As my husband and I were enjoying our anniversary getaway on the sandy shores, a woman clad in a bathing suit approached rapidly, knelt before him, and spoke his name distinctly. My heart skipped a beat. Who was she, and what did she want with my husband? I was about to experience an unexpectedly emotional revelation.
“JOHN… No, please don’t go… John!” I screamed, waking up suddenly in an empty bed. My pulse was racing as I realized it had all been a dream. I’m Rosa, and I had just experienced the most disturbing dream imaginable. In my dream, my husband John had left me alone in a stunning beach setting, complete with crystal-clear waters and gentle palm trees. As dawn broke and sunlight began to filter through the curtains, I tried to dispel the unsettling feeling.
“Rosa? Are you alright?” John’s voice echoed from the hallway. He soon appeared at the bedroom door, his expression filled with concern.
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Yeah, it was just a nightmare. What time is it?”
“It’s almost 9. I made coffee,” he replied with a comforting smile. “Oh, and happy anniversary, love.”
My eyes widened in surprise. It was our 10th wedding anniversary! I leapt out of bed and hugged him tightly. “Happy anniversary, John! It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade.”
John’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes and hold out your hands.”
I complied, feeling a light object being placed in my hands. When I opened my eyes, I was holding two plane tickets.
“You’re kidding,” I exclaimed, reading the destination. “The Dominican Republic? Really?”
John’s smile widened. “Pack your bags, darling. We leave in three hours.”
Overjoyed, I showered his face with kisses. “John, this is incredible! I can’t believe you planned this!”
“Better hurry,” he chuckled. “You have 20 minutes to pack before we need to leave.”
As I hurriedly packed, I felt a pang of remorse. John had been overwhelmed with work lately, and we hadn’t spent much time together. This trip was exactly what we needed to reconnect.
“Ready for our adventure?” John asked, leaning against the doorframe with a smile.
I zipped up my suitcase and returned his smile. “With you? Always.”
Our flight to the Dominican Republic passed in a blur of excitement. Stepping off the plane, we were greeted by the warm tropical air.
“Oh my God, John, it’s gorgeous!” I exclaimed, admiring the lush scenery and vivid colors around the airport.
John squeezed my hand reassuringly. “Just wait until you see our accommodations.”
A sleek black car awaited to take us to our resort. As we drove along the coastline, I was captivated by the views of the sparkling turquoise sea.
“I can’t believe you managed to keep this a secret,” I said to John. “How long have you been planning this?”
He flashed a sly grin. “Let’s just say it wasn’t easy with all those late nights at the office.”
A wave of guilt washed over me as I remembered our recent distance. “I’m sorry I’ve been so preoccupied lately. I know your new project has been demanding.”
John’s expression softened. “That’s why we’re here. No work, no distractions. Just us.”
We arrived at a breathtaking beachfront resort. The palm trees swayed, and the gentle sound of waves set a peaceful backdrop.
“Welcome to paradise!” our driver announced cheerfully.
As we checked in, I was awestruck by the opulent lobby. “John, this must have cost a fortune,” I whispered.
He simply winked at me. “Only the best for my girl.”
Our room was even more impressive—a spacious suite with a private balcony overlooking the ocean. Stepping onto the balcony, I inhaled the salty air deeply.
John joined me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “What do you think? Was it worth the wait?”
I turned to face him, looking into his warm eyes. “It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”
He kissed me gently, and for a moment, all my concerns vanished. As we separated, John’s stomach growled loudly, prompting laughter from both of us.
“Guess it’s time to eat,” I giggled. “Shall we head to the beach and grab some snacks?”
John agreed enthusiastically. “Race you to the water!”
As we sprinted toward the sea, hand in hand, I felt a sense that this trip would be transformative.
The following days were filled with sunshine, sandy beaches, and pure joy. We relaxed under the sun, sipped fresh coconuts, and enjoyed delicious seafood. Every evening, we danced under the stars, perfectly in sync.
On our third evening, as we lay on a sun lounger watching the sunset’s vibrant display, I rested my head on John’s chest, listening to his heartbeat.
