The Shore (27 page)

Ryan could sense Cody’s absence when she woke the next morning. His meeting was fairly early, and he had been nice enough to let her sleep. She stretched her arm out, running it over the sheets where he had laid just hours before. As she reached the pillow, she found a note.

Hey babe,

Good morning. You looked so beautiful and relaxed, I didn’t want to wake you. There is fresh fruit and juice in the kitchen. I scheduled you a massage at the hotel spa, but left the time open. Just give them a call when you’re ready.

See you this afternoon. Love you,

C

Ryan smiled as she gently touched the petals of the orange Gerbera daisy, her favorite flower, that accompanied the note. She loved that he thought of her and left these kinds of little touches for her.

Since Cody starting visiting Ryan in Charlotte, she’d been finding little things he left her. It could be a quick note on her bathroom vanity, a picture of herself sleeping while Cody took a selfie, or even tickets to the upcoming Panthers and Packers game the teams would play that fall. They were all sweet gestures and most definitely made her feel loved.

When Ryan returned from her luxurious 90-minute massage, Cody was still nowhere to be found. However, laying on the now made bed were two boxes. One was small, about the size of a cereal bowl. On it was a note.

Open this one first and do what’s in the box. Once you’ve finished, come back and open the bigger box.

C

Ryan grinned as she sat on the bed with the box in her hand.

What is this boy up to?

She gently pulled on the red ribbon that held the box closed, untied it and placed it on the bed. Opening the box, she found a small bottle of vanilla lavender bubble bath. She took it in her hand, looking around the suite to see if perhaps Cody was hiding somewhere, but she was alone.

Ryan walked into the bathroom, noting two big, fluffy white towels lying next to the bathtub, ready for when she would need them. She leaned over the tub and turned on the water. After the massage, she needed to wash up anyway, and this bath would help keep her relaxed.

As she undressed, she wondered what was in the other box. Ryan wasn’t known for being a patient person, so it was killing her not knowing what was waiting for her.

She decided she would wait, doing what Cody had asked. She stepped into the tub, relishing the feel of the extra warm water on her skin and the scents from the bubble bath in the room. She lowered herself and felt the water flow around her. There was a pillow behind her that fit perfectly into her neck as she laid her head against the edge. Letting her mind wander to Cody, she laid quietly enjoying the bath, running her fingers through the bubbles.

Ryan had lost sense of time and her hands were beginning to prune. She flipped the lever with her toe and heard the water begin to empty. Standing, she grabbed a towel, wrapped herself in it and walked toward the bed.

Taking the bigger box in her hands, she sat on the edge of the bed. She untied the ribbon and shimmied the cover off. Inside was a halter dress made of dark maroon colored chiffon. When Ryan held it up, she saw there were straps that went around the neck, no shoulders, multiple layers of fabric that hung from the waist down and a belt made of the same fabric. Tucked further in the box were a pair of silver sandals that went perfectly with the dress.

“Oh my God…” she said as she looked at the dress.

Ryan looked in the box and saw there was another note.

I hope you’re enjoying your day. I’ve got some things planned for us this evening. Get yourself ready and meet me in the bar downstairs at 4. All you need is … you.

C

Ryan couldn’t help herself as she giggled and made her way back to the bathroom. She quickly noted the time: 2:30. She had plenty of time to get ready. She just hoped the dress and shoes would fit.

Right at 4 o’clock, Cody turned to see Ryan walk into the bar. She had worn her hair down, just like he liked it, and the dress looked amazing on her. He stood and smiled at her as she walked toward him.

Taking her hand and pulling her in for a kiss, he noted, “You look absolutely beautiful.”

Ryan smiled back at him. He was wearing a medium gray suit with a light gray dress shirt and maroon tie that easily matched the color of her dress. She had never seen him in a suit before, and he looked damn handsome in it.

“You’re just full of surprises today, aren’t you?”

Cody simply grinned and nodded.

“Do I get to know where we’re going, or is that a surprise, too?”

“That’s a surprise, too,” he answered, “but I’m pretty sure you’ll like it.”

“As long as I’m with you, it doesn’t matter where we are.”

She smiled at him again, then placed a kiss on his lips.

“Good. Come with me then.”

They exited the bar and walked toward the front door of the hotel. Ryan noted the head nod Cody gave to the concierge, and the huge smile he had on his face they walked by.

Apparently HE was in on the details.

Outside the hotel was a black limo, the back door open and waiting for them.

“Mr. Calloway,” the driver nodded.

Cody nodded in response and turned to let Ryan slide in first. She had no idea where they were going, or what all of the extravagance was about, but Ryan was enjoying herself. She was usually a bit of a control freak, and it was nice to let someone else take the reins for a while.

They sat in silence as Ryan looked out the window, curious where they were heading.

Cody gently took her hand and raised it to his lips.

