Epilogue
Nash
Six months later
Our decorating competition didn’t happen, but that didn’t mean we hadn’t fallen hopelessly in love with the other.
As the days passed until Christmas, we decorated each other’s yards, surprising the other with new over the top decorations we could make fun of.
On Christmas Day, we met each other’s families for the first time, introducing her to my mom, while I met her parents and younger brother. We rang in the holiday together, over prime rib, mashed potatoes, and mac n cheese, along with pumpkin pie for dessert.
In between celebrating Christmas and the new year, Aubrey and I took our time in getting to know each other.
We cooked each other dinner and talked about our hopes and dreams. Our plans for the future and what we saw for ourselves.
She wanted two children while I wanted three, but I also wasn’t the one carrying them. I’d be happy with whatever she gave me.
We spent most of our time in my cabin, the space larger and more updated, as I continued the renovations.
It took a while, most of my free time now dedicated to Aubrey, but I kept a never-ending to-do list. Since she rented, when her six-month lease expired in the spring, I asked her to move in with me.
We never said we would boyfriend or girlfriend, never made anything official, but we hardly spent any time apart, even working side by side most days, her writing her blog posts while I worked on my online business.
So, when she didn’t hesitate to say yes, I did what I’d been wanting to do for a long time. I asked my mom for my grandmother’s ring to propose to Aubrey. I’d skip right over making her my girlfriend to making her my fiancée, and soon my wife.
The mere thought of her holding that title sent me over the edge. I could only imagine how it would be when it happened.
After Aubrey moved in, I planned a special steak dinner, just like the one I cooked her on our first date. She’d asked for it for our six-month anniversary, and I figured what would be a better time than this to ask her.
We shared a meal with the same wine, same salad, same everything, reminding her of our dinner all those months ago.
“Aw, you remembered. I said I wanted this same meal for our six-month anniversary.” Aubrey said with a loving smile as she took a seat at the new dining room table we picked out last month.
The one I had before was old and falling apart, and Aubrey was thrilled when I asked for her input.
“I wouldn’t forget it for the world, baby.
” I blew her a kiss and served her some salad and bread.
We shared a delicious meal, our conversation flowing as it always did.
I told her about my card night with my buddies, and she talked about her wine night with Pip.
The two of them made sure they got together at least once a week despite how busy life got.
And after we shared a slice of chocolate strawberry cheesecake, I told her to wait in the kitchen as I had a surprise gift for her.
In the living room, I set up a heart made of rose petals and I kneeled in the center of it, holding out my grandmother’s ring. “Come in now, love.” I called to her.
My breath caught in my throat as she walked into the living room, her hands flying to her chest as her mouth dropped open. “Oh, my God! Nash!” She cried as she walked over to me, tears spilling down her cheeks.
“Aubrey, I love you so much, baby. Make me the happiest guy in the world and be my wife. Please.”
“Yes, yes, a million times, yes!” Aubrey’s voice held so much emotion as she rushed over to me. “I love you, Nash, so much!”
I slid my grandmother’s ring on her finger as she gasped at the pretty opal and then I kissed her, long and hard and deep, pouring all of my love into that one kiss.
Aubrey was mine forever.
And for all the Christmases to come.
THE END