Dancing in the Oaks

Lastly

 About a month after the court date I finally got my house renovated. It felt nice to have that graffiti cleaned up. It just broke my heart seeing it like that. With that being said, Nick let me live in the guest house for another two weeks before I finished. Of course, he stayed in his house. It is so nice having his father back. Just last week I helped butcher the cows for his family business. I can say that it went pretty well, as I did a lot better with the process than I thought I would.

This morning I thought I would stop by again to hang out with Nick. When I pulled up in my new, blue Chevy Silverado, I saw Nick and I felt happy. I got out and walked over to him -it was almost a fast jog over to him. He was on his horse and he told me to hop on, so I did. We both wore black, felt cowboy hats. Our plaid shirts were matching along with our wranglers. I did not plan that at all. The sun was rising behind the Tennessee mountains. He led the horse down to the pond. That was the same pond where he kissed me. It brought back so many memories. The ducks floated on the surface and quacked.

Nick helped me off the horse and he looked into my eyes. "Norah, I have something to ask you."

All I could say was, "What?" Of course I was smiling.

"Norah, I have been wanting to ask you for a long time... You make me so happy. I have always liked you, and I have loved you for the longest time." He stood closer to me. "Would you like to marry me?" He asked as he blushed a pink color.

I stared into his deep eyes. He stayed standing because the ground was soaking wet from the storm that came through last night. "Yes Nick!" He slipped a small ring on my finger. It was simple with our initials engraved on it. This time I was crying happy tears. I am finally happy now, in fact, happier than ever before. Just when I thought giving up was the only viable option, turns out that was not true at all. No matter the circumstances, we can all change, correct, and overcome.

Without a doubt, Nicholas J.M. Reed has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. After about a year of deciphering this mystery, we have finally come to the end. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. "I love you Norah!" He hugged me and I felt so happy.

"I love you too, Nick." I responded to his remarks. "It is beautiful and you are so kind. Thank you..." At that moment his lips pressed against mine. For the short time that I have been with Nick, I have been the most happy ever. Sometimes we all need just one person to help us through our mountains. Trust me, the steep, uphill path will eventually turn into a dirt one -less hard to climb. Sometimes there will be wind, but it will calm in the end. Time is everything.

'Bee the best you can bee, even through the tough times. Always remember that the bees buzz everyday for our health, life, and enjoyment. They pollinate the Oak trees that keep this town alive. Oaks stand strong through the toughest times. These trees never give up or let their roots snap.'

-Norah Jean (Now Reed)