Blind Date Turned Proposal

“Hey, Pop,” Josie leaned out the door, a quizzical expression on her face. “why the sudden tantrum? Missing those spring outings, don’t you?”

The old man frowned, clearly upset. “You said you would bring me!”

She chuckled softly. “Alright, let’s do this.”

Before leaving Mason Garden with her father, Julie told Josie, “Mrs. Russell, take it easy on the road and drive carefully, okay?”

Josie nodded, her mind already concocting a plan.

Mason Garden was just a stone’s throw away from the beach, offering a laid-back and spacious atmosphere. without the usual crowds.

Josie remembered how Paul always enjoyed places buzzing with activity and people.

After contemplating, she decisively pressed the gas pedal and steered off course,

The day was an absolute beauty; the weather couldn’t be more perfect, and the sea stretched out in a mesmerizing shade of blue.

Kids were building sandcastles under their parents’ watch, and couples were unwinding by the shore. It was then that Josie realized it was the weekend.

was swarming with people!

sat down and let the waves lap at his feet. A serene smile etched on his

you were little, I used to take you to the beach all the time. Like those

But as I grew older, the whole beach scene lost

stressed and needed a quiet spot to sort out her thoughts.

sunlight making him squint. “You hadn’t even seen a beach before I brought you from Rivodia. It was a whole new experience for you.”

“Pop, your memories are playing tricks on

pout. “Did Dexter give you a

head with a soft

hand, holding it in his own, giving it a gentle pat while a

its challenges. As long as you’re genuinely happy in it, I’ll

tone turned earnest. “It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but for

recall something, hesitant. He motioned toward the children playing nearby. “So, when’s the plan for you two to have a little one?”

into family

off guard by the question;

eyes. “It might be time to consider it. Welcoming a new member to the Russell clan would surely bring joy to Henry and Dexter.”

the idea. She suddenly asked, “What about you? Would you be happy about

that comes to mind. Having

from the heart, whether they are biological or

a warmth spread through her chest.