Page 8 of Wrapped in Hope
I take a sudden breath. Is that what I think it is?
My hand suddenly jumps to my heart when he opens the box, revealing a small diamond ring. The tiny diamond catches the light of the candles, making it light up.
“I wanted this to be perfect, but I messed it all up and I can’t hold back this question any longer.”
Tears of joy sting my eyes as my heart races.
“Hope, I’ve loved you since the first day I met you.” He gives me a shy smile. “You were playing with a pink ball in your front yard the day I moved into my uncle’s house. I remember getting out of his car, and I looked across the street. You took my breath away at six-years-old. You were wearing these pink overalls, with a blue and purple striped shirt, and your hair was in pigtails. I knew right then that I loved you. I knew I wanted you before I even knew what that meant.”
Tears are streaming down my cheeks uncontrollably. I can’t believe he remembers that.
“You’ll never understand how happy you made me the day you agreed to be my girlfriend. Will you make me that happy again and agree to be my wife?” His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows, awaiting my answer.
The kitchen is only lit by a few candles and the bright moon, but I can clearly see the nerves and desperation rolling off him, his eyes are full of fear while worry is etched on his handsome face.
“Yes,” I whisper, attempting to wipe away my tears of joy while nodding frantically.
He visibly relaxes, letting out a long breath of relief as he slides the ring onto my finger. I pull my hand back and look at the petite diamond on my finger.
“I was worried you would say no,” he admits, picking up his glass of wine and taking a sip.
“Why did you think I would say no?” He has to know by now how much I love him.
He shrugs and adjusts his shirt, his nerves not quite settled yet. “I don’t know. We’re young and getting ready to leave for college. Our lives are about to change. I thought maybe you would want to stay available for that.”
I meet his eyes that are lit up by candle light. “Our lives may change, but there is one thing that never will: you and me. We’re together, now and forever.”
A smile tugs at his lips. “I love you, Hope.”
“I love you more. Always,” I tell him before blowing out the candles and taking his hand to lead him back up to the bedroom.