Page 144 of My Destiny

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

I pull her into my arms as the song I requested starts. ‘Can’t help falling in love with you.’ Brooke played it for me a few nights ago on the piano, and the DJ suggested a more recent recording by Andrea Bocelli and Katharine McPhee.

“Nice song,” she says, smiling.

“I thought you’d like it.”

“It was the first song I learnt to play on the piano… my mum’s favourite.”

My grip on her tightens as she rests her head on my chest. I can hear her humming the tune as our bodies gently sway.

I try not to think about what I’m about to do and focus on this moment instead. It seems to help as I feel my body start to relax. Once the songs stops, however, my anxiousness comes back with a vengeance.

“That was nice,” she says when I release her and take a step backwards. “I love dancing with you, and the song choice was perfect.”

I smile as I inwardly encourage myself to make my move. I know we’ve gained the attention of the others in the room, but I try to block that from my mind. There have been so many times over the past few weeks when I wanted to do this, but I chickened out every time.

I retreat another step as I slide my hand into my pocket. “I’ve been carrying this around for weeks.” I pause as I pull out the small white box. “I’ve been waiting for the right time, but since meeting you, I’ve realised there’s never a wrong time when it’s the right person.” Her eyes widen when I proceed to get down on one knee. I swallow hard when her hand flies up to cover her mouth, but I continue nevertheless.

“One year ago to the day, you walked through that door, and the moment I laid eyes on you, you awoke something inside me. But timing was not on our side, or maybe it has been all along.” I release a nervous chuckle. “One thing I am sure of, it was the start of something beautiful. A moment that changed both of our lives forever. Months later, fate brought us together again, and although it’s only been a hundred and twenty-eight days since you officially became mine, I already know,” I say as I gesture my hand between us, “this is something I want for the rest of my life. Marry me, babe. Be myforever.”

I open the box to reveal the five carat, heart shaped diamond ring that matches the earrings and bracelet I gave her earlier. I hold my breath as she stands there, silent and unmoving. It’s not the reaction I was hoping for. When I see tears rise to her eyes, my heart drops. Have I fucked up? Although I’ve known for a while this is what I want, is it too soon for her? “Are you going to put me out of my misery?” I eventually ask, bracing myself for her answer.

“Yes.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Yes, you’re going to put me out of my misery, or yes, you’ll marry me?”

“Yes, I’ll marry you,” she says, as a huge smile bursts onto her face. To say I’m relieved would be an understatement.

Standing, I pull her into my arms. “Thank fuck,” I whisper into her hair. For a moment I thought this was going to blow up in my face. “I love you so much.”

“I love you more,” she says, throwing her arms around my neck.

“I think we’ve already been over this,” I retort, drawing back so I can see her face. “I love you the most—the end. I win!”

“You suck,” she says, lightly pinching me. It makes me laugh.

“Not half as good as you, babe.” Her mouth gapes open when I end my statement with a wink.

Cupping her face in my hands, my lips meet hers. I can finally breathe easier—I finally have what I’ve always wanted:her.

The End