Epilogue #2
“I can look at the sunrise later,” I tell him, pointing to the picture he gave me for my housewarming, hanging above our bed.
It’s one of the few things, aside from my clothes, that I brought with me when I moved back in.
He had asked if I wanted any of the things from my flat to replace what we have, but I declined.
We spent weeks shopping for this place together and made it our home.
I wasn’t attached to anything at the flat, other than the picture from him.
Breaking my lease was the easiest decision I’ve ever made.
Darío tosses clothes at me and demands I get dressed.
I don’t understand why we have to run today, but I force myself up, with the knowledge that I’ll be able to come home for a nap when we’re done.
I’d comment on his unusual behavior if I weren’t so cranky.
The roles are usually reversed, with him refusing to get up.
After using the toilet, I brush my teeth and put on my running clothes.
I smirk at his Scorpions championship hoodie that he left for me, because there’s no way he’s getting it back.
Two days may even be a record for a hoodie kidnapping.
Craig is already downstairs in the foyer with Dare by the time I make my way down.
He’s as excited as Darío for this run, but I can’t be annoyed with him.
His butt wiggles are my favorite thing. “Are you ready for a run, pup?” He shakes even faster at my acknowledgement.
“Traitor. We could still be warm and sleeping, you know.”
“Hush, you love this. And us,” Dare reminds me with a kiss to my temple.
I do love them, but I stick my tongue out at him, anyway.
With a swat to my ass, he walks around me to open the door.
The cool October air hits the moment he does this, and I smell the scent of fallen leaves.
Inhaling deeply, I let go of the desire to sleep because he’s right. I hate missing these mornings.
“Ok, then. You got me,” I admit.
“And I’m not letting you go,” he says, taking my hand as we start the walk to the park.
We’ve learned that if we start with a walk, Craig is far less inclined to slow us down on our runs once we’ve started.
There are only faint hints of the sunrise by the time we get to the park and start jogging.
Dare steers us off our normal route, but I don’t question him, since he seems to be all about the run today.
I slow as we approach Terrace Bridge, overlooking the lake. We don’t typically come this way, but it always has stunning views. Craig and I finally catch up to Darío, who is standing close to the bridge. “Changing the course today?”
He smiles his beautiful smile and takes my hand.
“I figured we could watch the sunrise from here, since we haven’t done that yet.
” I follow him eagerly to the center of the bridge, where there isn’t a soul in sight at this hour of the morning.
For being in such a busy city, it feels special to be here in our own bubble.
I love that, despite the buildings and traffic congestion, there’s this oasis literally steps from our door.
I lean over the side to check out the views, and I’m not disappointed, even in the low morning light.
Craig is sniffing around at my feet, content to explore a new place.
When I turn to ask Dare what he thinks, I find him on one knee behind me.
I don’t get a chance to ask him what he’s doing before he starts speaking.
“Harlan James, loving you has been the greatest privilege of my life. I know our journey hasn’t been an easy one.
We’ve had to hurt and heal, and learn a lot about ourselves, separately, to get to this moment.
” He pauses, with his hands shaking, tears shining in his eyes, with the sunrise behind him.
“Before you, I had no idea that I had the capacity to love someone the way that I love you. You make it feel easy, even when things are intense. Even when they’re hard.
Falling in love with you was the easiest thing I’ve ever done, and I will continue to love you every single day, in every single lifetime.
I will continue to choose you and love you through the hard days and the good days.
You are so perfectly mine, and I want to spend the rest of my life watching the sunrise with you. Will you marry me?”
He opens the ring box in his hand, the one I found two years ago when I thought for sure I’d ruined everything.
Nestled inside is a gold band with an etched floral pattern, and a diamond surrounded by emeralds.
The significance of the emeralds being from Colombia is not lost on me.
I choke out a sob as I soak in the words of the exquisite man at my feet.
I nod because I can’t get the words out right away.
“Yes. Yes, of course, yes.” I’m babbling and crying as he slides the ring on my finger. “I love you so much, Darío.”
He gets to his feet as Craig dances around us, excited at the commotion.
He pulls me in for a kiss as the sun continues to rise behind us.
Cheers ring out around us, and suddenly, we’re not alone.
Through blurry vision, I catch AJ, Jules, Penny, and Wes walking up the bridge.
Penny and Jules both have their phones trained on us, and I hear excited cheers from both devices.
“I couldn’t do this without our family,” Dare says as he leans in to kiss me again.
I accept the congratulations from everyone as I let the reality of my situation sink in.
My parents and my sister are all on screen, with tears in their eyes.
My father, whom I haven’t spoken to since last Christmas, tells me that he’s proud of me, and he wants to make things right.
Darío’s family is opening champagne at this ridiculous hour, ready to begin the celebration right now.
I embrace my friends before turning back to the love of my life.
Two years ago, I lost everything, and now I’m standing in my favorite city, at my favorite time of day, with the people that I love most in this world.
I wouldn’t change a thing if it meant I didn’t find myself in this exact moment.
I’ve never been more grateful than I am as I wrap my arms around Darío.
“I can’t believe you did this,” I cry into his chest.
The most beautiful smile graces his lips as he wipes my tears. “I told you I wasn’t letting you go. I love you forever, sweetness. To sunrises and new beginnings.”
The End