Page 165 of Manhattan State of Mind

I groan. “Fine.”

A few months back, Lucy began a course on comic graphic design. Her creative streak, paired with her passion, makes her a natural. She’s been toying with the idea of becoming a comic book artist, perhaps as a side gig, but I see her potential to soar high. Her artwork is enchanting, and her eyes sparkle with passion whenever she talks about it.

“The place looks incredible, JP. I’m so proud of you.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you by my side,” I tell her, meaning every word. “I love you, Lucy.”

“I know,” she teases, her smile reaching her eyes. “And I love you too.”

Standing there, the dying sun casting long shadows of gold on the wellness retreat, I look down at Lucy. Her body fits perfectly in mine, as though we were molded for each other. I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude. It’s a powerful feeling, swelling inside me, making my chest feel tight.

We’ve had our share of fuck-ups, sure, and there’s no telling what’s waiting for us down the road, but this moment, right here with her, feels like hitting the jackpot.

One year later

Lucy

Caught up in the vibrant whirlwind of the comic convention, my pulse syncs with the throbbing energy that buzzes through the crowd. Dressed in the radiant blue-and-gold uniform of Miss Nova, complete with thigh-high solar flare boots and a supernova symbol emblazoned across my chest,I’m a shining stellar spectacle amongst a sea of technicolor superheroes and eccentric villains.

From behind, a deep voice, rich and resonant, rumbles into my ear. “Your costume—it’s pretty fierce.”

Spinning around, I come face-to-face with the “Death-Defying 'Devil”. The crimson and blue leather of his suit clings to his muscular form, accentuating every contour of his body. His gloved finger reaches out, playing with the ends of my jet-black wig.

“Do you come here often?” he questions, his voice layered with teasing undertones that send a thrill running along my spine, causing the faux fur trim of my costume to flutter slightly.

Damn, he still gets me every time.

Even though I now live with the man, my stomach still flips with butterflies when he’s inandout of costume.

Arching a flirty smile, I quip, “Only when I’m not occupied with fighting crime and looking drop-dead fabulous. Figured I’d see what the fuss was about. Heard a certain devilishly handsome masked man might be present.”

His mask-covered eyes narrow slightly in interest. “Is that so?” His teasing voice reverberates through the air. “In this case, it appears you’ve found your masked man. Now what are you going to do with him?”

“Hmm, decisions, decisions…” My grin morphs into a smirk. “That depends—does the suit come off, or are you just trying to entice a woman through that tiny mouth slit?”

His laughter, rich and warm, resonates through his metallic suit. My heart threatens to jump out of my chest.This is the best comic convention ever and way better than any of my adult graphic novel scenes.

“How about a tour?” I purr, trailing a claw down his chiseled chest. “I could use a strong, capable man to guide me through this labyrinth.”

Unexpectedly, he shakes his head. “Afraid I can’t.”

What’s this curveball? This isn’t in the script.

“Why not?” My playful guise slips, replaced by genuine bewilderment.

“Because I’m on the hunt for my wife here.”

I blink rapidly. “Daredevil isn’t married, though.”

“He’s looking to change that.”

And then, he does the unthinkable. Daredevil, in his striking crimson suit, gets down on one knee. His striking figure against the bustling convention backdrop stirs a ripple of surprise, the lively chatter giving way to a collective gasp. The focus of the crowd swings toward us, all eyes riveted on the scene unfolding.

A small box emerges from his suit. As he cracks it open, the twinkling gem nestled inside outshines the cosplay weaponry around us. It’s not some prop ring, it’s a diamond ring—a real one. The air in my lungs seizes. Am I hallucinating from the heat of the costume?

“Lucy Walsh,” he says, his voice echoing in the suddenly quiet area, “will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

My vision blurs with emotion as I stare, astonished.I manage a choked-out “yes”, and the crowd detonates into applause. Daredevil rises, sweeping me into his arms. An elated shriek escapes me as he sweeps me off my feet, his hands gripping my backside.

“This is the most absurdly romantic proposal ever!” I exclaim, laughter and tears mingling.

In one smooth motion, he rips off his mask and crushes his mouth to mine.

I break away, beaming at him.

“Quiero pasar el resto de mi vida contigo,” I attempt in my abysmal Spanish accent. I only recently discovered the meaning behind those words -I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Among the superheroes and fantasy characters, on this day, I found my real-life hero.

THE END