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.

wonder the place was swarming

had discovered a comfortable spot. He sat down and let the waves lap at his feet. A serene

all the time.

next to him. “I recall bits and pieces. But as I grew

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

grinned, the sunlight making him squint. “You hadn’t even seen a beach before I brought

quipped, “Pop,

Dexter give you a

her head with a soft smile. “Don’t worry about

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

long

“It’s definitely not a walk in the

seemed to recall something, hesitant. He motioned toward the children playing nearby. “So, when’s

diving into

guard by the question; her cheeks

Welcoming a new member to the Russell clan would surely

suddenly asked, “What about

thing that comes to mind.

from the heart, whether they are biological or not.

a warmth spread through