Austin and Ally the college years

Chapter Nineteen: Finding the Right Moment

The days after Emily's arrival flew by, with Austin and Ally settling further into their new home while getting to know Austin's newly discovered sister. Emily fit right into their lives, and the bond between her and Austin grew stronger with every conversation, every shared story.

Austin, however, couldn't shake the question Emily had planted in his mind during her first night in town: When are you going to propose?

The question haunted him, sneaking into his thoughts at the most unexpected moments - when he and Ally were cooking dinner together, when she laughed at one of his jokes, when they cuddled up on the couch after a long day. It wasn't that he had any doubts about his feelings for her. He knew, without question, that Ally was the one. But now, as their three-year anniversary loomed closer, the idea of proposing felt more real than ever.

It was a quiet Friday afternoon, and the sun streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a warm glow over the countertops as Austin stirred a pot of pasta sauce. Ally was due home from class any minute now, and as always, he wanted to have dinner ready for her.

Emily, sitting at the kitchen table with her laptop, looked up and noticed the distracted look on her brother's face. She had stayed with them for the week, and by now, she had learned to read his moods.

"You're thinking about it again, aren't you?" Emily asked, setting her laptop aside.

Austin didn't even try to deny it. "Yeah. I am."

Emily smiled knowingly. "You've been in your head all week about it."

"I know," Austin sighed, leaning against the counter and wiping his hands on a dish towel. "I just want it to be right."

Emily shook her head, her expression softening. "Austin, I told you - it's not about it being perfect. It's about doing what feels right to you and to Ally. She's not expecting a grand gesture. She just wants you."

He nodded, knowing she was right. He had been overthinking it - playing out elaborate scenarios in his mind, waiting for a moment that would somehow be flawless. But the truth was, there was no such thing as perfect. Ally didn't care about that. She cared about their love, their life together.

Emily stood up, walking over to him and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Look, if you keep waiting for the stars to align or whatever, you're going to drive yourself crazy. You've been together for three years. You know how you feel. Don't let fear stop you from taking the next step."

Austin stared down at the bubbling sauce, feeling the weight of Emily's words sink in. She was right, and he knew it. He had to stop hesitating. It wasn't about finding the perfect moment - it was about creating a moment that mattered, one that felt true to who they were as a couple.

Just as he was about to reply, the front door opened, and Ally stepped inside, a bright smile lighting up her face as she spotted Austin in the kitchen. "Hey, babe," she called out, dropping her bag by the door and walking over to him. "Something smells amazing in here."

"Hey," Austin greeted her with a soft smile, pulling her into a hug. "Just making some pasta. How was class?"

"Exhausting," Ally sighed, leaning into his embrace. "Finals are coming up, and everyone's on edge. I swear, I've been buried in books for days."

Ally had been juggling her coursework for a degree in Music Education, and the pressure of finals was starting to take its toll. But despite the stress, she always managed to keep a positive outlook, and Austin admired that about her.

"I'm sure you're going to crush it," Austin said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "You always do."

"Thanks," she murmured, her voice soft against his chest. "I just can't wait for finals to be over."

As Ally pulled away, she noticed Emily sitting at the table, giving them both a knowing smile. "Hey, Emily! How's your day been?"

"Pretty good," Emily replied, leaning back in her chair. "Your guy here's been cooking up a storm, as usual."

Ally laughed, reaching for a spoon to taste the sauce. "Lucky me."

The three of them sat down to dinner, and as they ate, Austin's mind kept drifting back to what Emily had said. He didn't want to wait any longer. The timing felt right - their anniversary was just around the corner, and he wanted to start the next chapter of their lives together.

After dinner, Ally curled up on the couch with her laptop, going over some last-minute notes for her upcoming finals. Austin lingered in the kitchen, his thoughts racing as he cleaned up the dishes. He glanced over at her, watching the way her hair fell over her shoulder as she typed, the way her brow furrowed slightly in concentration. She was everything he had ever wanted - and more.

Without another word, Austin pulled out his phone and began typing a message.

Austin: "Hey, I need to talk to you. It's important."

The message was for his jeweler. It was time to take the next step.

The evening passed quietly, with Austin lost in thought and Ally preoccupied with her studying. But despite the calm, Austin's mind was already racing with plans. He knew exactly what he needed to do.

The next day, he made an appointment to visit the jeweler and pick out the ring. No more waiting. It was time to make the moment happen.

As the night drew to a close, Emily caught him alone in the kitchen, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, have you decided?"

Austin smiled, his heart already set. "Yeah. I'm going to do it. Soon."

Emily grinned, giving him a playful nudge. "About time."

Austin laughed, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness welling up inside him. This was it. The next chapter was just beginning.