As the sun bathed Liam and me in golden warmth on the beach, our anniversary filled with joy and shared laughter, a woman in a white swimsuit hurriedly approached us. She knelt before him, her voice tender as she uttered his name. My heart stopped for a moment. Who could she be? Why was she gazing at my husband with such intensity? Little did I know, that instant would reveal a surprising truth I hadn’t anticipated.
The dream seemed far too vivid.
“Liam… please, don’t go… Liam!” I awoke with a start, my pulse racing as I sat up in bed. My hand reached out for him, but the sheets beside me were cool to the touch.
Then his voice broke the silence.
“Ava? Is everything alright?”
Liam appeared in the doorway, a steaming coffee mug in his hand, his face etched with worry.
Relief washed over me. It was only a nightmare—a sharp, unsettling one.
“I’m fine,” I said, my breath uneven. “It was only a dream. A rough one.”
He crossed the room and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “You were saying my name. You had me a bit worried.”
I offered a faint smile. “In the dream, you left me. On some distant island.”
He chuckled warmly. “That’s not happening.” Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he added, “Oh, by the way, happy anniversary.”
My eyes widened in realization. “Our tenth? How did I forget?”
He grinned, nodding. “Ten years today.”
I threw my arms around him. “Happy anniversary, Liam!”
“I have a surprise for you,” he said. “Close your eyes.”
I obeyed, and soon, something light and smooth was placed in my hands. I opened my eyes.
“Plane tickets?” I exclaimed. “To Punta Cana?”
Liam’s smile grew wider. “We’re leaving in three hours. You’ve got twenty minutes to pack!”
My jaw dropped, but excitement surged through me, and I sprang into action.
Life had been hectic lately—Liam consumed by his demanding job, me navigating freelance work and the daily whirlwind. This trip was the escape we craved.
The flight passed in a haze of anticipation. When we landed, the warm Caribbean air enveloped us like a soft embrace.
“Wow,” I whispered as we stepped off the plane. The palm trees and endless blue sky felt like stepping into a dream.
“You haven’t seen the resort yet,” Liam said, squeezing my hand.
A sleek black SUV whisked us along the coastline, the turquoise water sparkling beside us.
“This is unreal,” I murmured. “How did you manage this without me suspecting?”
Liam smirked. “Let’s say I faked a few late nights at work.”
Guilt tugged at me. “I’m sorry I’ve been so caught up lately. I know your work’s been intense.”
He waved it off. “That’s why we’re here. No distractions, no phones—just you and me.”
When we arrived at the resort, I gasped aloud. It was a vision of paradise—pristine white sand, vibrant coral roofs, and hammocks swaying gently.
The bellhop took our luggage, and we entered a breezy lobby with gleaming marble floors.
“Liam, this place must’ve cost a fortune,” I whispered.
He leaned close, kissing my temple. “Only the best for you.”
Our room was breathtaking, with sweeping views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony. Standing there, the sea breeze in my hair, Liam wrapped his arms around me.
“Worth it?” he asked.
I turned to him. “Beyond worth it.”
The next two days were pure bliss—lounging by the pool, dancing beneath the stars, and savoring leisurely beachside dinners. We laughed more than we had in ages, rediscovering the ease of being us.
On the third evening, as the sun painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, we reclined on beach chairs, arms intertwined, watching the waves.
“Why didn’t we do this earlier?” I asked, my voice soft.
“Because I wanted it to be flawless,” Liam replied.
I smiled, my hand resting on my stomach. A secret stirred within me—one I hadn’t yet shared. I’d learned I was pregnant just before the trip and had brought a small gift box, waiting for the perfect moment.
“What’s making you smile?” Liam asked, glancing at me.
“Happy thoughts,” I replied.
He stretched and stood. “Want to walk before dinner?”
I nodded. “The sunset’s too gorgeous to miss.”
We wandered barefoot along the shore, the warm tide lapping at our ankles. I felt the small box in my pocket, ready to share my news.
“Liam, I—”
Out of nowhere, a figure rushed toward us through the fading light. A woman in a white swimsuit, her hair wild from the breeze, stopped abruptly before Liam and dropped to her knees.
“Liam!” she exclaimed. “You’re my true love! Stop hiding it—leave her and marry me!”
Time seemed to pause.
I blinked, looking from Liam to her.
My hand tightened around the box in my pocket, my breath caught.
Liam looked stunned, his mouth opening and closing before—unbelievably—he burst into laughter.
I watched, bewildered, as he laughed harder, then helped the woman to her feet and hugged her.
I stepped back, my mind reeling.
Was this a prank? A cruel twist? An old flame?
“Liam?” My voice wavered. “Who is she?”
He saw my expression and sobered instantly. “Ava, I’m so sorry. This is Julia.”
Julia offered a sheepish grin and extended her hand. “Hi! Sorry for the theatrics.”
I didn’t take her hand.
“Liam, explain. Now.”
He rubbed his neck. “Julia and I were in college together. She was a theater major. Years ago, I pulled a prank on her during a show and embarrassed her. She vowed to get me back someday.”
Julia nodded eagerly. “When I saw him on the beach, I couldn’t pass up the chance. It took me twenty minutes to work up the courage!”
Relief hit me like a wave. It was all a prank? A college friend’s revenge?
“You terrified me,” I said, my voice trembling.
Liam stepped closer, his eyes full of regret. “I had no idea she was here. I swear, I didn’t plan this.”
I let out a shaky laugh, tears pricking my eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”
He grinned, pulling me into his arms. “I’m sorry. But she got me good too.”
Julia laughed. “My revenge is complete.”
She winked. “You two are adorable, by the way. Congrats.”
I swallowed hard, shaking my head. “You nearly stopped my heart.”
Then I remembered my own surprise. Maybe the moment wasn’t lost.
“I had something for you too,” I said softly, stepping back.
“Oh?” Liam raised an eyebrow.
I handed him the small box.
He opened it carefully. Inside was a silver necklace with a tiny locket shaped like baby feet.
His eyes met mine, wide with realization.
“Ava… are you…?”
I nodded, tears spilling over. “I’m pregnant.”
Liam’s face lit up with joy as he lifted me off the sand, spinning me in his arms.
“We’re having a baby!” he shouted, his voice thick with emotion.
Julia clapped excitedly. “That’s incredible! My prank’s got nothing on that.”
She pulled out her phone. “You need a picture—this moment’s too perfect.”
We stood together, the ocean behind us, my hand on my stomach. The setting sun cast a warm orange glow as Julia took a few photos.
She handed the phone back, smiling. “Congrats again. I’ll leave you two now—no more surprises, I swear.”
Liam hugged her. “You definitely won the prank war.”
She waved and vanished into the twilight.
As the last rays of sunlight faded, Liam turned to me.
“We’re having a baby?” he asked, his voice soft.
I nodded, leaning against his chest.
“Are you happy?” I asked.
He kissed me deeply, tenderly. “I’ve never been happier. I love you, Ava.”
“I love you more,” I whispered.
We walked back along the shore, hand in hand, our shadows trailing in the sand.
The ocean murmured beside us, the sky now a rich violet dotted with stars.
Our anniversary had begun as a celebration, but it had blossomed into the start of something greater.
A new journey. A new life.
And this time, no nightmares—only love, laughter, and the tiny heartbeat growing within me.
