I was a mess the morning I met Morgan, hungover from the bar the night before, and dragged by my parents to her family's restaurant for breakfast. The place smelled of coffee and pancakes, a warm spot against the gray morning. My head ached, but my parents wouldn't let up. Zack, how's your dating life? Mom asked, stirring her tea. I sighed-bad dates, worse breakups. Dad grinned. Look closer to home. They pointed toward Morgan, and my heart skipped. Her red hair caught the light, her green eyes shone, and her smile lit up the room as she chatted with customers. It felt like I'd known her forever. Mom leaned in. Why not ask her out? She's single. I blushed. Good idea, but not with you watching, I said. I'll do it later. They laughed, and as we left, I glanced back at her; that smile stuck in my mind. Dad and I were waiting in the car since I couldn't drive after last night. Mom slid into the front seat and handed me a receipt with Morgan's number. Text her, she said, and thank me later. That afternoon, I texted her: Hey, how's it going? She replied right away, and we clicked over books, music, and hobbies like old friends. I asked her to see The Nun 2, and she said yes instantly. We met at Walmart to grab candy to sneak into the theater, avoiding the pricey stuff. I was dressed up, nerves buzzing. When her truck pulled up and she stepped out, her smile hit me hardest, those green eyes and red hair glowing in a cute top and jeans, so different from her work outfit. It felt like I'd known her for years. We picked out gummies and chocolate, laughing, and had a blast at the movie, sharing candy and enjoying every moment. After, I walked her to her truck, old-school style. My heart was full; the date felt perfect. We texted all night, jokes, stories, unable to stop. Those chats grew deeper. We bonded over Star Wars (she watched every movie with me) and her love for Halloween, supernatural shows, Disneyland trips, and her passion for the medical field, always sharing stories about her studies and dreams of helping people. It felt like we'd been together forever. After my buddy Austin's wedding, Morgan surprised me with a Star Wars Jedi outfit and a Disneyland trip, fulfilling a childhood dream. I was blown away by her thoughtfulness. Every laugh and moment there felt magical. She was the one. We wandered into a jewelry shop at Disneyland, waiting for our Blue Bayou dinner. Morgan picked a Star Wars ring she thought was cute. I bought it, heart racing. Over candlelit dinner-water lapping, bayou vibes-I slid the promise ring to her. Morgan, I said, you've changed my world. I love you, and I'm gonna marry you one day. Her eyes teared up, her smile huge. She put on the ring, took pictures, and sent them to her family, who panicked, thinking I'd proposed without asking her dad. Morgan laughed, explaining it was a promise ring, and I'm too old school to skip permission. Our dates and trips brought us closer, each moment feeling like we'd always been a couple. I knew I had to propose for real.

One morning, nervous but certain, I sat with Morgan's dad and showed him the stunning ring with the biggest stone and diamonds I could afford, perfect for her. I asked to marry his daughter. He was serious but excited, knowing I loved Morgan more than anything. He said yes. I shared my plan with Morgan's mom, telling her I'd propose on our Hawaii trip, on a quiet beach at sunset, Morgan's favorite spot. I also showed my parents the ring; they were thrilled and congratulated me. The wait was intense, but I kept it secret. I gave the ring to Morgan's mom to hold during the trip since Morgan had helped pack my suitcase. I was excited but nervous in Hawaii, hoping the proposal wouldn't go wrong. I'd picked a secluded beach, perfect for Morgan's love of sunsets and the ocean. On the drive there in the Jeep, Morgan was beside me, with Andy, Trace, and Kilee in the back, all asleep after a busy day. My heart pounded with every mile, a mix of anxiety and excitement, praying it'd be a perfect moment for Morgan. We arrived at the beach right at sunset. Morgan's parents knew what was coming, but her siblings and Andy's boyfriend, Trace, were confused about why we were there, though they stayed quiet. As we got out, Morgan's mom quickly handed me the ring. I shoved it in my pocket, and we walked to the beach. I told Morgan we were taking trip photos. Each step felt heavy, my nerves screaming, hoping it'd be magical for her. On the beach, my heart was racing so hard I thought it might burst. I jokingly told Morgan to look at the sunset, the ocean framed by the palm trees, to get her to turn around. Morgan's mom moved everyone aside, and I pulled out the ring, dropped to one knee, and asked her to turn back. I nearly fumbled the ring but caught it just in time. When she turned, I said, Morgan, will you marry me? Her face lit up like the first time I saw her, that smile ear to ear, a laugh mixed with tears. She dropped everything in her hands, said yes instantly, and slid on the ring. Her family erupted-laughing, snapping photos, soaking in the sunset and the moment we got engaged. It was pure magic on that beach, knowing Morgan and I would soon be Mr. and Mrs. Summers.