Hearing one of the babies whimper, I walked over and picked up the pink swaddled baby and walked over to the rocking chair. Holding her in my arms, I slowly rocked her back into a slumber as I thought back to Aaron asking me to marry him the second time.
Rolling over, I smiled when I heard the waves crashing on the shore. Aaron had surprised me with a trip to Cancun not long after the divorce. We had been here four days already and I was wishing we could just stay here forever. Yesterday was filled with a trip out on a sailboat Aaron had chartered for the day. The evening ended with a slow dance on the deck of the boat and Aaron promising to make love to me all night long.
Stretching, I let out a giggle. Oh yes. My body indeed felt the after effects of Aaron’s marathon night of lovemaking.
Sitting up, I reached for a hairband and pulled my hair up into a ponytail and headed out of our little bungalow. The smell of breakfast immediately hit me as I saw Aaron pulling out a chair at the small round table. My stomach felt as if I was on a roller coaster as I stared into his breathtaking eyes.
“Why thank you, Mr. Walker,” I said with a purr as I walked up, kissed him on the lips and sank down into the chair.
Leaning over, Aaron placed his hand on my chin and lifted my face up to his. “Good morning, baby. Did you sleep well?”
Sinking my teeth into my lip, I nodded. “When I was finally able to sleep, yes, I slept heavenly.”
Winking, he said, “Good.”
Taking a seat next to me, Aaron reached for the orange juice and poured me a glass. For some crazy reason, my hands were shaking and I felt like I was a teenage girl again out on her first date.
Placing the glass of orange juice up to my lips, I asked, “What’s up today?” Taking a drink, I raised my eyebrows as Aaron gave me a naughty smile.
“I’ll tell you one thing that’s up.”
Rolling my eyes, I looked down at the yummy breakfast before me. Picking up my fork, I began digging in. Glancing up, I smiled as Aaron stared at me. “What?” I asked as I stuffed more eggs into my mouth.
Standing up, Aaron held his hand out for me. “I can’t wait a second longer. I never was good with keeping surprises.”
Jumping up, I smiled. “Surprises?”
Aaron reached down and scooped me up into his arms. “Close your eyes, baby.”
Feeling like a little kid in a candy store, I did what he asked as he walked toward the shore.
“Ready?” he whispered as he lowered my body slowly down. The moment my toes touched the sand, I smiled. Opening my eyes, I was looking directly into Aaron’s. My heart felt as if it skipped a beat as he smiled back at me. His eyes were swimming with love.
Turning me toward the shore, I sucked in a breath as I looked out in the water. A huge sailboat sat just off the shoreline with a sign that said, I love you, Sierra. Will you marry me?
Spinning around, I practically fell backwards at the sight before me. Aaron was kneeling down on one knee holding open a ring box with one hand and a bouquet of calla lilies in his other hand. My favorite flower.
Placing my hands over my mouth, I began to cry.
“Sierra Lynn Jackson. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Dropping my hands to my side, I nodded my head frantically as I dropped down onto the sand and wrapped my arms around Aaron. I would never experience such happiness as I did in that moment.
“Sierra? Sierra, are you lost in thought or what?”
Smiling, I shook my head and stood up. Placing the little pink bundle of joy back into the basinet, I turned and looked at my coworker, Maria. “I guess I was just taking in this will be my last time in this room.” Taking in a deep breath, I held it while I attempted to settle my feelings. Slowly blowing it out, I turned and headed out of the nursery. Walking up to the nurse’s station, I smiled as everyone held a single balloon in their hands. Each one said good luck. Wiping my tears away, I quickly made my way to each of the nurses I had worked with for the last four years and hugged them.
“We’re going to miss you. Are you sure you want to do this Sierra? Leave patient care and go teach?” Maria asked as she handed me the last balloon.
Nodding my head, I chewed on my lower lip. “I’ve never been so sure of anything in my entire life. I’m going to miss y’all too.”
After saying good-bye again for the fourth time, I took my handful of balloons, waved, and made my way to the elevator. As much as I loved my job, I was looking forward to my new career of teaching. I needed a change and this was it. At least . . . I hoped this was it. Something felt as if it was missing and I couldn’t place my finger on what it was.
