Opening video:

Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars

Friday, August 16th, 2019

Kim's POV

The plane just landed safely in Maui.

"Kimi, our vehicle for the trip is waiting for you to drive once we get off the plane. The driver will hand you the keys."

As soon as the flight attendant opened the door Riley and I quickly got off the plane.

Ryder is going to make me pass out right on this runway - a Rolls Royce Cullinan?! He walked off the plane with a wide grin on his face.

"I knew you would love it." Like Ryder said, the driver handed me the keys.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Enjoy your trip, ma'am."

The driver then got in another vehicle and left the runway. I started jumping up and down like a little kid.

"Daddy, why is Kimi so happy? Does she know about the.."

Ryder quickly put his hand over Ryley's mouth.

"What did you do that for?"

"Let's drive to your house. I'm sure other planes would like to take off from the runway."

"Nice try, buddy. We are not moving off this runway until you answer the question."

"Ryley, have a seat in the truck."

Ryder walked over to where I was standing.

"You don't scare me."

"I'm not planning to scare you. But, everyone within our sights will watch you get tickled until you move this truck off the runway."

"It's obviously a surprise if you are threatening to tickle me. Do not tickle me because you never stop. I'm good. We can go now."

"Good girl."

Ryder walked to the passenger side and took his seat. I sat in the driver's seat. "Ryley, are you hungry?"

"Yes, Kimi."

"Okay. We'll go eat first, and then I'll drive home."

********************

Ryley was asleep by the time we made it home.

"We are getting a Cullinan when we go home. Count on it. I'll go open the door for you, then come back to help with the luggage."

"I'll get it after taking Ryley inside the house."

"Ryder, it's been a long day, and I know you are tired too. I will grab Ryley's suitcase and take it inside."

"Thank you."

I grabbed Ryley's suitcase and went to open the front door of the house.

I love the ocean views that I have in this house. They are so amazing to watch.

I carried Ryley's suitcase to her room. Ryder came in a few minutes later and put Ryley in the bed. We then walked out of her room.

"Tomorrow, we are going to start our vacation on a high point. So, get to bed, woman."

"Someone is bossy tonight. I can't wait to see this high point you have in store."

Ryder's POV

I hope your reaction is excitable as you are now.

********************

Saturday, August 17th, 2019

I ordered breakfast for us to eat because I am not a cooker. Ryley usually makes a sad face every time I fix something, so she runs to Kimi to fix her food.

"Good morning, Ellis crew. Breakfast smells delicious. Thank you for ordering it."

"Good morning. How do you know I didn't fix it?"

"Ryder, seriously? I would have smelled food burning in the kitchen. And, Ryley would have come to me to fix breakfast."

"You got me there. I did order it. Tonight we are having a family dinner date on the beach."

"Is that why you covered Ryley's mouth yesterday?"

My child was about to open her mouth until I gave her the look to be quiet. I'm going to let Kimi believe that.

"Yup, that's the reason why."

"I'm looking forward to it. Until then, after breakfast, let's take Ryley to the aquarium. She is going to love it."

"Can we go, daddy, to see the fish?"

"Yes, we can, princess. Let's finish our breakfast first."

**************

We had a great time at the aquarium. We saw a variety of animals. Ryley's favorite part was the dolphin show.

Kimi and Ryley are getting dressed for dinner. I am pacing back and forth in the main floor hallway.

Kimi and Ryley came downstairs and saw me pacing.

"Why are you so nervous about dinner?"

"I'm not. I couldn't wait to see how beautiful my girls look in their outfits. And, neither of you disappointed."

"I love your outfit too - especially the jeans. They fit perfectly."

Kimi whistled as we walked outside.

Kimi's house is a beachfront property, so we walked to where our dinner date was set up.

"Ryder, you had this set up for us? I love it."

"I am glad you love it. And, I ordered food for us to eat. I knew you were going to ask, so I already answered your question."

"Good boy. Let's get this date started. We are hungry."

****************************

Immediately after eating dinner, Ryley asked, "Daddy, is it time yet?"

