“You did too much,” she says, carefully grabbing the small box from between the branches. She eyes the box carefully, her eyes darting to me with curiosity. When she’s within reaching distance, I pull her down onto my lap. I need her close for this surprise.
“Open it.” I give her a little nudge. As if she can foresee the importance of this moment, she carefully unwraps the package. When a velvet box is revealed, she gasps. Tears fill her eyes when I take the box from her and open it. Some will say we’re moving too fast, but I don’t care. Belinda is the love of my life and I’m not going to wait another day to make her mine. Forever.
“Belinda, I never thought I would find a love this big. I love you more each day. You bring peace and wildness, and so much sweetness into my life. You are the reason I am the man I am today.” She hiccups, one hand twisting into the neck of my T-shirt. “You were a large part of my childhood, and you are the best part of my present. And I can’t imagine my future without you in it. Belinda Effnert, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Y-yes! Yes, Luke, I’ll marry you.” I slip the ring onto her finger. The square-cut diamond shimmers in the Christmas lights. “I love you so much.”
“Love you too, baby.”
“Best Christmas ever,” she says, kissing me.
“Best Christmas yet,” I respond. Knowing that each year that passes, every day will get better and better. As long as I have her by my side.