|92| • Everest
Nervous was an understatement of how I was feeling.
My hands were sweaty, and the more I tried to go over the words to say, the more I fumbled.
Pacing to and fro the hall, I inhaled deeply.
I had just hung up the call with Amelia, so I knew she was on her way.
I didn't mean to make her concerned, but I didn't want her suspecting.
Wiping my damp hands on my suit slacks, I brought out the pink ring box and stared at it.
Had I ever been this nervous?
Moments ago, everything seemed so simple. Amelia and I had been chatting, her laughter like a melody that kept me grounded. But now, the thought of her reaction filled me with equal parts excitement and fear. Would she like this? Would she be happy?
I gazed around the hall for what felt like the hundredth time.
Gabe had worked wonders helping to design the space with the restaurant's blessing.
The room was a breathtaking masterpiece: the centerpiece was an enchanting arrangement of soft pink roses and white chrysanthemums, their petals glowing under the warm lights like something out of a dream.
The air was perfumed with their fragrance, delicate yet intoxicating.
Fairy lights draped the walls and ceiling in soft, shimmering cascades, giving the hall an ethereal glow.
A soft melody hummed in the background, filling the space with a romantic warmth.
It was perfect.
With one last deep breath, I made my way to the end of the hall, switching off the light.
From the amount of times I'd come here to ensure everything was according to plan, I'd known the way back like the back of my hand; and skillfully, I was at the center of the room in seconds, putting the ring back in my pocket.
Soft tunes played from the speakers on the wall, a separate tune from what had been playing in the restaurant - this one more romantic. My heart thundered in my chest as I awaited my sweet Amelia.
The stillness of the dimly lit hall was broken by the rustle of movement outside the door.
My heart pounded harder. The sound grew closer until the door creaked open, and she stepped inside, slightly out of breath.
In the faint glow of the fairy lights, I could make out her silhouette, familiar and breathtaking.
She leaned against the door, huffing and puffing before standing up straight.
I was sure coming from the warm brightness downstairs to this wouldn't make her eyes adjust fast enough.
"Evie? Are you in here? Gosh, I can barely see.
.." Her cute mutter affirmed my thoughts, her voice resounded with worry.
Her voice sent a rush of warmth and adrenaline through me.
The words were caught in my throat for a moment, but I managed to steady myself.
"Turn on the light, Amelia," I said softly, my voice carrying across the space.
How her name rolled out of my tongue reminded me of how rarely I used her name.
Amelia, what a pretty name she has.
There was a brief pause before I heard the quiet click of the switch.
The room transformed instantly, bathed in the soft golden glow of the lights.
Amelia gasped audibly, her hands flying to her mouth.
Her wide eyes took in the enchanting scene: lush bouquets of pink roses and white chrysanthemums arranged with meticulous care.
The scattered rose petals on the floor seemed to guide her steps, creating a pathway to where I stood.
She stood still in shock, taking in the scene.
Tears filled her eyes as she clutched her chest, her lips parting in awe.
"Everest..." she whispered breathlessly, her voice trembling with emotion.
A smile traced my lips as I watched her reaction, it was far better than I'd imagined.
From where I stood I could see her eyes glimmer.
Wanting her to come, I stretched out my hand.
She took a hesitant step forward, her gaze flitting between the beautifully decorated hall and me.
Her expression held a blend of wonder and disbelief as if she couldn't fathom this was real.
When she reached me, I gently took her hands in mine.
Her fingers felt delicate, slightly cool against my trembling palms. The intensity of her gaze, filled with love and curiosity, gave me the courage to speak.
"Hey, darling," I teased lightly, wanting to get rid of the tension building up in me. She giggled a bit, still in awe. "Hey..." Was her light reply, her eyes never leaving mine.
"Amelia," I began, my voice low but steady, "There are no words that can truly capture what you mean to me but I will sure try.
..the first time we met, I was at my lowest—so broken I didn't realize the extent of it.
" I chuckled softly, and a reassuring squeeze came from her.
"And there you were, so kind, so beautiful, so. ..refreshing."
"At times I wondered how one could be so innocent, and if you lived in the same harsh world I did.
" A tearful laugh came from her, "But then I realized you had your battles, your struggles but still chose joy.
You still chose to smile. I found that -- I still do find that so beautiful.
" Amelia smiled, her cheeks pushing the tears out of her eyes.
She placed her free hand over her lips, stopping her from sobbing. Gosh, she's so precious.
Lifting her hand to my lips, I kissed it.
