I jolted awake, heart racing from a nightmare where John, my husband, abandoned me in a tropical paradise. I was Rosa, and the dream had been so vivid—John leaving me alone amidst turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. As the morning sun peeked through the curtains, I tried to shake off the unease.

“Rosa? You okay?” John’s voice called from the hallway. He appeared at the door, concern etched on his face.

I sighed with relief. “Yeah, just a bad dream. What time is it?”

“It’s almost 9. I made coffee,” he said with a smile. “Oh, and happy anniversary, sweetheart.”

My eyes widened. I had completely forgotten—it was our 10th wedding anniversary! I jumped out of bed and threw my arms around him. “Happy anniversary, John! I can’t believe it’s been ten years already.”

John’s eyes twinkled with excitement. “I’ve got a surprise for you. Close your eyes and hold out your hands.”

I complied, feeling something light placed in my palms. When I opened my eyes, I saw two plane tickets.

“No way,” I gasped, reading the destination. “The Dominican Republic? Are you serious?”

John grinned. “Pack your bags, babe. We leave in three hours.”

I squealed with delight, showering him with kisses. “John, this is amazing! I can’t believe you did this!”

“Better hurry,” he laughed. “You’ve got 20 minutes to pack before we need to hit the road.”

As I packed, I felt a pang of guilt. John had been so busy with work lately, and we hadn’t spent much quality time together. This trip was just what we needed to reconnect.

The flight to the Dominican Republic was a blur of excitement. Stepping off the plane, the warm tropical air was a welcoming embrace.

“Oh my God, John, it’s beautiful!” I exclaimed.

John squeezed my hand. “Just wait until you see where we’re staying.”

A sleek black car whisked us to our resort. The scenery was mesmerizing.

“I can’t believe you kept this a secret,” I said.

John smiled. “It wasn’t easy with all those late nights at the office.”

A pang of guilt hit me. “I’m sorry I’ve been so wrapped up in my own stuff.”

“That’s why we’re here,” John said. “No work, no distractions. Just us.”

Our room was spectacular—spacious with a private balcony overlooking the ocean.

John wrapped his arms around my waist. “What do you think? Was it worth the wait?”

“It’s perfect,” I said, looking up into his warm eyes. “You’re perfect.”

We spent the next few days in bliss—lounging on the beach, sipping fresh coconut water, and dancing under the stars. On our third evening, I was about to reveal my pregnancy when a woman in a white swimsuit appeared, running towards us.

“John!” she cried, dropping to her knees. “You’re the love of my life. Will you marry me?”

I froze, heart racing. John’s face drained of color, then he burst out laughing.

“What’s going on?” I asked, confused.

John helped the woman up, still laughing. “This is Julia. We studied together. She’s playing a prank.”

Relief washed over me. It was just a prank.

“You’re not leaving me, right?” I asked John.

“Never,” he said, hugging me. “I’m so sorry.”

I pulled out a small gift box. “I have something for you too.”

Inside was a silver chain with a locket shaped like baby feet. John’s eyes widened. “You’re…we’re…”

“I’m pregnant!” I said.

John lifted me off the ground, spinning us around in joy. Julia took a photo before leaving.

“So, we’re going to be parents,” John said, amazed.

“Yes, Daddy! Are you happy?” I asked.

John’s kiss was deep and passionate. “I’ve never been happier. I love you, Rosa.”

“I love you too,” I whispered.

As we walked back to the resort, hearts full and minds dreaming of the future, I felt at peace. This trip wasn’t just an anniversary celebration; it was the start of a new chapter in our lives.