We signed to each other as we flew to Orlando. I translated when the flight attendant offered drinks and snacks. I couldn't wait to arrive in Florida.

******
Elias

The plane landed, and I put in my hearing aids. Since most people don't know sign language, it made it easier to communicate. It didn't matter with Tori because she understood sign language.

We grabbed our carry-on bags, heading to the baggage claim. After collecting our bags, we checked into the hotel. I don't mind flying, but Tori has a warped sense of humor. Who the hell mentions crashing while you're flying?

We made it to the hotel, checking into our rooms. I set my bag down on the bed as Tori opened hers. I glanced into her bag, spotting an article of clothing. I picked up a bikini and held it in my hands. Tori glanced at me.

"If we didn't have company, I would suggest skinny dipping."

Tori arched a brow. "You're a perve."

I shrugged as she took the bikini from my hand. We freshened up and met the others to eat. I don't mind a plane ride, but I need real food.

*******
Tori

We met the others and ate at Longhorn Steakhouse. I ordered a sirloin steak, baked potato, and salad. Elias ordered a porterhouse steak, baked loaded sweet potato, and corn.

"I'm so glad you eat meat," Elias mentioned.

"You would be bumming if Tori didn't," Deacon said.

We looked at Deacon as I rolled my eyes. Elias chuckled. The Harper boys are dirty boys.

"Okay. We're hitting Universal Studios instead of Disneyworld," Owen mentioned.

"Universal is better than Disney," Kayden added.

The consensus with us is we preferred Universal over Disney. It's not that Disney is terrible, but we selected Universal better.

I had a chance to apologize to Wendy about the reception. She told me not to worry. Her cousin deserved to get smacked. I like Wendy.

We finished dinner, then hit the beach. If we're in Florida, we might make the best of it. Elias and I walked along the shoreline, holding hands.

"Where do you see yourself in the future?" Elias asked.

Okay, that question is random. Where is Elias going with his question?

"Do you see yourself with me?" He added.

I stopped and looked at Elias. He looked at me.

"Do you mean marriage?" I asked.

Elias turned to me. "Marriage, kids, the whole nine yards."

My eyes widened as my bottom jaw slack.

"I want a future with you."

I stared at Elias, speechless.

"Tori, when I gave you a promise ring, I intend to replace it with a wedding ring. I want a partner who understands and accepts me. I want to come home to someone who isn't afraid of getting dirty but wears a dress. I want a woman who holds her own and takes adventures with me. I want a tomboy who loves Slurpees and Doritos."

A smile curled upon my lips.

"I want to make you my wife and the mother of my children. That's if you'll have me."

"Are you asking me to marry you?" I asked, knitting my brows.

Elias reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring, holding it up to me. "What do you think?"

My heart pounded as Elias smiled.

"Will you say yes, so we can deal with you later?" Deacon yelled.

I rolled my eyes and turned to Deacon. "You're an ass!"

"Yeah, but I'll be your official brother!" Deacon yelled back.

"Stop ruining a moment, you tool!" Nate snapped, smacking Deacon upside the head.

I shook my head and looked at Elias.

"Did I mention you will have Nate and Deacon as brothers?" Elias asked.

"Well, I guess having Nate and Deacon as brothers won't be bad," I mentioned with a shrug.

Elias grinned as I beamed. He slid my promise ring off my finger and replaced it with an engagement ring. I jumped on Elias, knocking him down. He wrapped his arms around me as he planted a kiss on my lips.

We broke from our kiss as we got up. The others came over and congratulated us. I couldn't see my life without Elias in it. He had become a significant part of my life while growing up. We started as neighbors, becoming friends, then fell in love with each other.

Love can happen at any time. I fell in love with Elias when I was twelve but figured he didn't feel the same. He changed my mind with a kiss. Life has a way of throwing people at you, changing your perspective.

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