That night, Ethan and I sat on the beach. The waves covered our feet before slipping away into the endless darkness.
I turned to him. "Thank you for standing up for me today."
"Sorry, I hit him."
"But you don't regret it?"
"I don't."
I laughed. Ethan laughed too. Then he lowered his head and kissed me. He was so gentle, like every step closer came with a silent question asking if I was okay with it.
When we pulled apart, he took a small jewelry box from his coat pocket.
"Happy birthday, Ava."
Inside was a delicate pearl necklace.
I stared at it. "Where did you get the money?"
"The allowance you gave me always had some left. I invested part of it in some low-risk funds." His tail stiffened. "I'll work. I'll cook. I'll take care of our home. I'll do my best to build a life with you
