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“You asked for flowerpots for an herb garden. When I was loading them into the car they seemed a little large to me. I think I got the wrong size. Sorry,” Willow said apologetically. Mel laughed, causing Willow to scrunch her face.

“I’m sorry, babe. It’s just, do you realize how adorable you are?” Mel asked. She took Willow’s chin in her hand and drew her in for a long kiss.

Mel’s eyes drifted to the now larger waves crashing against the shore. There was definitely a storm on the horizon. Mel could smell the change in the air. She was going to have to propose quicker than expected. It was either that or risk the rain ruining their big moment.

“With reactions like that I’m never buying you the right flowerpots again,” Willow teased.

“You’re perfect. I actually have something I…”

Giant raindrops began to fall from the sky. Mel and Willow grabbed up all their belongings and ran to Mel’s car. Mel jumped in the driver’s side and slammed the door. She was soaking wet, her clothes clinging to her. Mel glanced over at Willow and saw that she was in a similar condition.

“Sorry the rain ruined the picnic you planned.” Willow grabbed Mel’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

Mel glanced out at the ocean and smiled. A memory came flooding back to her. That night when she’d seen Willow out in the rain, searching for Sushi. There had been the briefest of moments when Mel had considered not stopping. She had worked a long shift that day, and she’d wanted to get home. Now she couldn’t imagine a world where she hadn’t pulled over and started the series of events that had led her here.

“Are you okay?” Willow asked.

“Yes, this is actually perfect,” Mel began.

“Oh, is it?” Willow asked in obvious confusion.

“Yeah. This is where everything started for us. That rainy night when Sushi got out,” Mel explained. A smile tugged at the edges of Willow’s mouth as she pulled up the same memory.

“You’re right. This is very similar.”

Mel pulled the box out of her pocket .

“I had this whole plan for today. But I think this is even more perfect.”

Willow eyed Mel with suspicion, she was obviously trying to work out what Mel was talking about. Mel brought out the box and opened it in front of Willow’s face. Mel watched as Willow’s eyes grew even larger.

“Willow, we made an awful first impression on each other. But now I can’t imagine a future without you in it. You’re everything I have ever wanted in a partner. And I want to spend all the rest of my days with you. Will you marry me?” She watched Willow’s face for a reaction. At first glance Willow was unreadable, but then her mouth turned upward and her eyes filled with tears.

“There is nothing I’ve ever wanted more than a future with you. I can’t think of anything better than getting married to you,” Willow answered.

Willow pulled Mel in for a long hug followed by a kiss. They both allowed the kiss to deepen. Mel remembered the ring and paused to slide it onto Willow’s finger.

“Thank you for being everything I ever could have asked for and more,” Mel said.

“Thank you for giving me so many first chances,” Willow teased.

“You were worth the initial grumpiness,” Mel laughed.

Willow pulled her in for another kiss and Mel felt her heart melt. There was nothing about Willow that didn’t pull on her heartstrings. Mel, who was prone to questioning every decision, was fully convinced that Willow was exactly who she wanted in her life. Mel closed her eyes. As their lips moved together Mel closed her eyes and pictured their forever. They would have so many experiences, but the important thing was, they would have them together.