“Why haven’t we done this sooner?” I wondered aloud, tracing patterns on his arm.
John chuckled deeply. “I thought our anniversary was the perfect occasion. Plus, I wanted it to be a surprise.”
I looked up at him. “Well, you’ve definitely surprised me and spoiled me completely.”
As we relaxed, I thought about the surprise I had for John. I gently touched my stomach, thinking of our unborn child. I had discovered I was pregnant just before our trip and was waiting for the right moment to share the news.
“What’s on your mind?” John inquired, noticing my pensive mood.
I smiled enigmatically. “Just feeling incredibly fortunate.”
He kissed my forehead tenderly. “I’m the fortunate one.”
As the sun set, casting a beautiful glow, John suggested a walk on the beach. “The sunset is always magical here.”
Eagerly agreeing, I planned to reveal my news during our walk.
We strolled along the beach, the waves gently brushing our feet, when suddenly, a woman in a white swimsuit appeared, rushing towards us. She knelt before John, crying out passionately.
“John! You’re my one true love. It’s time you stopped pretending and told her the truth. I want you to be mine forever. Will you marry me?”
Stunned, I held the small gift box in my pocket, the world seeming to spin as I awaited John’s response.
His face paled, then he burst out laughing, confusing me further.
He helped the woman up, embracing her warmly. “You couldn’t have chosen a better moment, could you?” he said, chuckling.
Tears welled up as I demanded, “What’s going on? John, who is this woman?”
Recalling the morning’s nightmare, I feared it was becoming reality.
John quickly turned to me, his eyes wide. “Rosa, I’m so sorry,” he explained hastily. “This is Julia. We went to college together.”
Julia extended her hand, smiling. “Nice to meet you, Rosa. I hope I didn’t frighten you too much.”
Still in shock, I listened as John explained. “I once teased her during a college play, which caused quite a laugh. She vowed to get back at me, and it seems she’s done just that!”
Julia confirmed, grinning. “I saw him from afar and spent 20 minutes making sure it was really him. I couldn’t resist pulling this prank!”
Realizing it was just a joke, albeit poorly timed, I began to relax.
“You’re not leaving me, are you?” I asked John, needing reassurance.
He drew me close, his voice soft. “Never, Rosa. I’m sorry for the scare. I had no idea Julia was here or that she would do something like this.”
Relieved, I playfully punched his chest. “You scared me half to death, you jerk.”
Feeling the weight lift, I decided it was the right moment to share my news.
“Honey,” I began, drawing back to look at him. “I was about to tell you something before she appeared.”
I handed him the small box.
John’s face lit up with joy as he opened it and saw a silver locket in the shape of baby feet.
“You mean… we’re going to be parents?” he exclaimed, lifting me in a joyful embrace.
“I’m pregnant!” I announced, beaming.
Julia congratulated us, offering to capture the moment with a photo.
“Thank you, Julia. You really got me this time,” John laughed.
“I promised I would!” Julia chuckled. “But seriously, congratulations. You both deserve all the happiness.”
We posed for a photo against the stunning backdrop of the sunset. After saying goodbye to Julia, John wrapped his arm around me.
“So,” he murmured, awe in his voice, “we’re going to be parents.”
I nodded, feeling his warmth. “Yes, Daddy! Are you happy?”
His response was a deep, loving kiss. When we parted, he rested his forehead against mine. “I’ve never been happier. I love you, Rosa.”
“I love you too,” I whispered, our hands intertwined.
Standing together, the ocean breeze tousling our hair, I felt a profound sense of peace and anticipation. With our future child and my beloved John beside me, I was ready for whatever lay ahead.
“Ready to go back?” John asked, picking up our bags.
I took one last look at the beautiful sunset. “Ready for anything, as long as I’m with you.”
Hand in hand, we walked back to our resort, hearts full and minds dreaming of our future together. This trip had become more than an anniversary celebration; it was the start of a new chapter in our lives, and I couldn’t wait for the adventures that awaited us.