⭐ PART V — The West Coast, The Proposal, The Promise
States 41–50
41. California — Where He Almost Asks
They watched the sunset at Big Sur. David reached for the ring… But Renee rested her head on his shoulder and sighed happily. He didn’t want to interrupt the moment. He waited.
42. Nevada — Where They Gamble on Love
In Las Vegas, they laughed at the chaos. Renee pulled him into a photo booth. In the last frame, she kissed him. He thought, Soon.
43. Hawaii — Where He Knows She’s the One
On a beach in Maui, Renee danced barefoot in the surf. David watched her, heart full. He knew — absolutely — she was it.
44. Alaska — Where She Knows Too
Under the northern lights, Renee whispered, “I don’t want this life without you.” David held her close, the ring burning in his pocket.
45. Idaho — Where They Return to a Memory
They revisited their cabin. Renee curled into him and said, “This feels like home.” He kissed her hair. “Me too.”
46. Utah — Where He Tries Again
At a quiet overlook, he reached for the ring… But she started telling a story, animated and bright. He laughed and let her finish. He wanted the moment to be perfect.
47. Arizona — Where She Almost Finds the Ring
She hugged him from behind, and he panicked — the ring box almost slipped out. She didn’t notice. He exhaled. Soon.
48. New Mexico — Where He Realizes There Is No Perfect Moment
They sat under a sky full of stars. Renee leaned into him and whispered, “I love you more every day.” He almost asked. Almost.
49. Colorado — Where He Finally Asks
Snow fell softly as they walked near the University of Colorado. David stopped, heart pounding. Renee turned to him, cheeks pink from the cold.
He dropped to one knee. Her hands flew to her mouth. He said, voice shaking, “Renee… will you marry me?”
She didn’t let him finish. She threw her arms around him and whispered, “Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes.”
50. Wyoming — Where They Begin Their Forever
They returned to the place where they’d held each other under the stars. This time, they weren’t just two travelers. They were partners. They were a promise. They were a beginning.
Renee rested her head on David’s chest. He wrapped his arms around her.
The sky stretched endlessly above them. Their future stretched even farther.