We board our flight, and I fight the battle of my surprise getting the best of me. I want to tell her now what’s about to happen. I manage to keep my shit in check and not spoil it for her, but the suspense is killing me. I can’t wait to see the smile that lights up her face when she realizes what I’ve done.
Even more than that. Tomorrow at this time, she’s going to be Mrs. Cooper Reeves. It’s been a long time coming. A year ago, this felt so out of reach for us, but now, here we are, and I’m never letting her go.
Never.Chapter 24ReeseSixteen hours later, we’ve reached our final destination. That was a long-ass flight, but the view before me as we ride to the resort is breathtaking. Instantly, I know it feels right. This is where we are meant to vow to love one another until death do us part. I just hope I convince Cooper to do it this trip instead of waiting. I’m tired of waiting. I’m ready to move forward to start our life, and what better time than now?
Sure, I wish our families could be here, but it is what it is. The marriage is about us. Me and Cooper and the love we share. They’ll understand. They all know the battle it’s been for us to get here. They know what’s in our hearts, and I’m certain they will be thrilled for us.
“So, have you thought anymore about getting married?”
“Every fucking day.”
“How about today? Or we could do tomorrow?” I offer sweetly.
“You really want to marry me. Here and now?”
“Yes.” I don’t hesitate with my answer. This is what I want. Here. Now. Forever. I want to be his.
“Your destination,” the driver says, interrupting us.
“Thank you.” Cooper reaches up to pay him, including a hefty tip, and we climb out of the car.
“Wow.” I look around, and my eyes land on the sign. “Coop! This is it. This is the place I wanted to get married.” It’s fate, it has to be.
“Is it?” he asks.
“Yes. See, it’s official. It has to happen. This is not a coincidence.”
He pulls our bags from the trunk and wheels them behind him. I follow, soaking in the beauty that surrounds us. Cooper checks us in, and I follow him to the elevator.
“I got us the largest suite they have. Might as well see what it’s all about,” he says, smiling.
“I love you.”
His brown eyes sparkle. “I love you more.”
The elevator dings and we walk down the hall to our room. “Babe, the key is in my back pocket,” he tells me.
I fish it out and open the door, holding it for him. “Go on in,” he says, propping it open with his foot.
I turn around and am greeted with a chorus of “Surprise.” I stop in my tracks as I take in Nixon and Tessa first. Her smile is wide as she winks at me. Then it’s Trevor and Ann. She’s wiping tears from her eyes while Trevor is smiling widely. Finally, I come to rest on my parents. My mom is crying and my dad, well, he’s smiling just as wide, if not bigger than Trevor.
“What? I don’t understand,” I say, my eyes scanning back over the six of them. I turn to look at Cooper and find him on one knee.
“I love you.” His voice is strong. Confident. “I can’t wait any longer. I took a risk changing things on you, but I promise we’ve done everything that we can to make this day exactly as you planned. Reese.” He swallows hard. “Will you marry me, baby? Here. Now, in Fiji?”
Tears coat my cheeks as I struggle to take in a breath. That’s what he does to me. My fiancé. He takes my breath away. Never in a million years was I expecting this. We’re getting married. Here. Now. “Yes!” I say excitedly. I’ve kept him waiting long enough. I don’t want to wait until the season is over. I thought we had to. This is perfect. I’m ready to be his wife. I’m ready for him to be my husband. I’m ready to start the next phase of our lives together.
He stands and pulls me into a kiss, and our family swarms us. Breaking apart, we accept hugs and handshakes before settling in the sitting area.
“I have to know. How did you pull this off?” I ask all of them.
“It’s all that man of yours,” Tessa explains. “He called us last week and put the plan in motion.”
“You have a bye week too?” I ask Nixon, which is obvious, or he wouldn’t be here.
“Yep.”
“Why didn’t I realize that sooner? I could have planned this week.”
“You did,” Cooper tells me. “I called the resort, and they assured me everything you had planned for our February date would be possible this week as well.”