Patience and Affection

#50 - ❝The Perfect Proposal❞

Wayne had just landed back in the Philippines, his heart racing with excitement as the familiar sights and sounds of his homeland greeted him. The warmth of the late afternoon sun felt like a comforting embrace as he stepped out of the airport. It had been months since he last set foot here, his work in Dubai demanding more time than he would have liked. But now, he was home, and nothing mattered more than reuniting with the ones he loved.

As he reached the front door of his home, the door swung open to reveal a grinning Tiffany. "Papa!" she exclaimed, her small arms wrapping tightly around his waist. Wayne chuckled, scooping her up into his arms.

"Hello, princess," he greeted her, planting a kiss on her forehead. "How's my favorite girl?"

Tiffany giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm good, Papa! But you have to come with me. I have a surprise for you!"

Wayne raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "A surprise, huh? Lead the way then."

Tiffany jumped down from his arms, grabbing his hand as she eagerly led him through the house. They made their way to the backyard, the late afternoon light casting a golden hue on everything it touched. As they neared the garden, Wayne noticed someone familiar standing near the entrance—Rhiannon, with her usual confident smile, and a little boy, Sébastien's son, trailing behind her.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Rhiannon approached Wayne with a knowing grin. "Welcome back, Wayne. We've been waiting for you."

Wayne looked puzzled but smiled nonetheless. "Rhiannon, what's going on? What are you up to?"

Instead of answering, Rhiannon pulled out a black silk blindfold and held it up with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Trust me?"

Wayne hesitated for a moment before laughing softly. "I guess I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

Rhiannon gently tied the blindfold over Wayne's eyes, ensuring it was secure but comfortable. "Now, no peeking," she teased.

"Noted," Wayne replied, his senses heightened as darkness enveloped him.

Then, he felt another hand gently take his, this time larger and more familiar—Sébastien's. "I'll guide you from here, Wayne," Sébastien's voice was calm, reassuring.

Wayne nodded, allowing himself to be led further into the garden. Each step felt deliberate, the anticipation building with every moment. The sound of rustling leaves and distant voices filled his ears, but he couldn't make out any words.

Finally, they came to a stop. "We're here," Sébastien announced before carefully removing the blindfold.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

As Wayne's vision adjusted, he found himself standing in the center of the garden, surrounded by a soft glow of fairy lights and candles. Directly in front of him was a large LED screen, which flickered to life, displaying pictures—pictures of him and Maxwell, spanning years of their journey together. From their early college days, where they were just two friends navigating life, to the moments where their bond deepened, and love blossomed between them.

Wayne's breath hitched as the memories flashed before his eyes, each one more precious than the last. He hadn't noticed Maxwell approaching until he was already there, just a few feet away.

Maxwell was holding a small box in his hands, his eyes glistening with emotion. He dropped to one knee, looking up at Wayne with a mixture of love and nervousness. "Wayne," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "we've been through so much together. From the moment we met in college, you became someone I couldn't imagine my life without. You were my best friend, my confidant, and eventually, the love of my life. Every step we've taken, every challenge we've faced, has only made me love you more."

Tears welled up in Wayne's eyes, but he stayed silent, letting Maxwell speak from the heart.

"I've been planning this moment for a long time," Maxwell continued, "because I wanted it to be perfect—just like you've always been to me. I can't imagine a future where you aren't by my side. We've built something beautiful together, and I want to continue building our lives together, forever."

Maxwell opened the box, revealing a simple yet elegant ring, the symbol of their love and commitment. "Wayne Jeon, will you marry me?"

For a moment, everything was still. The world seemed to stop turning as Wayne stared down at Maxwell, his heart swelling with so many emotions that he could hardly breathe.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

But then, he found his voice, choked with tears but filled with certainty. "Yes," Wayne whispered, then louder, "Yes, Maxwell. I'll marry you."

Maxwell's face lit up with joy, and he quickly slipped the ring onto Wayne's finger before standing up to embrace him. The crowd that had gathered around them, unnoticed until now, erupted into cheers and applause. Tiffany was bouncing up and down excitedly, clapping her hands, while Rhiannon and Sébastien stood to the side, smiles of pride and happiness on their faces.

Maxwell pulled back slightly to look into Wayne's eyes, his own filled with unshed tears. "I love you," he said softly.

Wayne cupped Maxwell's face in his hands, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you too, Maxwell. More than anything."

They sealed their promises with a kiss, surrounded by the warmth of their family and friends, the night sky above them full of stars, and the promise of a beautiful future together.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