MO GRÁ | Derek Morgan

chapter twenty five

┌── •✧• ──┐
London
june 05, 2002

It's amusing how life can shift so dramatically so quickly. Just a year ago, I was still living in my apartment in Manhattan. Yet after the events of September, the very thought of living there again felt utterly wrong. A fresh start was necessary, and that's when the idea of moving in with Killian first crossed my mind.

The decision to relocate to London with him was no small decision. It wasn't a change of town or state, it was an entirely new country across the ocean. Still, it felt right. On the day I packed my belongings, a surge of nervous energy coursed through me. This city had been my only home, the only life I had ever known.

Killian was adamant about finding a new house for us. Our new home was a delightful Victorian tucked away by itself, adorned with ivy climbing up the walls and a quaint garden at the back. I vividly remember the first time we walked in the wooden floor creaked beneath our feet, and sunlight streamed in through the tall windows. I turned to Killian.

"It's perfect, isn't it?" I remarked, surveying the empty rooms that would soon be filled with our belongings. He flashed me that warm, charming smile that had become my anchor. "It will be, Leah. I promise."

The first few months was a mix of unpacking boxes, painting walls, and renovating our new home. London pulsated with a life that captivated me. The streets were alive with people from all walks of life, and the air was infused with the aroma of fresh pastries from local bakeries.

I had completed my college classes and graduated in May. One of my newfound favorite places became Hyde Park—a sanctuary amidst the urban chaos, boasting sprawling green lawns, glimmering lakes, and vibrant flower beds. Killian and I often found ourselves there, particularly on weekends. It became our cherished ritual to pack a picnic and spend lazy afternoons lounging on the grass.

It was during one of these picnics in Hyde Park that everything changed. The sun began its descent below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the park. We had spent the afternoon sharing laughter, dreams, and hopes for the future. A blissful contentment enveloped me as I leaned my head against his shoulder.

"Let's take a walk," Killian suggested, rising and extending his hand to me. I took it without hesitation. As we strolled along the path, the beauty of the park surrounded us, children playing, couples laughing, and the distant sound of a musician strumming a guitar. Killian stopped at the water's edge, turning to face me. His expression was both serious and soft, causing my heart to skip a beat.

"Leah," he began, his voice quivering slightly. "Over the past two years, you've become my everything. I've never felt this way about anyone before. You've illuminated my life in ways I never thought possible."

I held my breath, sensing the magnitude of the moment. "There's no one else I'd rather share my life with."

In that instant, I understood what was unfolding—and my heart raced as I witnessed him reach into his pocket. He retrieved a small velvet box, and my breath caught in my throat. "Leah, darling, will you marry me?" he asked, kneeling on one knee, the world around us fading into a blur. Tears welled in my eyes as I looked at him, the man who had become my rock, my partner, my love. "Yes! Yes, of course, I will!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with emotion.

Killian slipped the ring onto my finger, and that moment felt suspended in time. It was a simple yet elegant band, adorned with an oval-cut diamond that sparkled in the light. I couldn't take my eyes off it, nor could I tear my gaze from Killian's face. He stood and pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly as if afraid to let go. I buried my face in his chest, overwhelmed with happiness. "I can't believe this is happening," I whispered, my heart swelling with love. "I love you so much."