Threads Deep Within

One-shot: Vermonters (pt. 3)

{Summer}
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Sunlight shone through the trees as I pulled weeds from my garden whilst harvesting. I picked tomatoes and cucumbers, all the goods. I was just about ready to go inside, when I noticed a giant watermelon growing under some brush. Immediately I got it and placed it in the basket, happy because it was my girlfriend's favorite and when she returned home from running some errands, I could surprise her. I hurried inside with my gatherings and swiftly washed them. I cut the watermelon and put it on the counter, then sat down with my cat and dog on the porch. She pulled up in her white car; only now did it have a Vermont license plate. The animals jumped up to greet her, and I followed.

"Hey!" I said cheerfully as I ran and hugged her. She embraced back, "You always greet me that way."

I told her, "It always feels like it's the first time, my love."

Her warm smile and soft gaze melted my heart as she spoke, "Every day feels new." I nodded in agreement and took her hand, "let's go inside, it's hot in this sun."

She rolled her eyes, "it's never too hot here! Nothing compared to Pennsylvania!"

I laughed, wrapping an arm around her waist and guiding her into the house. We reached the kitchen and she sat down, looking at a local article as I made sure the animals were fed. Her eyes averted to me as I was dancing around the kitchen.

"And what might you be doing?" she inquired.

"Oh, I... uhh... hi?"

She got up to meet me, "What are you hiding?" she asked with a smirk.

I hugged her from behind and rested my head on her shoulder, "Notice anything?"

She began to look around, "No?" she quickly spun throughout the space, "What the hell am I looking for?"

I rolled my eyes, "The counter." She looked to it and pointed, "The watermelon?" I nodded.

"Aww, thank you," she beamed as she sat on the countertop to pick her piece. Before I grabbed a slice and she could start eating, I stood in between her legs and kissed her. She grabbed my hair, unprepared at first, but as we continued she ran her hands down my back. I kissed her down her neck as she moaned my name. We were so into it that she fell, with a loud thud on the hardwood floor.

"Oh fuck, baby, are you alright?" I asked, panicked.

"Shit, i wasn't expecting that," she replied, "but I'm fine."

I helped her up and carried her bridal-style outside on to our hammock. I laid her down and then I joined her, snaking my arms around her and snuggling into her side. She kissed me and held me too, our noses brushing as the hot summer atmosphere engulfed us.

By night, we sat outside by the tree lines and had a little bonfire. My best friend was there with his boyfriend; They decided to visit in solidarity.

He was my best brother and always would be.

The watermelon sat on a table nearby and I went over to grab a piece, since I still didn't have any from earlier. I smiled down at the fruit.

I was excited.

I walked over to the others and offered her a slice as well. The boys were not so interested.

"Hey, love, want this?"

"Sure!" she happily accepted.

Before I retired to my seat, I spoke up, "oh, and uhh... by the way,"

I got down on one knee and held my watermelon slice up to her, "Will you marry me?"

They all burst out laughing.

"I mean yes but," her eyes teared up at my joke, "eh, yes, I will."

"No guys, I'm serious," I told them all.

My friend and his boyfriend whipped out their phones as I pulled out a small navy box; they knew what was up.

"I love you more than words within this world could ever allow me to express. We've traveled west and east, and I want that forever; my ride or die. I couldn't ever imagine this life without you and you are my shining sun, my starry sky... everything, to me and-"

I was cut off by her happily coming over, picking me up off my knees, and holding me to her, kissing me sweetly.

"The answer is yes, by the way," she giggled shyly. I slipped the ring on her finger and hugged her. Our friends sent me their videos. Throughout the rest of the night we all sat in the cool summer air by the glorious burning fire, one that could only ever match such burning desires. She cuddled up next to me and shortly drifted off to sleep.

I stared to the beautiful starry sky; yep, I saw her dark honey eyes amongst them all. They could chime in the wind and thrive within fire; she was incredible.

And I loved her.

The moon showed big and bright, forever as she shall.

I proposed to my future bride, my wonderful wife under that moon.

My best friends stood once United under the same skies.

I recall how The Valley kids once thrived under that moon and how we all saw the same moon still, regardless of time zone and place in this present day.

Now I thrive under this astronomical moonlight.

Moonlight in Vermont.