Chenford family

The Start of Everything

(It's snowing where I live at the moment, so here's a story that involves snow. I don't know what the weather is usually like in LA, or if it even snows there, but let's pretend it's spring, summer, fall and winter there, with appropriate weather representing the season.)

Tim and Lucy's story was one of unexpected beginnings. They met at work and couldn't stand each other at first. Lucy found Tim's attention to detail frustrating, and he thought her laid-back attitude was infuriating. But somewhere between the banter and the arguments, the hate turned into something else—something neither of them had seen coming.

What started as stolen glances and reluctant admiration blossomed into something beautiful. They kept their relationship a secret at first, sneaking away for stolen moments and spending the occasional night at each other's place. But as time went on, they knew they wanted more.

After a few years of dating, they decided to take the plunge and move in together. Instead of settling into one of their existing places, they bought a new house—a cozy three-bedroom with a pool and a backyard just big enough for summer barbecues. Both rented out their old homes; passive income wouldn't hurt, after all.

Life in their new home was perfect. They had their routines, their shared dreams, and, most importantly, each other. Not long after moving in, Tim proposed during a quiet evening at home.
Tim had always imagined proposing in grand fashion—under twinkling lights, with elaborate decorations and a picture-perfect setting. But when the moment came, all those plans felt unnecessary. One quiet evening, Lucy was lounging in sweatpants and a hoodie she'd stolen from him, her hair in a messy bun. Tim wasn't dressed much better. But as he looked at her, laughing at some silly joke he made, he knew he didn't want to wait any longer.

He discreetly set up his phone to record, then walked over to her.

Tim- (smiling nervously) Hey, Luce.

Lucy- (smiling back) Hmm?

Before she could say more, Tim dropped to one knee. The whole speech he has been preparing for months was gone. Nothing but that beautiful woman in his mind. He still tried to get out a few words but after a few missed attempts of getting out a sentence he gave up and just asked.

Tim- (softly) Will you marry me?

Lucy gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes.

Lucy- (through happy tears) Yes!

Lucy said yes through happy tears, and a few months later, they had a beautiful wedding—small and intimate, just the way they wanted.

For a while, everything was perfect. But as time went on, they started talking about the future. They both knew they wanted kids, and one evening, as they were curled up on the couch, Lucy brought up the idea of moving.

Lucy- (thoughtfully) I love this house. But if we're going to start a family, I want us to start fresh—in a home we can grow into.

Tim- (curious) You mean, like, a forever home?

Lucy nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Lucy- I want a place where our kids can grow up. Where we can host birthdays with their friends, holidays, maybe even with grandkids someday. A place that feels like it's truly ours.

Tim could see how much it meant to her, and it didn't take long for him to come around. They started looking for houses, but finding the perfect one wasn't easy.

Finally, on a snowy December evening, Tim thought he might have found it. He didn't say much to Lucy, wanting it to be a surprise. The drive was quiet, with Lucy glancing out the window at the picturesque neighborhood.