Joe knew how fortunate he was. He had a girl his parents loved. She was the one.
Joe met Emma on a night out. He was at a bar with Andy and Patrick. His mental health hadn't been at its best lately. As much as he loved writing and performing music, he felt like this wasn't the life for him anymore. He discussed things with his fellow bandmates.
"Why don't you take a step back just for a while?"Patrick suggested. Joe sipped his beer. He looked over at the bar thoughtfully. He spotted her. Emma. She was with a friend and they were talking. Every so often, she glanced over to their table. Joe went to buy another round. He was standing next to Emma. He smiled at her.
"Hi." She said.
"Hey." Joe replied. He felt nervous and a little dorky, just talking to a beautiful girl in a bar. This wasn't him. He didn't do things like that. Joe didn't have that kind of confidence. Whenever women approached him or the band, it was usually Pete or Patrick that got the attention.
"Are you OK? You seem a bit anxious?" Emma asked him. She then placed a hand on his arm. Joe looked at the gesture, and that's when it hit him like a bolt of lightening. She was his one. Joe didn't really believe in the one. But the way Emma looked at him. His heart was light now.
Joe gets to hold Emma every night now. He's terrified that he might lose her. Joe doesn't know how that would happen because Emma was in love with him. Joe needs her he knows that much. Joe felt like he got some clarity, and his mental health felt a little bit better.
Patrick said that Joe had such a hood woman.
"She's the female you, Joe." Patrick explained further. "Man, the way she looks at you. Even when you aren't paying attention. I have noticed a couple of times. She just has love in her eyes for you." Joe nodded and hugged Patrick for his insight.
Joe stepped back and took stock of his life and the beautiful things he had. Joe made a decision. Him and Emma had only been together a short time, but his heart knew. It knew Emma was his forever.
Joe knocked on Emma's apartment door. He was dressed in a suit. It was a special anniversary dinner. A year together. He had made dinner reservations at one of their favourite places. His suit was navy blue. He wore a white button-up and a navy blue tie. He had managed his wild hair for once. He held Emma's favourite flowers, pink peonies.
Emma opened the door, and Joe gasped at how beautiful she looked. Emma was wearing a black dress with sequins on it. It was off the shoulder and hugged her curvy figure. She wore black stilettos. Her honey blonde hair was in a classic chignon. She had silver ball earrings dangling from her ears and a sliver pendant that Joe had got her for her birthday. Emma's makeup was simpletons elegant. Smouldering eye shadow, blush, and red lipstick.
Emma invited Joe in whilst she got her shawl and purse. Then they left and had a wonderful evening.
Joe was nervous. He fidgeted a little and looked around. He took Emma's hand in his and kissed it.
"Em, babe, you know that I want you, and I need you. I love you. I can not believe my luck that you came into my life. I don't know who or what sent you to me, but I am thankful every day.
That being said, I have a question that I need to ask you." Joe got off the chair and knelt down on one knee, taking Emma's hand in his. He kissed it.
"Emma, will you marr-"
"YES, YES, YES, I WILL MARRY YOU!" Emma yelled out. She hugged Joe, and then they kissed. Other diners applauded. Joe couldn't stop smiling as he slid the ring onto Emma's finger.
"Joe, it's beautiful." Emma admired her solitary diamond ring and cried with happiness. They paid the bill and walked down the street hand in hand. The stars were all out. Joe smiled and thanked his lucky stars that Emma was his.
