Epilogue
Lucas
I pull into the driveway and see that the front door already has a vibrant wreath decorated with red and pink glittery hearts. The large bay windows have paper hearts taped to them, and the regular old welcome mat has been replaced with a bright red one that says LOVE ME in black glitter.
Never in my life did I imagine I'd be living in a home with so much glitter. But living with Lillian and Poppy is not only full of glitter, but also glittering moments. I have two bouquets in hand and a bag that is filled with various chocolates and sweets.
Bethany and Violet over at Sprinkles Bakery & Cafe did not disappoint with their cake recommendations. Then Kristen and Olivia suggested flowers for both of my girls.
Tonight is the night I propose to Lillian.
I take a deep breath and open the door the best I can, juggling all the things in my hands.
Laughter is coming from the living room. I set everything down and find Lillian and Poppy in matching red sweaters covered in pink hearts. They’re hanging up pink and red construction paper hearts on the walls.
After Lillian and Poppy spent Christmas with my family, I knew that diving in headfirst to our lightning-fast relationship was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I turned in my notice to my job and told Lillian.
When I told her I wanted to open a clinic in Kastle Harbor, she asked if I wanted to move in together.
We talked to Poppy about it, who declared that nothing would change because she didn’t have to share her room.
So, with Poppy’s approval, we moved in together.
Now, even though it’s barely been two months together as a couple, I’ve never been more serious about spending my future together with someone.
“Hey Squirt, can you go grab that box I gave you the other day?” I ask Poppy and she jumps off the couch to rush away to the super-secret hiding place that she told me she had. A spot that not even her mom knows about. Though I bet Riley does.
“Wait,” Lillian spots the flowers and bright pink café boxes, “you have something else? I thought we weren’t going overboard this holiday.” She groans. “You were such a grumpy, anti-holiday guy when we met. I didn’t think we’d be competing for who has the most holiday cheer.”
I wrap my arms around her and hug her tightly before kissing her forehead.
Poppy comes running back to the room and hands me the little velvet box.
I get down on one knee and hold Lillian’s left hand in mine.
Poppy has a hand over her mouth as if it’ll stop the big secret from spilling out a second too soon.
“Lillian,” I open the box to reveal the ring I found accidentally while shopping for a birthday gift. “Will you,” she cuts me off.
“Yes!” her eyes are misty and she wiggles her hand.
“You didn’t let him ask” Poppy declares, “he has to ask first.”
“Thanks Poppy,” Lillian and I laugh before I clear my throat. “Lillian, will you marry me?”
“Yes. I would love to marry you, Lucas.” I slide the silver band onto her finger and she kisses me quickly and fervently.
“Yay!” Poppy squeals as she jumps up and down. “I’m going to be a flower girl!”
“Yes, you are,” Lillian says as she looks at the ring. It’s a silver band that looks like carved leaves unfolding with the center diamond in the middle. An infinite bond between us.
“I love you, Lillian Roberts,” I kiss her lips softly.
“I love you too,” she murmurs against my lips.
I can’t wait to see what happens next for us. As long as I have Lillian by my side, I’m ready to take on anything.