Carter
His voice is beautiful, but the surprise is even better.
I don’t usually cry, but something about this moment has me choked up.
I feel the emotion bottling up inside me, but I can’t properly let it out.
There’s just so much joy, so much love, as I watch my person stand on stage and sing this gentle, powerful song.
The pace is slow, almost meditative, and the lyrics walk through how we met and how fate brought us together.
The lyrics are simple yet meaningful. We’ve been through so much.
And as I stand here listening, all I can think about is how excited I am for where life will take us next.
I can’t wait to travel with him, try new foods with him, and just be with him.
As Nate finishes the final note, the room erupts.
Everyone stands, clinking their glasses and beaming with joy.
One by one, they go up to him, hugging, high-fiving, and congratulating.
I wait until the end, hanging back, letting everyone else have their moment with Nate.
Then I walk up to him, and he’s glowing.
I pull him close and say, “Babe, that was amazing. Put it on Spotify right now.”
Nate laughs and shakes his head. “Shut up, that song is only for you. Exclusive rights for your ears only, and I guess all the people in this room.”
I grin and say, “Seriously, I love you more than life itself. You’re my favorite person. You’re the love of my life. It’s only been a year, give or take, but it feels like forever.”
Nate kisses me softly, then pulls me into a hug. I whisper, “I think today, after everyone leaves…today’s the day. The day we finally watch the last Harry Potter.”
Nate gives me a playful look. “Yes. I know it’s your life’s mission to convert me into a Potterhead, and I will oblige.” We both laugh, knowing how ridiculous we sound.
He turns back to the crowd, clearly taking in the congratulations, his face lit up with pure joy. I let him get back to it while I grab my third drink of the night, a strong vodka cranberry, and head over to Paul, who is, somehow, deep in conversation with Charlie.
I walk up to them and say, “Wait…are you two BFFs now?”
Charlie says flatly, “Not even slightly. He won’t stop talking to me, about God knows what.”
Paul smiles widely and says, “Charlie boy here loves me, he just doesn’t know it yet. I’m telling him about my life dream of being a comedian. Can’t you tell how funny I am?”
Charlie looks at him. Then at me. “If this guy is funny, then you, Carter, are literally the funniest person alive.” Paul grins, blows Charlie a kiss, and strolls off toward Mel.
I turn to Charlie. “Don’t lie, he’s growing on you.”
Charlie gives the faintest smile. “If you say so, buddy.”
Then his tone shifts as he enthusiastically says, “Can’t believe training camp starts next week. We’re going to destroy every fucking team this season.”
I nod enthusiastically. “Right? No one’s gonna know what hit them. You and Briggs on the outside. Me running through everyone. This team is stacked.”
Charlie smirks. “We have to at least make it past the first round in the playoffs. Anything less will be just pathetic. I still can’t believe you guys lost in the second round last year.
It was a close game, despite the other team being stacked.
There were so many shitty calls, and at the worst times. It’s always easier to blame the refs.”
I smile, give him a pat on the shoulder, and walk off toward Spencer and Roman. They’re mid-conversation when I throw both arms around their shoulders.
“Guys, remember that time my team made it further than your team in the playoffs? Must be because I’m amazing.”
They both groan and shake their heads. “Go away. Don’t rub it in.”
I grin and say, “I love you guys. Thanks for coming.”
I wave my friends off and make my way over to Nate, who’s mid-conversation with Marcus and Becky. I slide in between them and say, “Sorry to interrupt, ladies, but I need to borrow my boyfriend for a second.”
I grab Nate’s hand and pull him gently toward his office. I still can’t believe he actually has an office. Once we’re alone, he grins and says, “Are we about to do what I think we’re about to do?”
I smirk. “No, pervert.”
He laughs, and I take his hands in mine. “Look at me,” I say. “You are amazing. This place is beautiful. The aesthetic, the vibe, the food, the ambiance, the layout, the ideas; all of it is you. It’s perfect, and I’m so damn proud of you. I can’t wait to see what this place becomes.”
Nate’s expression softens. He steps closer and says, “I love you so much. Thank you for believing in me and for always being there. And for letting me move in with you, of course.”
I tap his butt and grin. “You’re an idiot, but you’re welcome.”
I lean in and kiss him softly. Then I whisper, “After Harry Potter…you gonna let me top you?”
Nate snorts. “Oh, baby…that’s never gonna happen.”
I wink. “We’ll see.”
I tug him toward the edge of the dining area and gesture to the crowd. “Look at this,” I say. “Look at all these people, our people. So many people who care about us. So many drunk people who care about us.”
Nate chuckles, then looks into my eyes, his voice suddenly quieter. “I love you.”
I stare back into his eyes, heart full. “Always.”
The End