“You look absolutely amazing in that dress.”

Ryan looked at him and smiled.

“How did you know? It fits perfectly.”

He chuckled in response and then confessed, “I had help. Madison told me what size you wore, and I gave the woman at the shop a picture of you. I only had one shot at it, and I wanted to make sure it was perfect.”

“I’d have to say you did pretty damn well, Mr. Calloway,” she grinned.

“Well, thank you, Ms. Blake.” Cody smiled and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, not wanting to mess up her make up. He raised his head and looked out the window. “Looks like we’re here.”

Ryan turned her head and saw they had arrived at a marina. There were boats and yachts of all sizes lining the docks.

She looked questioningly at Cody, but he didn’t say a word as he slid out of the car and offered his hand in assistance.

“This way, Mr. Calloway,” the driver offered.

They walked along the dock, nearly to the very end, until they came upon an impressive looking yacht.

“Welcome aboard,” the captain said with a smile.

Once they boarded the yacht, they were escorted to the bow.

They sat at a small table, drinking wine, snacking on cheese and crackers and talking easily while they traveled away from the shore. Ryan asked about Cody's meeting with his client and he explained about a new project he was being asked to do. Cody hoped if everything went well that evening he might be able to ask Ryan for some help with the project. Permanently.

Cody also inquired about Ryan's day, although he still wouldn't tell her exactly what was going on. She wasn't concerned, and she had a vague idea, so she tried to relax and enjoy the time away in a beautiful location.

They traveled for about 90 minutes before they heard and felt the engines cut off. Shortly after, they were served a wonderful steak dinner and more wine. They had a beautiful backdrop of the sun setting over the water and soft music playing as they ate.

When they were finished and the dishes had been cleared, Cody stood, taking Ryan's hand in his, and led them to the yacht's edge. He didn't think Ryan had ever looked so beautiful. The color of the sky was reflecting in her eyes and the soft breeze gently moved her hair along her back.

He lifted her hand, still in his, and kissed the back of it.

“Okay, Cody. This is all very romantic, and I love it, but what's going on?” she asked quietly. She couldn’t take the suspense any longer.

Cody reached for her other hand and squeezed them both. He inhaled a deep breath and began.

“Ryan, the last three months have been the best of my life.” He swallowed. “I thought I had my one chance at true love and lost it. For a long time I was broken. But then I found you, stranded on the side of the road stuck in sand.”

Ryan smiled at Cody remembering how cute she thought he was that day. That day changed … everything for her.

“And I have never been more thankful for sand in my life. It brought me to you.” He looked into her eyes and saw tears there.

Cody slowly lowered himself to one knee and continued to hold her hand. Ryan gasped as the realization of the moment finally hit her.

“You are the love of my life, Ryan. I know it. I feel it. You make me a better person. I want to wake up to you every morning and have your face be the last thing I see when I close my eyes.”

Ryan smiled as the tears slowly fell down her cheeks.

“I want to be with you when you try new things. I want to teach you and have you teach me. I want to take rides with you and get lost with you. I want to raise a family with you. I want to grow old with you.” He paused for a moment, smiling up at her.

“Ryan Echo Blake, will you marry me?”

Ryan couldn’t speak. She nodded her head frantically and fell to her knees, wrapping her arms around him.

And finally, “Yes, I’ll marry you, Cody.”

Cody reached his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He opened it so it faced Ryan.

Ryan gasped. “Oh my god, Cody … it’s beautiful!”

“Not as beautiful as you,” he smiled.

He lifted the platinum ring with a round shaped diamond out of the box and took her left hand in his right.

“I love you, Ryan,” he said as he slid the ring on her finger.

Ryan was in awe as the ring sparkled back at her. She took Cody’s face in her hands and looked at him. “I love you, Cody.”

Cody leaned down and placed his lips on Ryan’s and kissed her with everything he had.

They felt the engines turn back on as the yacht began to move. Cody led Ryan to the upper deck of the yacht, a platform that was lit with small clear twinkling lights around the perimeter. The volume of the music increased and Cody led them to the center. He placed one arm around her waist, held her hand in the other and started dancing slowly.

“This was a perfect night, Cody,” Ryan said with a smile, looking into his eyes.

“I'm glad. I wanted it to be perfect.”

He let go of her and placed his hand at her neck and pulled her to him. He leaned down and gently brushed his lips against hers.

Ryan could not have been happier. She kept stealing glances at Cody, then her ring and then back at Cody. Her life really had come full circle.

Ryan couldn’t wait to share the news of their engagement with everyone. When they arrived back at the hotel, they made calls to Madison, Mac and Riley, Abby and their parents. Everyone had been so excited for them and sent their love and congratulations.

After the phone calls were complete, Ryan and Cody sat snuggling on the couch.

