As John and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on a tropical beach, my heart leapt at a startling sight. A woman in a white swimsuit ran up, dropped to her knees before John, and declared, “John, you’re the love of my life! Will you marry me?”

I was stunned, my heart pounding. Was this a cruel joke? I was gripped by fear and confusion as John’s face turned pale, but then, to my shock, he burst into laughter. He helped the woman up, pulling her into a hug.

I demanded an explanation through tears. John turned to me, his eyes apologetic. “Rosa, this is Julia. We knew each other in college. She’s been planning this prank for a long time.”

Julia grinned and explained, “I couldn’t resist. I promised John I’d get my revenge someday!”

Relief washed over me. It was just a prank. I looked at John, my heart racing, and asked, “You’re not leaving me, right?”

John pulled me close, saying, “Never, Rosa. I’m so sorry we scared you.”

I remembered the gift box in my pocket. I pulled it out and opened it to reveal a delicate locket with tiny baby feet.

John’s eyes widened. “We’re going to be parents?”

Overjoyed, he lifted me off the ground, spinning us both around. Julia captured the moment with a photo, and as we celebrated, I knew this trip marked a new, wonderful chapter for us.