My feet were freezing. I was walking by ocean while the waves brushed against my ankles. The scene before me was like a painting―sand white as pearls and a clear mass of sea. It made me appreciate the world for what it was.

The sand swallowed up my toes as I stood still, only wearing the equally white dress that danced with the salty wind. My eyes were attracted to the sunlight beaming off the waves when I let out a relaxed sigh. "This is great," I muttered.

Arms wrapped around my neck when prickly hair tickled my skin. "What's great, Rose?"

I smiled before placing my hands over his. "Being here with you." I then turned to him and pecked his cheek. "It's great."

Luca chuckled, nuzzling my cheek with his stubble. "Lovely. Sorry I couldn't bring your bathing suit. Never know where you keep those things."

"No, it''s alright. I guess it's time to buy a new one, anyways."

"Sure, but before that..." His hands sunk to my hips. "Let's have some fun."

"Luca! Have some decency." I scolded, yet still held a light, playful tone. My hands pinched his wrist to get him off.

"Oh? Whatever do you mean? You know I'm always a gentleman, dear."

My lips stretched into a smirk at his response. "That's only when you aren't―"

Before I could finish, he picked me up and ran. One arm snaked around my legs and the other, my shoulders. "What're you doing?!"

He glanced at me with a spark of excitement coating his blue eyes. "Kidnapping you, obviously."

My cheeks flushed when I looked away. "I see." I averted my eyes from his penetrating gaze, instead catching sight of the waves foaming against the sand.

The day before Luca wisked us away from home on our day off, I discovered something. Honestly, I was scared to tell him. But he was bound to find out soon so I should tell him today. I just hoped he would support my choice.

"What's wrong?" he asked after setting me down. We were under the shade of a cliff, shielding us from the sun's harsh rays. Luca frowned when I didn't say anything. "Rose?"

I dug my finger in the sand, distracted. "I just wish we had a bucket. There's a bunch of shells here that Sasha would love."

"Oh, that's fine. I think there's a bucket in the van. I can go get it if you want?"

"No!" I grabbed his wrist. "It's okay. Just... stay with me, please. I don't want to give her too many."

"Yeah. Your niece always has a knack for souvenirs." He looked at my hand, then to me before interlocking his fingers with mine. "C'mon."

Time passed us by, and the sun was already setting before we'd realized. We sat next to each other with a pile of seashells bearing different colors, shapes and sizes in front of us. "Luca?" I called, tracing circles into his palm with my thumb.

"Hm?"

"I... I have something to tell you." I sat up and clenched my fists in determination. This was it. I had to do it now. "Um, we've been together for a few years, and I love you so much but I don't want you to be disappointed and―"

My arms wrapped around my chest. Was I really doing this? Yes, I was. I took his hand into mine as tears streamed down my smiling face. It was warm. Despite the scorching heat on the summer day, his warmth was comforting. I placed it on my stomach and whispered, "I'm pregnant."

I turned to him as my throat tightened. But once I saw his nervous grin, every bit of my worries dissipated like the foam beneath our feet.