CHAPTER 25

Jake had taken to his brother's plan like a general. He and his father had coordinated everyone and everything at the site. There was Luis from the Parks division, the well-hidden photographer, two of New York's finest, just in case, and him. Twenty more minutes and he would make the final call, confirming Reece and Sydney were approaching.

They made their way through Bennett Park and onto the Greenway just past the George Washington Bridge. The trail, with runners and some bicyclist, was not too busy. The bright sunny day was fading and the wind along the Hudson was picking up, the temperature was dipping. He wrapped his arm around her and smiled as he lifted the collar of her coat. Discreetly he patted his right pocket, reassuring himself the ring was still there.

"I haven't been here in ages. Do you remember the first time we were here together? We went to the little lighthouse. Isn't it around here?" Sydney asked.

"How could I forget, it was our first official school field trip. I think we were in second grade. My dad was one of the chaperones. He read us the *The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge. You wanted to go inside the lighthouse but it was locked. Had quite the temper tantrum if I recall. Your mother was not at all pleased," he replied with a laugh. "It was not a temper tantrum! I still say it was false advertising. How can you tell that story and then not allow us to go inside and look out the lighthouse? It was a protest, not a tantrum," she'd boldly declared. Just as he was about to say something his phone rang; Jake. He looked at the time as he answered; right on the money, four-thirty. "You're an idiot Jake. I'm nowhere[RB1] near the apartment, you'll just have to figure it out." Jake had locked himself out of the apartment he'd explained to Sydney.

He leaned in, kissed her softly on the lips and added, "How about we go visit the location of the great Sydney protest."

They walked the short distance around the point and came upon the Light Red Lighthouse. He took her hand and pulled her towards the wrought-iron gate that prevented anyone from venturing too close. Daily tours of the lighthouse had stopped over thirty ago, now it was only opened four weekends a year and never in the winter. Tours were next to impossible to book, she had never been inside. As he yanked on the gate, the door gave way. A shocked Sydney reprimanded him and ordered him away. He took her hand, pulling her towards the now opened gate.

"Come on, let's see if we can get inside," he dared her.

"Are you insane? We're gonna get arrested," she countered, resisting his pull.

He took the three steps to the lighthouse door, yanked and to Sydney's astonishment the door opened. He swiftly pulled her inside and closed the door. The laughter that followed tugged at his heart. The excitement as they ran up the small spiral staircase was palpable. By the time they'd made it to the top they were both breathless.

"Oh my god, this view is spectacular! If anyone catches us up here you better pray Alexis can bail us out," she'd huffed. Just as she was castigating him, he pulled her close and kissed her. The kiss was passionate and searing. She melted into his embrace and reciprocated. With her heart pounding, and her breathing still heavy from the run up the stairs and the kiss, she never heard the buzzing of the drone just above them. The pictures it was snapping were well worth the risk. He broke the kiss and looked at her; the grin on her face giving way to an inquisitive stare. He took her hands in his and nervously smiled.

"Syd, I remember the lighthouse and your protest. I remember your obsession with Tinker Bell. I remember you cried when you told me you were transferring schools, and I remember your purple cast when you broke your arm. I remember every time you helped me and Jake with a stupid prank, and every time you covered for us. I remember learning to dance so I could ask you to the freshman dance, I even remember the pink dress you wore. I remember nervously asking you to be my girlfriend, and I remember our first kiss. I remember the awkwardness and joy the first time we made love just as clearly as I remember making love to you this morning. I remember crying in your arms the night my Grandmother passed away, and I will always remember today, the day I asked you to be my wife." As tears gathered in her eyes, Reece pulled the ring from his coat pocket and got on one knee.

"Sydney Margaret Wetherton, will you marry me?"

It had been perfect. The sun was just setting when to his delight Sydney answered "yes." He nervously placed the ring on her finger, kissed her and wrapped her in his arms. They stayed by the railing as the sun set in the distance. The temperature was now much colder and he lovingly tucked her scarf around her neck. After a few minutes, when he felt her shiver, he led her towards the door.

"Come on, you're freezing."

He held her hand as they worked themselves down the stairs. She abruptly stopped when she saw the serious looking Park Ranger standing by the door. He assured her it was okay. The young Ranger tipped his hat and congratulated them. As they exited the gate Sydney saw Jake standing on the side, a huge grin on his face. Jake high fived his brother and hugged Sydney, reminding her he was the better looking of the two and she could always change her mind. Jake kissed Sydney, congratulating them both. As they returned to the walkway, the Park Ranger secured the gate and walked away. The photographer approached from a distance and requested a moment, taking a few pictures in front of the lighthouse with the fading sun behind them.

He had thought of everything, she was rendered speechless. She was still in a fog. He had really caught her off guard. Although she presumed he'd eventually propose, she did not expect it would be now. The ring was stunning, the thought he'd put into the location priceless. His words heartfelt and special. How she loved this man.

They walked down the path and ultimately reached the towncar he had reserved. Back at the apartment, Emily was awaiting news to set the rest of the scene. There were candles to light, a bottle of Sydney's favorite wine to place in the ice bucket, dinner to heat in the oven and a wrapped gift to set out. Emily and Jake had found alternative accommodations, giving the newly engaged couple total privacy for the weekend.

Once inside the car, she called her mother. She placed the call on speaker as her parent's happily congratulated them. She spent the ride home wrapped around her fiancé, still entranced by the events of the evening and the new title. Her cheeks hurt from the smile that was permanently etched on her face. She peppered him with questions, as he smiled and offered answers. Yes, he'd gotten authorization to enter the lighthouse and yes, her parents knew. Yes, Jake had helped him out and yes, the drone was taking pictures. He too had questions. Was she surprised? Did she have any idea he was going to propose? Did she like the ring; she'd answered that one with a kiss and a resounding yes. He understood she might want to see her parents and asked where she wanted to go. She had responded as he'd hoped, she wanted to go home. Home, a word that he hoped would soon mean one place and one place only for them both. Tonight, however, he did not need to clarify. He gave the driver the address and texted Emily they were on their way.

The wonderful day was far from over. Reece was unaware he was capable of giggling, yet her he was with his future wife, riding the elevator to his apartment, both consumed by silly giggles. Her face lit up as they entered the apartment to a sea of glowing candlelight. He kicked the door shut, took her in his arms and kissed her hard.

Sydney laughed and leaned into him. Taking him by the hand she walked around the apartment reveling in the soft light of the candles. She noticed her favorite wine chilling in an ice bucket with two wine glasses at the ready. Reece poured the wine, announcing dinner was in the oven, and her favorite chocolate mousse dessert was in the fridge. Next, to the wine, she spotted the wrapped box. But before she could reach the present Reece grabbed it and smiled. She could open it with dessert he'd announced.

The excitement in the room was unmistakable. Neither of them was hungry so Reece removed the food from the oven and placed it in the refrigerator as he took out the dessert. He walked over to Sydney with the chocolate mousse and the gift. He smiled and handed her the present.

As she tore away the paper, tears gathered in her eyes. The simple gift was as special as the ring he had placed on her finger less than an hour ago. She would always treasure this copy of The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge. Someday she'd read their children the simple story and finish it off with how their daddy had proposed to her atop the Little Red Lighthouse.

They ate the dessert and sipped their wine, eventually moving on to the bedroom. The adrenaline finally having given way to exhaustion, by eleven they had fallen asleep in each other's arms.

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