Chapter 21
Mel happily decorated her living room. Sushi and Mase ran around, chasing one another.
“You guys go outside,” Mel commanded.
They both looked at her before running out to the yard. It had become apparent very early on that the two of them wanted a place together. So, six months ago Willow had sold her place to her mom. Willow then moved in with Mel in her place. The whole thing had been a whirlwind ever since.
Mel and Willow had traveled together with the dogs. She looked around her home and smiled at all the pictures they had accumulated in such a short amount of time. This summer they were all set to go on a cruise for the first time. Brianna and River had fought over who would take care of the dogs, before deciding they both would.
Today was an important day. Mel had been preparing for months. She pulled a tiny box out of her back pocket and opened it. A small diamond ring twinkled back up at her. Her life and Willow’s had intertwined so quickly. Even their friend groups had combined. Brianna had been seamlessly included along with Mel. Now, Mel hoped to make it all official by proposing.
She had shown the ring to all of their friends. Now all that was left was the actual proposal. River and Brianna were coming to walk her through it any moment. Mel knew what she wanted, she didn’t need any more time. But Willow often moved slower and with more caution. There was a chance she’d be moved by the gesture but think that they were moving too fast. A knock on her door alerted Mel to River and Brianna’s arrival.
She threw open the door and her two friends threw their arms around her. It had felt amazing to be so accepted by River.
“Okay, let’s see it,” Brianna teased.
“You’ve already seen the ring,” Mel laughed.
“But we want to see it again,” River insisted.
Mel gave them both a playful roll of her eyes. She pulled the ring out and opened the lid for them to both see.
“Willow is going to love this,” River smiled.
“I love it,” Brianna said.
“Thanks, guys,” Mel laughed.
“So what’s the plan today?” River asked.
“Nothing too extravagant. A picnic on the beach followed by a proposal. Then we’ll meet up with you guys, Piper, and Autumn. What do you guys think?” Mel asked.
“It sounds perfect for you and Willow,” River stated.
“I think it sounds amazing,” Brianna smiled.
“It isn’t too simple?” Mel asked, she crossed her arms over her chest.
“I really think simple works for the two of you,” River replied.
“It does definitely fit the two of you,” Brianna laughed.
“Okay. Then that’s the plan,” Mel said confidently.
“What can we do to help?” Brianna asked.
“Nothing. I have everything I need and I’ll see you both after it’s over,” Mel grinned.
“Good luck, buddy,” River said, pulling Mel in for a hug.
“Everything is going to be great,” Brianna smiled, she pulled Mel in for a hug. Mel wrapped her arms around Brianna a little tighter, and waited an extra beat before letting her go.
“Love you guys,” Mel said as she walked them to the door.
“We love you, too,” River smiled.
Mel wasn’t sure what to do with her suddenly empty house. Mase and Sushi lay in their respective dog beds. It had been a blessing that the two of them had gotten along since day one. In contrast to their owners.
Mel had sent Willow out on some trivial tasks in an attempt to get her out of the house. Now she picked up her phone. Mel gave a deep sigh, then dialed Willow’s number.
“Hey, babe,” Willow rasped into the phone.
“Are you okay?” Mel asked.
“Yeah. I got the flowerpots you asked for. They were a little heavier than I was expecting,” Willow laughed. Mel felt a slight pang of guilt.
“Aww, thank you. Listen, let me make it up to you with dinner on the beach,” Mel said. She could feel her smile growing.
“Honestly, that sounds fantastic,” Willow answered.
“Great. Then meet me there.”
“Okay. I’ll see you in a little bit.”
Mel couldn’t stop her smile from growing. She patted her pocket and felt her nerves dissolve. She was about to propose to the person she wanted to spend her entire life with. And she couldn’t wait.
Mel had everything laid out on the beach when Willow arrived. Mel had set the scene with a large blue towel spread across the sand and a wicker picnic basket that Mel had bought special for the occasion. The picnic basket was the sort of thing that made for beautiful photos but wasn’t terribly practical. The basket had almost spilled its contents multiple times on the trek down to the beach. Now, seeing the surprised and delighted expression on Willow’s face made it all worthwhile. Willow’s smile brightened her entire face.
“Oh my gosh. I didn’t expect you to go through so much trouble,” Willow said. She bent down to give Mel a kiss on the lips.
“It’s the least I could do after making you run around all day,” Mel laughed.
“I’m always happy to run around for you,” Willow grinned.
Mel patted the spot beside her on the blanket. Willow slid into the spot next to her and eyed the food. Mel had made sure to pack all of Willow’s favorites. In the distance over the ocean Mel could see dark clouds forming and beginning to roll in. She hoped the weather would hold until she could propose, but with Florida weather Mel knew she couldn’t be sure.
Willow had already grabbed a couple of crackers and smeared them with cheese. Mel leaned back on her elbow and let Willow enjoy the moment. She watched as the waves crashed against the shore with a bit more intensity than before. Mel felt a sense of growing dread. She willed the weather to remain calm for another hour or so.
“I have something to tell you,” Willow began. She had a crinkle in her forehead that signaled genuine concern. Mel cocked her head to the side unsure what could be going on.
“What’s going on?” Mel asked as her concern mounted.
“I think I got the wrong size of flowerpots,” Willow explained. Mel’s eyes were drawn to the growing black clouds behind Willow’s shoulder. Mel’s eyes were drawn to the spot. Willow tilted her head and gave Mel a questioning look.
“Is everything okay?” Willow asked. Mel did a double take, her attention snapping back to Willow.
“I’m sorry. What are you talking about?” Mel asked. Willow gave a tiny laugh and rolled her eyes.
“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.