His Little Amelia

|90| • Everest

"You almost blew the secret?" Gabe asked, cackling at the fact that I almost said the word 'wife' around Amelia. I wanted this proposal to come as a shock to her, I didn't want her to suspect or it'd be a bit underwhelming. Gosh, I hope I wasn't processing this wrong. Rolling my eyes, I leaned back on his couch, sighing.

The birthday party yesterday was a success if I do say so myself; I was so grateful Amelia loved it. We didn't finish until it was dark and I'd sent everybody on their way. Most of them had to pay for a motel to sleep in because it was so late. They outdid themselves, and Amelia couldn't stop shedding tears as we got home. I had to tell her we were more than happy to do it again and get her to bed.

She was so emotional, it made my heart swell.

"So, are you ready for the big day today?" He asked and I tended up again. As much as I was comfortable around Amelia, the thought of proposing made my nerves high. What would she say? Would she think it was too soon? Do you see why I was so nervous?! Huffing, I sat up, far too tensed to relax again. Thank you Gabe. "As ready as I'll ever be," I said and he chuckled, slapping my shoulders and rubbing it in a consoling manner.

"You'll be tensed until she says yes, trust me." He says gently like that was supposed to be better. Grimacing at him, I shook off his hand. "Wow, that makes it so much better!" I told him in a sarcastic tone that made him cackle again.

"Hey, take it from an engaged man! Besides you should know this." He said, referring to Florescent. The truth was, I wasn't half as nervous as I am now compared to then. "Anyways, just rehearse your speech so you don't become a rambling mess — I doubt she'd mind but for the sake of your tender ego."

"My ego is not tender." I deadpanned and he snickered. "No judgment bro, mine is too, and wear shoes that you can take a knee in." He said, giving me tips that I honestly appreciated. It had been so long, I felt like a rookie.

"I'm telling you, man, it's like time is running," I said, looking at my phone to see that it was now noon and I'd planned the date for six in the evening. The restaurant was reserved and the waiters knew what to do. I'd sent the ring to them for safekeeping and all that was left was my lines...and my beautiful future bride.

I hope.

"So, how are you preparing for your wedding?" I asked Gabe, wanting to ease my nerves. He hummed, taking his glass of beer. "Well, who knew weddings were so expensive?" He said, making me laugh. "Pen wants a church wedding that would be enough to take her entire generation." He half-joked, "I mean, obviously I'm not against it, I want it to be a large as well — but darn it would cost a lot."

"Says the guy who hasn't made a dent in his savings," I say, knowing fully well that his family was sponsoring the bills that were accumulating during his coma. Which meant he still had a lot to go. Gabe smirked nudging my side. "Yeah, but I have big plans for me and my wifey. Wouldn't want to spend it all on the wedding."

"Need us to chip in for ya?" I ask, referring to our other friends from the military. He scorned, "Nah, I'll handle it. Focus on your wedding. I'm sure you'd want to give her one fit for a princess. Lovesick puppy." He teased making me laugh. Here we were talking about my wedding and I hadn't proposed yet.

"Says the whipped man over here." I bit back, smirking at him. Gabe laughed, "I can't deny that." He said, raising his hand in surrender. I couldn't help but smile at him, proud of how he'd finally found the one for him — the woman who was willing to stay by his side even when it wasn't set in stone that he was going to wake up; when he was a motionless body stuck with tubes and a breathing mask—our dear Penelope.

He'd been head over heels for his last girlfriend, but when he woke up, he realized she couldn't wait for him — and I didn't blame her. Gabe didn't either; he was just...sad. I guess her no became Pen's yes.