"Time for what? What are you and Ryley up to, Ryder?" Kimi replies while putting her hands on her hips.

"I guess now is perfect, Princess." Ryley grabbed the gift bag we hid under the table.

"Kimi, I picked out this gift for you. And, daddy wants to ask you a question once you open it."

Ryley handed Kimi the gift bag. Once she saw the ring box, the tears streamed down her cheeks.

That was my queue to drop down on my knee.

"Before our trip to France, we were two of the stupidest people. That trip changed the way we saw each other. It turned out to be the best trip I ever had. I must admit I was nervous about your reaction to me being a single father. Boy, I was wrong. You and Ryley instantly bonded. That's all I ever wanted - to find someone who would love me and my princess, Ryley. The Bruno Mars song playing is exactly how I feel about you. I love you just the way you are - beautiful, feisty, and confident. Kimi, you are the perfect one for us. Kimberly Arianna Forester, will you marry me and become Ryley's mommy?"

Kim's POV

"Ryder, it's a beautiful engagement ring. And, I agree. We were two of the stupidest people. That trip was the best for me too, even if I couldn't ski. The first time we danced, it felt so right the way you held me close. I could feel from that moment that I found someone who could love me. You already know I have always wanted to be a mom to a daughter or son. I love you and Ryley so much. I dreamt about this day ever since the party where you said, 'I see the mother of my future children.' My answer is yes. I will marry you and become Ryley's mommy. Ryley will not be an only child. Count on it." I couldn't stop crying.

"Yay! Kimi said yes, daddy!"

"She sure did."

While Ryley cheered, Ryder got off his knee to stand up and put the ring on my finger. I'll save the hungry kiss for when Ryley is asleep. I gave Ryder a sweet kiss and wiped the tears that fell down his cheeks. I gave Ryley a hug and kiss too.

"I love it and love you so much, Ryley. You have great taste. Let's have a toast. Grab your glasses." Ryder had kid-friendly imitations of strawberry daiquiris made for us.

Ryder and Ryley grabbed their glasses. I did too. "To the Ellis Family."

This proposal feels so right. I never have to worry about Ryder ever leaving me. He loves me for who I am. That's all I ever wanted.

"Picture time, Ellis crew."

Ryley sat in my lap while Ryder and I went cheek to cheek. I snapped a few selfies of us. I handed Ryder my phone, and he took a few pictures that showed off my ring.

"This will now be my favorite trip. I understand now why Ryder was twitching in his chair on the plane. And, why you covered Ryley's mouth on the runway at the airport. Boy, you should have known my answer would be yes. That was the only answer to give. We both overcame a lot to reach this moment. No one is going to ruin it or spoil it."

"You're right. I shouldn't have been nervous. But, what guy isn't nervous about his girlfriend's answer to his proposal? I had Ryley video the proposal. I didn't tell anyone about proposing, so when we go home, it will be a surprise announcement for everyone."

"So, how about having a family dinner?"

"They will immediately know that something is going on."

"How about we have a back-to-school party for Ryley? Then, when you make your speech, you announce our engagement."

"They will definitely be surprised. I love it. When is the big day?"

"Ryley, princess, what is your favorite season - Spring, Winter, Summer, or Fall?"

"I like Spring, Kimi."

"Spring it is. We can get married during Ryley's break from school. And, since we met each other in Maui, and you proposed here, let's go for the triple event and have our wedding here?"

"I'm okay with that."

"Ryley, I am going to make sure we are the prettiest girls at the wedding. No one is going to look better than we will. That is a promise. Now, let's eat our dessert. I have something I want to do first."

I stood up from the table that was set up for us and shouted out loud, "I AM ENGAGED, WORLD. KIMI FORESTER IS ENGAGED!!"

Ryder and Ryley looked at me like I was crazy.

"Daddy, is Kimi okay?"

"She is. Kimi is really excited."

"I'm not crazy, just ecstatic to be engaged. And, this time, it feels so real. Now, we can eat dessert."

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Picture of the romantic beach setting is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / nevodka

Picture portrayal of Kimi's engagement ring is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / fruitcocktail