Page 42 of When the Leaves Fall

LUCA

I was really hoping Drew would ask me to stay. Even though we had just spent the last week together, between packing and driving back to her parents, I wanted more.

I know we agreed we wouldn’t move in together right away, but let me tell you, if she told me at this very moment that she changed her mind, I’d lift her up and carry her all the way to the car and drive straight to my apartment.

This woman is my everything, and I knew it from the moment I laid my eyes on her.

F rank took over manning the grill. I lean against the door frame, watching Frank, Sean, and my dad chatting about the Packers. I glance around the yard behind them. This is where Drew and I will raise our family. Where I will play catch with our kids.

The backyard is filled with maple trees, showing off in all of their fall glory.

Having maple trees in our yard was one of our top “must-haves” on our list of things we wanted when we bought a house.

I picture Drew and I sitting back here on our porch swing, watching the leaves fall, Drew savoring a pumpkin-spiced latte she looks forward to all year.

And one day, watching our kids run around and jump in leaf piles. Listening to their giggles as they tromp through the crunchy leaves and the squeals when we have to pluck them out of their hair, only to do it all over again. Sounds like that’s as close to heaven as I’ll get here on Earth.

Speaking of heaven, behind me, I hear Drew giggling with Sandra and my mom, and the sound brings a smile to my face.

I’m the luckiest man in the world that I get to call all these amazing people family.

I’m proud of where this life has taken us.

Without those hardships and heartaches, we wouldn’t be here today.

A family. Full of love and standing strong.

I place my hand in my front pocket. Butterflies swarm my stomach as I feel the velvet box with my fingers. I am going to ask Drew to marry me. Tonight. After everyone leaves and we are sitting in this backyard, next to a small fire, enjoying the calm after a wonderful day with our families.

“What are you thinking about?” I hear a sweet voice behind me. Carefully pulling my hand out of my pocket, I turn to see Drew standing there.

“Oh, nothing really,” I reply, pulling her into me. “Just about how lucky I am.”

“And don’t you forget it,” she winks at me.

I rest my forehead on hers. “Never.”

The End