Falling

Coney Island

Note: 18+ Content

We grab dinner at an Italian restaurant, recommended by Tony. It is a lovely meal with red wine and the best canolli I've ever tried. When we step outside, the sun is setting and I am full of food and good feelings.

"We got to give it to Tony, he has great taste." I say as I rub my tummy. "I feel like I am about to burst."

"The day is not over yet." Steve says, holding my hand tight.

"No?"

I can't imagine what more there is, unless we are meeting with the rest, which I would really like.

We drive to the port and board a private boat. We are received with a glass of chilled Sparkling Rose from Daou, and we enjoy the sunset views of the New York City skyline as we cruise down the Hudson River. I nestle against Steve's chest as he holds me from behind, letting the back of my head rest on his chest.

Forever. I never believe in it, and it's still a frightening idea. I think I have to re-think my definition of it. There is something I have learn IS forever. And that is love. Yes, an exceptical person like me as come to buy into the idea of eternal love. I know I will never stop loving Steve. It might change, I doubt it, but in essence, I am his and he is mine. Forever.

Steve kisses the top of my head, and I turn my face to get a proper kiss.

It is night when the lights of Coney Island Beach appear.

Steve helps me out the boat and on to the port.

The boardwalk rides seem to be working, all the lights turned on and vendors set up and open. Yet, when we arrive there is virtually no one around.

"It is ours for the night." Steve smiles like a kid.

He guides me through the entrance and into the boardwalk. Coney Island is Steve's backyard. He grew up here in between the rides and popcorn machines. He has good and bad memories. He probably got his ass beaten more than once around here too.

I let him take me where he clearly wants to go. I would follow him anywhere.

I am so enthralled by the lights and the music, the magic of it all, that I didn't realize we have come to a stop. We are in front of the carrousel, in the heart of the amusement park.

And Steve. My beautiful, wonderful Steve takes both my hands in his.

"I love you with all my heart, you know that, right?" Steve voice is low but firm.

I tilt my head to the side, kind of confused by such a question.

"Of course." I answer.

Steve nods slowly, and then I see it. He is nervous. His hands, they shake slightly, his breathing is calm, too calm. Controlled.

My heart starts to beat faster and faster per second. Anticipation building.

"I love you. Alex. Fully and unconditionally. Forever." He squeezes my hands tight. My mind is racing, my thoughts scramble. This can't be the real thing, can it? I would have suspected something like I did before. My eyes are stuck on his, not even daring to blink. "And I know I am not a perfect man, that there are times that I will fail. But I want you to know that my love for you is eternal, that for you I will do whatever it takes."

Steve let's go of my hands and gets down on one knee in front of me. My heart stops abruptly.  I shouldn't be this surprise, should I? I had seen the ring, I knew he thought of proposing. But nothing, nothing could have prepared me for this. To be this happy.

He takes the book-like ring box of his pocket and opens it.

"I know I am asking for too much, but Alexandra Marie King-Hernandez, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Steve asks me, eyes full of stars, presenting the diamond ring that shines like the lights we are surrounded with.