Let's Do This 1: Stormi and Sebastian

Chapter 8

Stormi POV

     For the next six months, Sebastian and I dated, exclusively, and slowly. We both wanted to be sure that this was exactly what we wanted. We had our breakfast date, and it was wonderful. We held hands, ate, talked, and went for a walk, through downtown after. Sebastian never once let me go. He always had a hand on me. Whether he was holding my hand, or his hand was on the small of my back, or he had his arm around my shoulders or waist. He's always touching me when we're together. He opened up a lot more about what happened with his ex, how she died, and how he was left feeling after that. He was always complimenting me, kissing my cheeks, making sure I felt the best I'd ever felt about myself.

     He also acted as the go-between for my dad and myself. I wanted to believe that he was all in and wanted to be a big part of my life, but I was wary. I didn't want to put forth the effort, simply to have it thrown back in my face. And things had gone better than expected from my dad. He'd only had Sebastian's number as I wasn't ready for that step, but we did talk at least twice a week until the divorce was finalized. Once it was, Dad asked if he could move closer to me. After thinking for a couple of weeks on it, I said yes, and gave him the name of the town we lived in.

     It was our 6-month anniversary. He'd planned a night for us. We started with dinner at our favorite little hole-in-the-wall restaurant we'd found by accident one day after a long hike through the surrounding forests. They made the best eggplant parmigiana I'd ever had! The sauce never gave me heartburn like every sauce out of can do. The pasta was always al dente, and the service was amazing. We'd become regulars there. Walking through the doors, the hostess led us to the back of the restaurant they'd been working on turning into a patio. Walking out the backdoor, my jaw dropped. There were lights strung above the patio, and a few tables and chairs were set out, but we were the only couple there. Sebastian pulled out my chair and pushed it in for me. We ordered a bottle of Riesling, and our bread and oil were delivered with the bottle and two glasses a few minutes later.

     I was busy looking around, taking in the potted plants, the lights, and the Italian opera music that was playing softly from the speakers outside. It was magical.

     "Happy six months, Stormi," Sebastian smiled at me, holding out his glass of wine. I cheers-ed him, taking a small sip. I wanted to keep my wits about me. I knew I was going to take the plunge and tell him tonight that I loved him. I just didn't know when.

     "Do you know what you're going to order?" I asked, grabbing the menu, like we hadn't been here hundreds of times already. I was just stalling, and it seemed he was okay with that. He looked nervous, actually. I reached across the table, putting my hand on his, "are you okay?"

     "Yeah," he sighed, "Why wouldn't I be? I'm on a date with the best girlfriend in the world." I heard the hostess bringing more people out, but I was too worried about why he was nervous to listen closely to the conversations. Soon the patio was full of voices, while I stared at Sebastian who was looking at the menu like he couldn't decide what he wanted to eat.

     "Bastian. We can go somewhere else if you don't want to eat here," I smiled up at him, "I'm happy as long as I'm with you."

     He took a deep breath, exhaling, "Let's do this."

     Let's do what?

Sebastian POV

     Taking a deep breath, I looked around at all the friends and family who'd gathered here with us. Alex, my parents, her dad, Emily, Raven, and Danielle from the coffee shop. I looked at my girl. She looked ready to leave after this glass of wine. The waiter came over, and once I'd reassured her that, yes, I do want to eat here, we ordered.

     Taking one final deep breath, I stood up. The whole patio going silent. I kept my eyes on Stormi's beautiful green eyes that pulled me in the minute she stepped into that coffee shop to meet me two and a half years ago. I walked to her side of the table. I took her hand, as I took a knee. She gasped, tears springing to her eyes.

     "Stormi Buchcannan, you stole my breath and my heart the moment I saw you step into the coffee shop two and half years ago. You looked like perfection walking in with your all-black outfit and green coat. Your smile blinded me, and your eyes pulled me in. Your laugh is like my favorite song, and talking to you is the best part of my day. I never knew I could love someone this much, and this deeply. It may seem like a quick six months of being together, but I've had this ring for the last two years and five months. I knew you were the one for me, and I waited. So, now, in front of our friends and family," at that, she looked around and the tears slid down her cheeks, "I am asking,"

     "Yes." She breathed out, earning a few chuckles from our audience, and myself.

     "I haven't asked yet," I smiled at her, and she blushed, "Will you make me the happiest man in the world, and marry me? Be my wife?"

     With a smile that I'm sure you could see from outer space, tears steadily falling down her face, she nodded. "Yes," she breathed out. I slid the ring on her finger and she flung herself into my arms. Arms I'd hold her in forever. The crowd of our loved ones shouted out in happy cheers. Everyone came up to congratulate us, and a fresh wave of tears formed and flowed from my fiancé. She introduced me officially to Raven and Emily. I could see what she meant when she called them 'my older sister from another mister, and my real mom.' They were exactly like that with her. Alex had champagne brought out for everyone, though Stormi declined, saying she didn't want to get drunk tonight.

     Stormi stood, picking up her glass, and tapping her fork against it, "Could I please have your attention? I have an announcement to make." The crowd quieted. She looked around at everyone as she began, "I want to thank you all for being here for this, as this...this is the best day of my life so far," her voice trembled at that, tears lining her eyes, "and since you're all here, I might as well give Bastian his gift now." She handed me a beautifully wrapped white box with a rainbow bow tied to it. She stood there as I unwrapped it. Opening the box and taking out some of the tissue paper, what lay in the box had me frozen.

     "What is it?!" Alex shouted from his table.

     I looked up at her, tears in my eyes, and she nodded. I held up a shirt that said, "Regional Manager" from my favorite show, The Office. And showed everyone, then I held up the tiny little onesie that said, 'Assistant to the Regional Manager' and the crowd erupted again! My mother and Emily were screaming like schoolgirls. Stormi's dad wrapped her tightly in a hug, crying into her hair, as she hugged him back. Alex and my dad shook my hands and clapped my back.

     "This is the best day ever!" I exclaimed, pushing past everyone, grabbing Stormi, and wrapping her in a hug.

     Could life be any sweeter?

     I'm going to be a dad, and I'm about to marry my best friend.

     Let's do this!