“It was a good day today,” Cody said with a smile.

Ryan looked up at him and smiled. “The best day.”

She looked down at her hand again and her smile grew even more, if that was possible.

“I’m glad you like it.” He took her hand in his.

“I love it, Cody. I love you.”

The smile on her face was never going to come off.

“I have one more thing for you.”

Ryan looked at him questioningly.

“Be right back.”

He kissed the top of her head and stood, then walked toward the bedroom. When he returned he was carrying an envelope.

Cody sat on the couch facing Ryan, struggling to find the words he wanted to say.

“This is the letter my mom wrote.”

Ryan gasped. “Cody…”

“I know I’ve already read it, and I read it to Laura. But,” he paused, “you’ll never be able meet my mom. I’d like you to have it.”

Tears began to fall down Ryan’s face for the second time that day.

“Maybe, after everything, it was really you this letter was meant for.

“I know things happen for a reason, and losing Laura was … hard. But I truly believe you are the person I was supposed to spend my forever with.”

Cody handed Ryan the envelope. He rose, gently placed a kiss on her head and made his way to the balcony.

Ryan was at a loss as she looked at the envelope in her hands, running her fingers over the inscription written by Cody's mom: My Daughter-in-Law. She had wondered what his mom wrote when Cody told her he’d read it, but she figured she would never know – the letter had been for Laura.

With shaky hands she opened the envelope and unfolded the paper.

To my future daughter-in-law,

Welcome to our family. I’m sorry I can’t be there to share in this special time with you and Cody, but know you are both in my heart. We may have never met, but if my son, my angel, believes you to be worthy of his love, who am I to argue?

I’ve been waiting to meet you since the day the doctor told me I was pregnant again. Since we weren’t even trying for another child, you can imagine my surprise when he said the words, “Looks like things are going to change again in about seven months.” Let me tell you, Cody James was the sweetest surprise I have ever received.

My pregnancy was fairly easy with him, which could only mean one thing, right? You’d be wrong. He was the perfect angel – sleeping through the night and crying only when he was hungry, sleepy, or needing to be changed, and he would let me hug and cuddle him until my arms grew tired. Often during our quiet times, I’d daydream about the man Cody would become, the woman he would marry and what his life would look like as a man.

As a small boy, he held my hand, hugged me in public, and asked me about everything. And I do mean everything. He was an inquisitive little boy! He was also fairly quiet. He didn’t make many friends, but the ones he had, he hung on to with everything he had. Many of the men you’ll meet have spent hours around my kitchen table doing homework, talking about sports and girls and eating everything I had in the refrigerator. I wouldn’t change a minute of it.

Cody found his rebellious streak during his teenage years, but thankfully he never found himself in serious trouble. I’ll let him tell you about those stories when he’s ready. Something tells me more happened than what I know about!

I’ve been fortunate to see my youngest son grow into a kind and generous man that has a loving heart. Protect that. Cherish that. It’s what has made him the man I know him to be and the man you fell in love with.

But you. You are my wildcard. You are the person that will share his life with him. Raise a family with him. Comfort him when he’s had a hard day and laugh with him during the good ones. You will raise my grandchildren and mentor your nieces and nephews. You will be his best friend. You will love him at his worst and at his best.

You will make him stronger and a better person. You will stand beside him as you walk through life – don’t follow and don’t lead. Be his partner in everything you do. You will be the ying to his yang. You will complete him. And he will complete you.

I have done my best to raise a man worthy of your love. Now it’s your turn. Choose him, as he has chosen you.

My greatest hope is the two of you have found a love for each other that will last forever. The kind that time and adversity cannot tarnish. Be good to each other. Have faith in each other. Turn to each other when things get hard – and they will. If you do, you will be so much stronger on the other side.

Enjoy this special time. Remind Cody I’m there with him, always.

All my love,

Mom

P.S. Please give Riley and Mac a hug for me.

Ryan could barely read the bottom of the letter through the tears. She folded the paper, put it back in the envelope and raised it to her chest. She would treasure that letter.

She laid the envelope on the coffee table and joined Cody on the balcony. He looked up as she walked to him and sat on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his chest.

They were lost in their own thoughts for several minutes. Eventually, Ryan raised her head and Cody could see she had been crying.

“Thank you for sharing that with me,” she said quietly.

Cody gently wiped the wetness from her eyes.

“I think she wrote it for you.”

Ryan gently caressed his cheek. She loved the feel of his stubble.

“She was a pretty special person, wasn’t she?”

Cody nodded quietly.

Ryan leaned down and kissed him gently and the kiss quickly grew to more. When Cody lifted his head, he smiled at her and scooted himself to the edge of the chair. With one arm already around her, he slid his other under her knees and stood.

Ryan looked at him questioningly. “What are you doing?”

“Taking my fiancée to bed.”

The end.