Epilogue
Ivan
The past year has been a whirlwind for both Danielle and me. The pregnancy itself was difficult to adapt to, but now the two of us have a three-month-old daughter, Raisa, that we’re excited to spend every day with.
Life with Danielle has been nothing short of magical. With each day, I grow to love her more. She’s more beautiful now that she’s given birth, that she’s created life and brought our child into this world.
On top of that, she’s perhaps the most dedicated person I’ve ever met in my life. During her pregnancy, she stayed in school. She managed all of her appointments for the pregnancy alongside finals and class projects to make animations she knows will someday inspire our own child.
But this is our first Christmas as a family. Danielle and I were together last year, and our Christmas was tumultuous, to say the least. She wanted the big, beautiful tree and decorations all around the house, but circumstances didn’t allow for that.
This year, the entire penthouse is a winter wonderland. We have Christmas trees in every room and gifts under the main one in the living room. Danielle and I have presents for each other, as well as for all the members of the staff to open when they arrive tomorrow.
Raisa sleeps in her rocker while Danielle and I both sit cross-legged on the ground in front of the tree, passing gifts back and forth. Every time Danielle is handed one, her eyes light up with a wonder that I admire.
I’ve never cared much about Christmas, but Danielle has changed that for me.
I don’t care about the gifts for myself, but the tradition.
Snuggling with Danielle on the couch and watching Miracle on 34th Street, listening to Christmas music while we decorate, drinking disgusting eggnog and pretending to like it because that’s part of the season.
Everything has been perfect with her. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life together with her.
There’s just one order of business I need to take care of before we can have our forever.
“I have one last gift for you,” I say, grabbing the tiny present I stashed at the back of the tree. It’s hidden under the skirt, so it’s completely obscured. The box was simply too small for me to put it in the open, and for Danielle not to get suspicious.
When I hand her the small box wrapped in bright red paper, her face lights up in a way I’ve never seen before. The only exception being the first time she held Raisa the day she was born.
“What’s this?” Danielle asks, holding it in her hand.
“Open it and find out.”
She carefully undoes the wrapping paper, as she does with every gift. Even though I know the paper will be thrown away in an hour, she’s careful and delicate with every movement.
As soon as the wrapping paper is undone, she sees the small velvet box inside, and when she opens it to see a sparkling diamond ring, she clasps a hand over her mouth.
“This past year has been incredible thanks to you. Every day you’ve helped me become a better version of myself, and I can’t imagine a world where I don’t wake up next to you every morning,” I say, now on one knee as she looks up from the ring to see me in front of her.
“Last year was intense for both of us, but if we can make it through that, we can make it through anything. I love you, Danielle Miller. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. Will you marry me?”
Tears stream down her face as she nods enthusiastically. She pulls her hand away and tosses it around my neck, nearly dragging me to the ground as she hugs me and kisses me passionately.
I back away from her and grab her hand, sliding the ring carefully along her finger.
“I love you so much,” Danielle whispers through the happy tears.
Both of us embrace, not wanting to let go. Danielle looks over her shoulder at Raisa, waking up from the sudden noise of her mother crying.
This is all I’ve ever wanted. I’ve fought to have this, and I will fight for it every day for the rest of my life if needed. Nothing in this world is as important as the little family I’ve created in this room.