"We've been through so much, Amelia, with all the challenges that should've broken us.
And yet, here we are. You've grown so much, from the bright-eyed girl who didn't know her worth to the strong, determined woman standing before me.
" Amelia smiled, her faded green eyes glistening in the warm light.
"You loved me even when I didn't think I deserved it. And...I want to continue loving you, my dear." Letting go of her hand, I dug mine into my pocket, slowly dropping to one knee. My lady's gasp echoed through as she took a step back, another jab of realization hitting.
I pulled out the pink box as both hands clasped her mouth. "My love..." I began, opening the box to reveal the diamond ring with pink sapphires. I was sure she would love the color, it suited her. Her gaze dropped to the ring and delight filled her eyes.
"Whenever I imagine my future, it always starts with you.
I want to be with you, much more than just your boyfriend.
I want to be there for you every step of the way.
I want to be your family, your home, just as you are mine.
" I began, my voice thick with emotion. "So, my darling Amelia.
Would you please be mine forever? Will you marry me? "
For a heartbeat, the world seemed to hold its breath. Her dark eyes locked with mine, glistening with love and disbelief. Then she nodded, her voice breaking as she whispered, "Yes." Her voice rose, trembling but sure.
"Yes, Everest. A thousand times, yes!" She immediately picked me up, wrapping her arms around my neck with a jump. I held her waist, lifting her in a hug.
"Yes...yes, yes." Amelia continued to say, sobbing.
I laughed, tears dropping as well."Then, allow me to put the ring on you, my woman.
" She nodded, taking a step back and offering her hand.
With my shaky ones, I pulled out the ring, relief and euphoria crashed over me in a wave as I slipped the ring onto her finger.
It fit perfectly, the diamond blending perfectly with her dark skin.
I pulled her into my arms, holding her close as she buried her face in my chest, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.
"I can't believe this...everything is so, so amazing.
" She whispered, hugging me tighter. I was glad she thought so, I'd put in the effort.
Chuckling, I kissed her forehead, fascinated because I was also crying -- tears of joy.
"I love you," I whispered in between tears.
She looked up at me, her face radiant despite her tears.
"I love you too, Evie, with all my heart," she said, her voice soft but steady.
I cupped her face gently, my thumb brushing away a stray tear that trailed down her smooth, dark skin.
"You have no idea what those words mean to me," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
She smiled then, a radiant, breathtaking smile that outshone every light in the room.
"I think I do," she replied, her voice teasing, warm, and filled with so much love that it was almost overwhelming.
Unable to resist, I leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, letting my lips linger there as I closed my eyes. Her braids brushed against my cheek, their familiar scent comforting and uniquely hers.
The music shifted then, a slow, soulful tune filling the air like a gentle embrace. I pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, my hand slipping down to intertwine with hers.
"Dance with me," I said, the words a quiet plea.
She nodded, her smile soft and unguarded.
I drew her close, wrapping an arm securely around her waist while our joined hands rested against my chest. Her head nestled beneath my chin as we began to sway, the world outside forgotten, leaving only us in the glow of the fairy lights and the fragrance of roses and chrysanthemums.
Our movements were unhurried, and intimate, as if the music was an extension of our hearts speaking to each other. We had the entire night to ourselves. I closed my eyes, feeling the rhythm of her breathing against me, the warmth of her body fitting so perfectly with mine.
"You know," I murmured after a long silence, "I used to think about this moment. Not just proposing to you, but holding you like this, knowing you're mine forever. And now it's real. You said yes, and it feels like the best dream I've ever had."
She tilted her head back to look at me, her eyes shining, her smile even more bright. "It's not a dream, Evie. It's our reality. And I promise, every day from now on, I'll love you more than the day before."
Her words undid me. I stopped swaying, taking her face in my hands and leaning down until our foreheads touched. "You've already made me the happiest man alive, Amelia," I whispered. "But hearing that...I don't think my heart can take this much love."
She laughed softly, the sound light and beautiful, like a bell chiming in the distance.
"Good," she teased, brushing her lips lightly against mine.
I kissed her then, slow and deep, pouring everything I felt into that moment.
When we pulled back, our foreheads still pressed together, we were both breathless, smiling like fools.
"Thank you," Amelia said, her words making me raise an eyebrow. "For what, my dear?"
"For making me the happiest woman."
I laughed, my heart genuinely couldn't take any more of this. "Come here," I whispered, pulling her closer. I was the one meant to be thanking her, for agreeing to be my wife. For allowing me to one day be her husband.
"Thank you, Amelia."