“Can you at least tell me where we’re going?” Melissa asked as James handed her a slushy. They’d been driving for a while, stopping only now to refuel the car and grab snacks. James said there were a few more hours to go.

“Patience,” he smirked. Melissa rolled her eyes, letting cherry syrup melt on her tongue. The car’s AC was useless against the heavy Georgia heat. Humidity made their shirts stick. She hoped their destination had central air. 

“I can’t believe we finally have a vacation together again,” she said. “This better be good.”

James laughed. “Only the best for you. Let me try that,” he gestured to her slush. When she tried to swat him away, he leaned over and drank nearly half. 

“Hey! Get your own!” Melissa giggled, blushing like a giddy high schooler. 

The rest of the drive went by painfully slow until Melissa spotted Jekyll Island’s sign. James followed it.

“Surprise!” he sang. Melissa’s heart squeezed. Jekyll Island was where the two had met years ago. As the present faded into vivid memory, Melissa recalled the summer before her senior year of college, when her friends planned one last getaway before adulthood beckoned. They spent a week in the humid Georgia climate, where they swam, drank, and made memories that would last them forever.

On the last day of their trip, Melissa watched the sunrise. The girls, weary and hungover, resisted her attempts to lure them from their beds. Melissa, it seemed, was the only early bird of the group. With no one joining her, Melissa set off to Driftwood Beach for a quiet, solo sunrise.

The beach was empty, save for the stray tourists who had the same idea. A faint light gave the massive driftwood an eerie glow. It was beautiful.

Melissa sat for a while, taking in the scenery. Each piece of driftwood had spiky branches against smooth, weathered wood. They looked like strange claws, sending a shiver down her back.

“Creepy, isn’t it?” said a gravelly voice behind her. She turned from where she had set out her towel and looked  up at the dark figure standing over her.

“I’m sorry?”

“The driftwood. They’re so beautiful, yet so unsettling. I think they’re one of my favorite things about this beach. I’m James, by the way.”

“Melissa,” she peered up at him. A sense of comfort washed over Melissa, despite the stranger’s interruption. He shared the same thoughts and found beauty in the odd natural creations.

“I was going to hop in the water. Care to join me?” James asked. The sun still hadn’t risen all the way, yet nothing sounded better than an ocean swim.  Cool water refreshed them as they swam. They got to know each other, instantly feeling a familiar connection. Just like that, Driftwood Beach became the most magical place for Melissa. She thanked the world for making her come alone that morning.

Sighing at the memory, Melissa’s heart fluttered in anticipation. Four years had passed since that fateful meeting and their spark on Driftwood Beach. After that trip, Melissa and James followed each other on Instagram and messaged occasionally, but didn’t connect until she moved to his  hometown in Virginia. Living in the same town allowed their relationship to flourish, and soon they moved in together. Now, they finally returned to the place where it began.

Ending their drive, James parked the car outside a gorgeous hotel on the beachfront. Melissa stared up at the place, with its opulent décor and towering water fountain outside the entrance. Its blue and gold interior evoked a coastal atmosphere. Seashells decorated the walls and gauzy curtains mimicked the look of sea foam. Even inside the lobby, the faint sound of the ocean could be heard. It was heaven.

When they got to their room, Melissa ran out onto the balcony. She gasped at the sight of Driftwood, those spindly branches weaving magic into the air. The shadows called to her like an old friend, and the ocean glittered beneath the slowly setting sun.

Soft footsteps padded behind her. James wrapped his arms around her and dragged her to him. He kissed her neck, his lips full and soft. Heat rose up her skin, turning it bright red. “I’ll leave you to get settled. Meet me on the beach in an hour?” he whispered.

She hummed into his skin, then nodded. Words eluded her; Melissa’s brain was still reeling. Clearly, James had gone all out. Their room looked more like  a suite, with a master bedroom, a plush living area, and a grand bathroom. The walk-in shower boasted designer toiletries, its towels fluffy and warm. After James left, Melissa took her time.  She savored every moment of self-care, determined to present  herself perfectly. But suspicion pooled in her gut  as she returned to the balcony. Down on the beach, James waited, dressed in a white button-down and slacks. Melissa raised her eyebrows. “Someone’s all dressed up,” she muttered to herself.

After mulling over what to wear, Melissa made her way down to the beach. As she approached James, his gaze zeroed in on her, eyes softening.

“You look beautiful,” he breathed. She twirled for him, her gauzy dress catching in the moonlight. The sparkly material woven into it made the blue fabric look like waves on the ocean. She looked perfect.

They wandered down the beach, laughing and taking pictures, the salty air swirled around them.  After a while, James led her to a massive piece of driftwood. He took her hands and cleared his throat, preparing to speak.

“Melissa, I am in awe of you. I love every little thing about you. From the beginning, I could tell you’re not afraid to live life on your own, and you know how to roll with every challenge that comes your way. You are strong, resilient, funny, and the most breathtaking person I’ve ever laid eyes on. I want you and only you forever. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Fireworks lit up her eyes, and tears dripped down her face. Without a thought, Melissa grabbed his face and smothered him with kisses.

“So, that’s a yes?” James chuckled.

“Of course!” Melissa jumped into his arms as he spun her. Suddenly, she heard screams and cheers from down the beach.

“You didn’t?” She yelled.

“I did,” James said as a group of girls ran up, and hugged Melissa. Her friends from that first trip were all here. A true reunion.

Melissa and James’ parents were there too, completing the group. Their parents had become good friends over the years, so it was no surprise they were chatting amongst themselves. The dads cracked jokes and the moms shed tears together, all happy for the moment they witnessed. They all joined in and congratulated the two on their new chapter. Melissa’s heart soared, as she took it  all in. She was back where she felt at home, and once again, everything had changed. Another new beginning at Driftwood Beach.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero