29.
Crystal
Justin wakes me in the morning when it’s still dark, and I stretch my limbs, feeling a pleasant soreness in all the right places. This is a little early to get out of bed on vacation, but he assures me it will be worth it. I have no reason to doubt him. It’s been an incredible trip so far, exactly what I needed to get away from the stresses of daily life. Justin has been amazing, anticipating my needs without me even having to ask.
After taking a quick shower, I find him already dressed and sipping coffee. He looks so stylish in his dark blue roll-collar sweater, jeans, and Chelsea boots. I grab my favorite red sweater from my bag and slip on some jeans before we head out. On the way, Justin announces that my next surprise is a hot air balloon ride to watch the sunrise.
When we arrive, people are bustling about with balloons laid out and fans blowing to inflate them. I’ve never seen anything like it. I can’t wait to take flight and watch the sun break the horizon from high up in the sky.
“Isn’t this incredible?” Justin says, taking my hand in his.
I nod. We follow the signs to a sectioned-off area where our balloon is waiting. A friendly pilot greets us and gives us some brief instructions.
“Are you ready to fly?” he asks, grinning from ear to ear.
I swallow nervously but nod. I trust Justin, and I know he wouldn’t put me in any danger. As we climb into the basket, I realize it’s just the two of us and the pilot. Butterflies launch in my stomach.
The burner fires and roars as we lift off slowly from the ground. And then we’re floating. In no time, we’re hundreds of feet in the air, and the view takes my breath away. The colors of the sunrise are so vibrant, and the acres of vineyards below us are breathtaking. This perspective is different than anything I’ve experienced before.
“Crystal,” Justin says softly, pulling me close. “I need to tell you something.”
I turn to look at him, my heart racing. What could he possibly want to say?
“I love you,” he whispers. “You mean everything to me. You’ve been there for me through thick and thin, and I can’t imagine my life without you by my side.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as he pulls a small box from his pocket. My heart is about to burst.
“Will you make it official and marry me?” he asks, opening the box to reveal a brilliant diamond ring.
Without hesitation, I say yes, throwing my arms around him as we kiss passionately in the basket of the hot air balloon. When the pilot offers his congratulations, I can feel myself blushing. I’d completely forgotten he was there.
For the rest of the trip, Justin and I enjoy the quiet solitude of floating, wrapped in each other’s arms. This is a memory I’ll store away for the days he leaves his clothes on the bathroom floor. As we begin to descend, we take pictures and send them off to our closest friends and family. The text messages come flooding back with congratulations and well wishes.
When the ride is over, I remain overwhelmed with gratitude for this incredible experience and for Justin, who has shown me what it means to truly love someone. I cannot wait for all that lies ahead for us.