Waves

Part 2

The next morning, Eve and Joe woke up tangled in each others arms. Opting for a late check out, they made love for a few hours before packing up and heading to the airport. Once back in Cincinnati, they resumed their regular routine but Eve felt that something had shifted with Joe. It may have been wishful thinking but Eve almost thought that the fight before the wedding had made things click for Joe and he was showing signs that he was getting closer to finally manning up and proposing.

For starters, a few days after their return to Ohio, Joe told Eve to plan on going out of town for their anniversary. For the entirety of their relationship, Joe never wanted to go anywhere for their anniversary; number one, Joe had a schedule more regimented than the military and didn't like any interruptions to his routine. Second, the date was always mere weeks before the start of camp and normally he was locked in for the upcoming season.

Chatting with her mom on the phone while she packed, Eve tried to keep herself from getting too giddy. "So he didn't tell you where you were going? Just to pack for warm weather and bring one formal outfit?" her mom asked. "Yup. I think this is it Mom. I think he's proposing on this trip." The two women squealed a bit before Eve hung up, promising her that she would keep her posted as the trip unfolded.

A few days later, Eve and Joe were on their way to the airport; Joe's hand resting on her thigh. "What carrier are we flying?" Eve inquire innocently, hoping it would give her a clue as to where they were going. "Nice try Nancy Drew. We are flying private so you'll find out when we land," Joe smirked as he planted a soft kiss on her hand as he parked in the private terminal. He's really going all out. This is definitely the proposal trip, Eve thought to herself.

Climbing into the small plane, the couple was greeted by a group of uniformed flight attendants who offered them a cocktail and a snack. Buckling her seatbelt, Eve shook her head at Joe and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "This is already incredible Joe. Thank you so much for planning this." Beaming, Joe stroked her cheek and held Eve to his side. "You're welcome baby. Happy Anniversary."

The combination of the cocktail and a silent cabin led Eve to knock out immediately. Hours later, Eve felt Joe shake her awake gently. "Hey sleepyhead. Look out the window." Stretching her arms, Eve looked out the plane window and her mouth fell open. Underneath her, the easily recognizable volcanos of Hawaii passed below the plane. "Are we going to Hawaii?" Eve asked in a hushed whisper. "Yup," Joe kisses her forehead as she squealed. He's been paying attention.

Landing a short time later, the couple spent the next 24 hours exploring Lanai. It was an island Eve had never been to before due to the exorbitant nature of getting into it, and Joe himself had never even been to Hawaii. Snorking, diving, and a day hiking to the volcanos left them exhausted on their actual anniversary two days later. Eve woke up that morning with a smile on her face as she noticed the large flower arrangement on the nightstand next to her. Realizing Joe wasn't in bed with her, Eve got dressed and read the small card nestled in the flowers.

Happy anniversary to the most beautiful girl in the world.

These past five years with you by my side have been indescribable.

I love you so much and I know tonight is going to be the night of a lifetime.

Love,

Joey

Holding the note to your heart, Eve closed her eyes and allowed herself to get excited for tonight. While Joe was a great partner, he wasn't the most demonstrative guy, so the amount of effort he had put into this trip told Eve that for him to go all out-this was the night he was going to ask her to marry him. Hearing the door to the suite open, Eve turned around to see a drenched Joe walk in. "Got your workout in?" Eve asked as he pecked her cheek. "Yup, all done. Do you like your flowers?" Joe grinned. "Love them. Thank you so much baby," Eve wrapped her arms around Joe's waist and snuggle into his chest, already ecstatic at how the weeklong trip was unfolding.