His Little Amelia

|92| • Everest

Nervous was an understatement of how I was feeling.

My hands were sweaty, and the more I tried to go over the words to say, the more I fumbled. Pacing to and fro the hall, I inhaled deeply. I had just hung up the call with Amelia, so I knew she was on her way. I didn't mean to make her concerned, but I didn't want her suspecting. Wiping my damp hands on my suit slacks, I brought out the pink ring box and stared at it.

Had I ever been this nervous?

Moments ago, everything seemed so simple. Amelia and I had been chatting, her laughter like a melody that kept me grounded. But now, the thought of her reaction filled me with equal parts excitement and fear. Would she like this? Would she be happy?

I gazed around the hall for what felt like the hundredth time. Gabe had worked wonders helping to design the space with the restaurant's blessing. The room was a breathtaking masterpiece: the centerpiece was an enchanting arrangement of soft pink roses and white chrysanthemums, their petals glowing under the warm lights like something out of a dream. The air was perfumed with their fragrance, delicate yet intoxicating. Fairy lights draped the walls and ceiling in soft, shimmering cascades, giving the hall an ethereal glow. A soft melody hummed in the background, filling the space with a romantic warmth.

It was perfect.

With one last deep breath, I made my way to the end of the hall, switching off the light. From the amount of times I'd come here to ensure everything was according to plan, I'd known the way back like the back of my hand; and skillfully, I was at the center of the room in seconds, putting the ring back in my pocket.

Soft tunes played from the speakers on the wall, a separate tune from what had been playing in the restaurant - this one more romantic. My heart thundered in my chest as I awaited my sweet Amelia.

The stillness of the dimly lit hall was broken by the rustle of movement outside the door. My heart pounded harder. The sound grew closer until the door creaked open, and she stepped inside, slightly out of breath. In the faint glow of the fairy lights, I could make out her silhouette, familiar and breathtaking.

She leaned against the door, huffing and puffing before standing up straight. I was sure coming from the warm brightness downstairs to this wouldn't make her eyes adjust fast enough. "Evie? Are you in here? Gosh, I can barely see..." Her cute mutter affirmed my thoughts, her voice resounded with worry.

Her voice sent a rush of warmth and adrenaline through me. The words were caught in my throat for a moment, but I managed to steady myself. "Turn on the light, Amelia," I said softly, my voice carrying across the space. How her name rolled out of my tongue reminded me of how rarely I used her name. Amelia, what a pretty name she has.

There was a brief pause before I heard the quiet click of the switch.

The room transformed instantly, bathed in the soft golden glow of the lights. Amelia gasped audibly, her hands flying to her mouth. Her wide eyes took in the enchanting scene: lush bouquets of pink roses and white chrysanthemums arranged with meticulous care. The scattered rose petals on the floor seemed to guide her steps, creating a pathway to where I stood.

She stood still in shock, taking in the scene. Tears filled her eyes as she clutched her chest, her lips parting in awe. "Everest..." she whispered breathlessly, her voice trembling with emotion. A smile traced my lips as I watched her reaction, it was far better than I'd imagined. From where I stood I could see her eyes glimmer. Wanting her to come, I stretched out my hand.

She took a hesitant step forward, her gaze flitting between the beautifully decorated hall and me. Her expression held a blend of wonder and disbelief as if she couldn't fathom this was real. When she reached me, I gently took her hands in mine. Her fingers felt delicate, slightly cool against my trembling palms. The intensity of her gaze, filled with love and curiosity, gave me the courage to speak.