Nick’s heart thumped in his chest, eagerly pushing more blood into his system because of how nervous he had become. His feet were dragging through the sand as he tried to match his steps with the older, white haired man in front of him, which happened to be Clarissa’s father. He had one important question to ask him, and walking on the beach in this silence was sickening him. “Um,” Nick started, sticking his hands in his khaki pant pockets, “I know you’re wondering why I asked to talk to you today.” The older man let out a soft chuckle and sighed, “I’m not necessarily wondering anymore. I know a man wanting to propose when I see one.” Nick swallowed the lump that lodged in his throat, feeling his shoulders relax just a little bit more. “Okay well you only made this a hell of a lot more easier then,” he laughed. Clarissa’s dad nodded as he looked over at Nick, “I like you Nick, only because you make my little girl the happiest I have ever seen. I was happy that Clarissa invited you down to our beach house because I had been wanting to meet you. And this trip made me realize that you were the only other man, besides myself, that she could love. I am more than happy to give you my blessing to marry my daughter, on one condition…” he said lowly. Nick’s heart dropped at the word “condition”. What would it be? Would it be something he didn’t like? Nick swallowed nervously, “What condition?” Both of the two grown men stopped walking through the shore as Clarissa’s dad smiled, “You take care of her as if she’s a goddess, and nothing less.” Nick closed his eyes and sighed, feeling a calm smile cross his face, “I will.”