Madeline smoothed her dress as she slid into the passenger side of Ken's white Lexus, still in a state of euphoria. Had she really just
accepted his marriage proposal as they sat on a bench in the South Beach Pavilion?With the glowing moon shining down on the ocean and the balmy breeze
gently caressing them, it had felt like a dream. Sure, she believed in the
principles of the prosperity course she'd taken, as evidenced by her
countless hours spent treasure mapping, meditating, journaling and
praying for her most desired manifestations.
True, it had taken her quite a while to understand that the "perfect
soulmate" she'd consistently visualized waiting for her in front of the altar
had actually been Ken all along. And when the pieces began to come
together at the beginning of this year, it was definitely an "aha" kind of
moment. Given their history, it was only appropriate that he'd chosen a
seaside setting to pop the question.
But how could he have possibly known that the gorgeous platinum
engagement ring that now fit so perfectly on her left hand was the exact
one from her treasure map? Other than Ann's crucial assistance with her
panic and anxiety disorder, she'd never once delved into her metaphysical
studies with him.
"You ok sweetheart?" Ken kissed her hand as he settled into his seat.
"I'm just a little shocked-in a really good way!"
"I told you a long time ago I was coming back to marry you,
remember?"
"Yes, I remember," she assured him, thinking back to that cold winter
night in Ocean City, and the two of them snuggled up in her twin bed. So
much had transpired between then and now. "It's just-I still can't
believe this is real. That all this time, it was you."
"Hey," he whispered, bringing their foreheads together. "I promise
you, I am going to spend the rest of my life making up for lost time;
making it up to you for everything. I can't believe you still love me,
Madeline. I am the luckiest man alive."
His eyes filled up as he gazed at her, tugging at her heart; she felt the
warmth emanating from his chest as she laid her hands upon him. And
while his words echoed with genuine emotion, Maddy knew beyond a
doubt that their romance had evolved perfectly, if not according to what
either of them had originally anticipated.
"I like the sound of that," she teased, earnestly studying his face
before taking both of his hands in hers. "But Kenny, there's nothing you
have to make up for. Whatever you might think of this interesting road
we've been traveling, it was exactly what we needed to get us to this point.
We're both ready for this, now. The girl I was back then wouldn't have
made you happy, not in the long run, even though she would've given it
her very best. She was so unsettled, so unsure of herself…" her voice
trailed off.
"And how is she now?" he asked softly.
"She's never been surer of anything in her entire life," Maddy smiled.
"Good," he replied, "Because she is definitely as beautiful as ever."
He traced the curve of her face as he spoke. "And if she thought this was
the highlight of her evening, she should know that there's much more still
to come-and a whole lifetime of happy memories ahead."
"Hmm, that's sounds very intriguing," she teased. "But I don't know
how anything can top a romantic marriage proposal by the sea."
"Well, you just settle in for the ride sweetheart. You'll find out soon
enough."