Breathless

Unknown Number

My breath escaped me as Brian knelt before me, his eyes shining bright with pleading. Could this really be happening? I was so scared, wanting to say yes, but terrified of the commitment. A deep scarlet blush covered my cheeks and made my face burn, and as I slipped my hand over my lips, Brian spoke again.

"I understand that this is so sudden, and I wouldn't blame you for saying no, but I'm certain that this is what I want. I just want you to want it, too, Addie. I couldn't imagine another life without you, I want to spend the rest of my li-"

"Yes," I breathed, my lips curling up in a subtle smile. I giggled, repeating the word over and over again. "Yes, Brian, yes."

He looked at me in disbelief, tears welling up in his eyes. He jumped to his feet and snaked his arms around my waist, picking me up and twirling me around. I laughed hysterically, the entire situation feeling like a dream. I couldn't believe this, I was engaged to this gorgeous, loving man, and I was going to spend the rest of my life with him. He set me down, and owe stood there in each-others embrace for what felt like an eternity. I felt his heartbeat against my cheek, strong, certain, and rhythmic in my ear, a drummer boy beating to the song of this moment.

Brian and I finally pulled away after several minutes, staring in each others eyes for a few moments before we turned and strolled back to where our blanket and food was.

We sat down, Brian grabbing my hand and carefully slipping the ring on my finger. I marveled at how it glittered in the dim lighting, each small stone giving off a glorious glow.

"Brian?" I asked, my eyes traveling over his beautifully relaxed form, sprawled out on the sand. "How did I get so lucky?" I wondered, seemingly rousing him from his daze. He looked over at me, smiling cheekily.

"Well, my darling, it had nothing to do with luck," He stated simply, rolling onto his side to get a better look at me. "You are absolutely beautiful, you're kind, and the smartest damn person I know. You're so talented and creative, basically everything a man, or hell, even a woman, could ask for. You take my breath away, and if that means spending forever with you, I don't ever want it back," He stated, giving me a toothy grin.

My cheeks burned, and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I mentally noted to kick myself later for being so emotional, but when I looked up, I could see his eyes were glassy as well. "I love you, Brian," I mouthed, unable to find my voice.

"Forever and ever?"

"Forever and ever."

It wasn't until midnight when we returned home, and by then, I could see Brian nearly falling asleep on his feet. He insisted he was okay to drive home, but I knew him too well to believe that, and I spent a good ten minutes convincing him to stay the night. He finally complied, and I could see the relief in his eyes. He hadn't wanted to put the burden on me, but he definitely wasn't okay to drive, and as we both shuffled up the steps, I could hear soft chatter from Alex's room.

"What are they doing up so late?" I asked my now fiancé. He lazily shrugged, muttering some response that was either gibberish, or I couldn't understand.

After reaching the top of the stairs and shuffling down the hall, I slammed the door shut and basically threw myself on the bed, Brian soon falling next to me. I could hear him snoring almost as soon as his head hit the pillow, but I stayed awake for a while, wondering how in the world this beautiful man could have fallen in love with me. It felt like a miracle, and the more time I spent with him, the more I fell completely, stupidly, undoubtedly in love with him.

I was only awoken by hushed cursing on the other side of the room, followed by a loud wince. I looked up and saw Brian, holding a bloody wad of toilet paper up to his face, his teeth bared in a painful scowl.