I laugh and push up from the chair. I should probably reapply my sunscreen soon or I’ll end up looking like a tomato.
“No, you don’t,” I tell her.
“You’re right, I don’t. But when these babies get here, you have to promise to come babysit often so I can get lots of sleep.”
“I promise.” I hear Sam sniff, and I bring the phone closer to my ear. “Sam, are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” She sniffs again and starts to cry. “That’s a lie. I’m not fine. I’m huge and crabby, and these kids keep kicking me in the bladder. I peed my pants yesterday when I sneezed, and I want them out, Dani.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I know you do, and you’re almost there. Only a few more weeks.”
“I don’t think I can make it a few more weeks.”
“Yes, you can. Just think, this time next month we’ll be sitting around the Christmas tree holding your beautiful babies.”
“You’re right.”
“I’m always right.”
She laughs, and I hear a muted voice, and then the phone shuffles and Lucas comes on the line. “I hate to interrupt the girl talk, but I would really like to love on my baby mama, and Ben is tired of waiting on you.”
“Ben?”
“Hang up and turn around.”
I lower the phone, press the red button, and turn around to find Ben behind me on one knee in the sand.
“What’re you doing?”
“Marry me.”
I hold up my left ring finger, showing him the giant, sparkling diamond he put on it six months ago. “I am.”
“I mean today. Right now.”
“What?” Stunned, I fall to my knees in front of him.
“I’ve got it all set up; I just need you to say yes.”
“You want to get married here?”
He nods.
“Right now?”
He nods again.
“Without our friends and family to witness it?”
“I know it sounds absurd, but between your mom and mine, this wedding has turned into a shit show. I just want you, Dani. I want you to be my wife. I want you take my last name and when I carry you to bed tonight, I want to make love to my wife.”
“Ben…” I shake my head, at a complete loss for words.
“We don’t have to if you’re not ready, but if you say yes, I have a minister ready to go, as well as a steel drum band and three beautiful dresses for you to choose from.”
Tears leak from my eyes. “You did all of that?”
“I’ve never needed anything in my life as badly I need you to be my wife.”