changed everything for me. Then, I started the plan. I actually convinced Alexis to say she wanted her party at the beach. About an hour before we talked to her together, I talked to her about how fun it would be to have a party at the beach with everyone. It’s pretty easy to convince a two year old. I elicited Trevor’s help because there was no way I could pull this off without someone. He kept a secret very well, especially with how good Emily is with figuring things out. I even arranged for him to keep Alexis without Emily finding out.
I got the glass bottle from a craft store here locally, and printed the note. I gave it to Trevor, and it was his job to bury the bottle. We even came here to the beach a few days ago and found a place where I could be sure to know where it was. He had a little tiny white flag to put on the sand in the spot where he buried it. All I could think of was that you’d be
digging to China and never find it. When we got here today, no one but Trevor knew. He came here earlier this morning and buried it. When I sent you to go get my sunglasses, I had left them there on purpose. While you were gone, I gathered everyone up and told them what I was going to do, and that I needed their help. So while it looked like I was giving instructions on the sand building contest, I was actually explaining how this whole thing was going to go down. When you came back, I was ready. Well, I was shaking like a leaf and thought I might pass out or throw up or both, but I was ready.”
“Did you really think I would say no?” Kayley tilted her head as she looked at him. The sun was starting to set, and the light reflected on his face, making it look like it was glowing. It filtered through his long, blonde eyelashes and into the blue pools of his eyes. He was breathtaking. And he was all hers.
“Well, no I didn’t, but there were a lot of people here, Kay. And I was afraid that somehow some bird or kid or something found the bottle and the whole thing would be ruined. It’s a lot of pressure!” Ben laughed. “But, it worked out exactly the way I wanted it to, and here we are. You’re going to be my wife.”
“And you’re going to be my husband. Forever.”
“You got that right. I’m staking my claim on you.” Ben looked at her angelic face, the content and serene smile there making him feel proud for putting it there.
“So, is it too soon to discuss when the wedding can be?” Kayley asked shyly.
“No way,” Ben said. “Were you worried about asking me that? I’d marry you tomorrow if I didn’t think our families would kill us.”
She giggled. “Well, I don’t think tomorrow would work with preparations. Because we’re having a party, Ben. This is a huge celebration of life for us. We made it. Despite the odds we had stacked us, we came out stronger and better and more in love than either of us have ever been. But I don’t want to wait long. There is no reason to.”
Ben nodded. “We both have learned that life makes us no promises. We only have the day we’re given and we have no idea what we’ll have beyond that. I think there is no time to waste. How soon do you think you could put together the most kick ass wedding anyone has ever seen?”
Living Again Page 39