Embers of the Heart ; George Weasley

Six - 2.0

"Where're we going?" I asked as I pulled a beanie down over my head. George was getting ready in the bedroom, which seemed to take him a very long time. I was ready. All I needed was my gloves, and then I was ready to go.

"Just for a walk in the pink." George said from the bedroom. "I need some fresh air."

Huh...

Maybe this was a good time to propose to him. I kicked off my shoes and then hurried to Freya's doll house where I kept the small velvet box, carrying his ring. His ring if he wanted it. Then I shoved it into my pocket and slid back into my shoes just as he walked out of the bedroom, smiling at me.

"You look so darn cute in that beanie." he said, tugging at a lock of my hair before reaching behind me to grab his coat.

"Maybe we should invite Fred and Angie to come." I said, sudden nerves appearing in my stomach from the prospect of proposing tonight.

"What?" George chuckled. "Babe, I'm pretty sure they're in the middle of practising making babies."

"Oh." I found myself blushing as I reached for the door while George slid into his shoes, looking at me with amusement.

"Why does that embarrass you?" he asked. "You have a literal child, and one on the way."

"I don't know, George!" I exclaimed, swatting at his hand when he went to place it against my lower back. "I can walk, thank you very much."

"Just making sure." he teased, shutting the door behind us.

It was a chilly evening in February, the kind of night where the air was so crisp it felt like it could shatter with a breath, and the sky was clear, revealing a blanket of twinkling stars. George was the one who had suggested we take a walk, something we hadn't done in quite some time. Freya was with her grandparents for the night, giving us a rare opportunity for some time alone. I was grateful for this moment of peace amidst the chaos that had become our lives.

As we strolled through the quiet streets, our breaths visible in the cold air, our hands intertwined for warmth and connection, I felt a sense of tranquillity wash over me. The silence between us was comfortable, filled with the unspoken understanding that had grown between us over the years. Each step we took seemed to synchronize our hearts, reminding me just how deeply connected we were.

We reached a small park, its frozen pond shimmering under the moonlight. George led me to a bench overlooking the pond, and we sat down, the cold wood seeping through our coats. He squeezed my hand gently before letting go and turned to face me, his expression a mixture of determination and vulnerability.

"Ro, there's something I need to say." he began, his voice steady but laced with emotion. "Something I've been thinking about for a long time."

I felt a flutter of anticipation in my chest, my heart beating a little faster. "What is it, George?" I asked, my voice soft, encouraging him to continue.

He took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. "You know I love you more than anything, right? You and Freya are my world. I can't imagine my life without you."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, his words touching me deeply. "I know, George. I feel the same way."

He smiled, a mixture of relief and nervousness playing across his features. Then, to my surprise, he dropped to one knee, reaching into his coat pocket to pull out a small, velvet box. My hand flew to my mouth in shock, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Aurora Jade Nightingale, will you marry me?" he asked, his voice filled with love and hope. "Will you be my wife and make this crazy, beautiful life official?"