50. Astrid
I’ve finally finished putting my clothes away in the closet. It was really sweet of him to make so much room for my stuff. Not that he has a lot of clothes, but it’s the thought that counts, and the closet is now organized, my clothes neatly arranged alongside Seans.
Like we’ve always belonged together. I smile to myself. It really does feel like everything that’s happened between us has been meant to be.
Life is finally working out.
“Astrid, where are you?” Sean calls out.
“I’m in here,” I shout back.
Huh. He’s home earlier than I expected. It’s a pleasant surprise. I can’t wait to show him how I managed to put everything away. But I did think I’d have more time. I’m not ready yet, still dressed in his sweatpants, the waist rolled up so that the fabric doesn’t trail on the ground. And his sweatshirt, the one I never gave back, and my hair in a messy bun.
He wasn’t supposed to be home for another two hours. I know that he said he was going to make us dinner reservations, but we still have a while before we need to get ready, and I thought he was picking up Violet from Victoria’s first.
I hang the last shirt and make my way out of the walk-in closet, shutting the light off behind me.
He’s crazy if he thinks I’m going to be ready now. I still need to shower.
“Astrid?” Sean calls out.
I hear Violet’s high-pitch laugh, followed by Sean’s quiet shushing.
What are they up to?
Seans eyes light up with excitement as he walks into the bedroom, Violet by his side. He stops short of me, the look on his face making me pause. There is an energy in the air, a sense that something special is about to happen.
“Sean? What’s going on?”
He takes a moment, his gaze softening, and then, with a warmth in his voice, he says my name. Astrid, we’ve been through so much together, and every day with you feels like a gift. I cant imagine my life without you.
Violet walks over to me, taking me by the hand and bringing me closer.
“Okay…” I look at her questioningly, but she doesn’t say anything. “Sean, what are you doing?”
He pauses, a subtle nervousness dancing in his eyes, and then, with a tenderness that makes my heart flutter, he reaches into his pocket, and drops to one knee, a small box in his outstretched hand as he gives it to Violet, to give to me.
I take the small velvet box with shaky fingers, tears pooling in my eyes before I can even open the box.
Astrid,” he says, his voice faltering. He gestures for Violet to stand beside him. “We love you more than anything. Will you marry me””
“Yes,” I manage to choke out. I don’t even have to think about it. My knees start to shake and for a moment, I worry that I’ll collapse on the floor.
But Sean is quick to steady me in a tight embrace. His lips press softly against my head as he whispers, “I love you,” over and over again, as Violet clings to my leg.
I do my best to wrap my arms around both of them, so overcome with love and relief that I’m certain I’ll burst from happiness.
Time seems to stand still. My heart races, and a rush of emotions sweeps over me. We fit together so perfectly. All of us. Like everything between us was always meant to be— even this. And as I look into Seans eyes, I see a future filled with love and shared dreams.
He takes my hand and slips the ring on my finger, sealing the promise that weve made to each other. In this ordinary yet extraordinary moment.
“We’re really getting married.”
Tears well up in my eyes as I nod, a radiant smile breaking across my face. Yes, Sean. Yes, a thousand—no—a million times, I reply, feeling the weight of the commitment and the joy of a new beginning.
“I wanted today to be special,” Sean says, pulling us back onto the bed. He sets me on his lap as he takes my hand in his. His thumb strokes the back of my hand as we both admire the giant diamond on my finger. “I just couldn’t wait any longer to ask you,” he kisses me. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.” I rest my forehead against his.
“Besides, Violet helped pick out the ring, so there’s no guarantee how long she would’ve kept the secret.”
She crawls onto the bed with us, too excited to stay still, bouncing up and down.
I bury my face into the crook of his neck, overcome with emotion and the desire to savor the moment. “This couldn’t be any more perfect.”