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RYLEE HANSON (narrative and insta)
The couple of days before the proposal were a whirlwind of emotions I couldn't quite keep a lid on. Excitement, nervousness, and a constant fear of screwing up ran circles in my head. It was like I was holding onto the world's most exhilarating secret, and the weight of it was starting to show.
I'd been planning this for weeks, but now that the moment was approaching, it all felt so real. Every time I looked at Nika, I'd catch myself smiling like a fool. I mean, how could I not? She was perfect, and I was about to ask her to spend forever with me. That thought alone sent my heart racing every single time.
The ring was already tucked safely in a little velvet box, hidden in my Lego Death Star set, Nika always teased me about. It felt like a cliché hiding spot, but she never went near my Death Star, so it worked. Every night before bed, I'd peek inside to make sure the ring was still there. It was beautiful—simple yet elegant, just like Nika. A platinum band with a small cluster of diamonds nestled in the center, something timeless that would sparkle as much as she did.
The problem was I was terrible at hiding my nerves. I tried to act normal, but I could tell Nika noticed something was up. I'd catch her staring at me with that curious look, her brows furrowing slightly. "What are you up to, Hanson?" she'd ask with a playful grin, and I'd just shake my head and say something like, "Nothing, babe. Just thinking about hockey stuff."
She didn't press, thankfully, but I could see the suspicion in her eyes. I started overcompensating—being overly affectionate, bringing her random snacks, and sneaking in compliments like, "You're the most amazing person in the world, you know that?" It wasn't that far from the truth, but even Milo was giving me a side-eye for being extra.
Then came the logistics. I'd scoped out the perfect spot a week ago—a cliff overlooking Puget Sound that had the most stunning views of Seattle's skyline. It was quiet, peaceful, and exactly where I wanted to start the next chapter of our lives. The plan was simple. I'd ask Nika to go for a walk with me and Milo, just to soak in our new life together. She loved walks, and it was something that felt intimate yet casual enough to not raise suspicion.
The day before, I made sure everything was set. The ring was polished, the spot was double-checked, and Milo's little bowtie—a last-minute addition to the plan—was ready. He looked absolutely adorable in it, and I knew Nika would melt at the sight.
That night, I barely slept. I lay next to Nika, listening to the soft rhythm of her breathing, and all I could think about was how much I loved her. She had this way of making everything feel right in the world, like nothing else mattered as long as she was by my side.
"Tomorrow," I whispered to myself, glancing at her sleeping form. "Tomorrow, I'll ask her to be mine forever."
The morning of the proposal, I was a bundle of nerves. I tried to act casual, but I ended up spilling coffee on the counter and tripping over Milo's leash. Nika laughed, shaking her head at me. "You okay, klutz?" she teased, leaning up to kiss my cheek.
