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

spot. He sat down and let the waves

to the beach all the time. Like those kids, you

bits and pieces. But as I

only sought out the beach when stressed and needed a quiet spot

grinned, the 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.”

about Rivodia, so she quipped, “Pop, your memories are playing tricks on

off, faking a pout. “Did Dexter give you a hard time about that

that, Josie shook her head with a soft

it in his own, giving it a gentle

Mrs. Russell comes with its challenges. As long as

“It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but for

He motioned toward the children playing nearby. “So, when’s the plan for you two to have

diving into family

by the

in his eyes. “It might be time to consider it. Welcoming a new member to the Russell clan would surely bring

wasn’t entirely sold on the idea. She suddenly asked, “What about you? Would you be happy

first thing that comes to mind. Having a

parental care comes from the heart, whether

a warmth spread through