FALLING IN LOVE AT A COFFEE SHOP | D.H [✓]

Epilogue

2018

I was at a point in my life where I truly believed life couldn't get any better. My book had reached number one on a bestsellers list and I was currently working on a second book. I almost wish I had done all of this earlier in my life but, it may not have turned out as amazing as it is now. Everything had fallen into place and everything was perfect.

Dan and Phil have become so big on YouTube and in general. They had cameos in Big Hero 6, created an app, and even wrote their own book and went on tour, among other things. Honestly, I was beyond proud of how far they've come. They were both just awkward teenagers talking into a camera and now they're taking over the world. I was privileged to know them.

Grace and Phil had gotten married last year and were currently expecting their first child. They were going to be the greatest parents and I couldn't wait to see a little Phil or Grace running around. When they told Dan and I the news I couldn't believe it, I was just filled with joy. As much as Dan denies it, he got teary eyed and almost seemed more excited than the parents were. He was such a softie.

Today marked the anniversary of the day we met and Dan apparently had a surprise planned. We were sat on a train and have been travelling for a few hours. I have a slight idea of where we may be going but, I decided to remain clueless. Dan had planned all this so the least I could do was not ruin the surprise.

Dan has seemed nervous and out of it the entire trip here and with every passing mile he grew more fidgety. Whenever I tried to start up a conversation he would give me a short answer or just smile, nod, or let out an unconvincing laugh. It was making my mind go into overdrive and the overthinking was getting to me.

We finally arrived at our destination and I smile when I realize we're in Manchester. "I guess you know where I'm taking you now?" Dan questions with a smile.

"I have a feeling. You know you didn't have to, right?"

"Why wouldn't I? It's our anniversary after all and I want to make it special since I was on tour during our last one."

I simply smile and put my hand in his as we make our way off the train and into the city. Manchester seemed so quiet compared to London and the nostalgia rushed through me as we passed all the familiar shops. Take comes into view and I grin even wider. It had such a big part in my life and I haven't been here in ages.

Coincidently, our table was free and the memories of how I used to sit here alone every morning until Dan came into the picture float through my head. "I'll order for us, okay?" Dan says as I nod in agreement.

I sit down at the table and run my hand across the familiar surface and look out the window thats slightly steamed over. The foggy figures on the other side walk past to wherever they're going and I remember how I would always make up scenarios as to where they were going.

Dan sits down and places the coffee cups on the table. I reach out to grab mine and sigh as the warmth encompasses my hands. He picks up his coffee cup and takes a small sip and I notice his hand is pretty shaky. His leg was also bouncing up and down which is something he only does when he's really nervous.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Hm, yeah I'm good."

"You seem nervous, that's all."

"Nah I'm fine. Sorry."

"You don't need to apologize."

He smiles softly before taking another sip of his coffee and looking out the window. I wasn't sure whether to try and start up another conversation or just leave it. The conversation would probably fizzle out anyway so I just lean back and try to ignore the awkward silence.

10 awkward minutes later, Dan takes a deep breath and looks over at me. "Are you almost done?"

Confusion is evident on my face. Was he trying to rush? Everything seemed way too weird at the moment. "Uh, almost?"

"Okay, sorry, you probably think I'm acting like an asshole right now."

"No, just kind of confused I guess."

"It'll make sense when you're done your coffee."

This only makes me even more confused, I honestly have no idea where he's going with this. The anticipation is too much for me so I quickly gulp down the remainder of my coffee. I take a sharp intake of breath and tears begin to form in my eyes when I see what's engraved on the bottom of the cup.

Marry me?

"Aria, I'm so in love with you. The day we met was the best day of my life and you kept giving me even better days the more you were in my life. I was in a slump the day I met you. I hadn't left the house in months and if Phil hadn't refused to let me stay in longer, there was a chance I wouldn't have run into you. There could have been a chance that I never would have met you or we could have just remained strangers who passed by every once in a while. If we hadn't of met, I don't know where I'd be right now. You're the brightest thing in my life and I never want to live without you. I'm in love with everything about you. The way you take one cream and two sugars in your coffee, how when you have a latte it's always vanilla with cinnamon on top, how you always manage to zone out at least 10 times a day, and how you always manage to make me smile."

He stands up before getting down on one knee and pulling out a small box that contained a ring. I was full out crying at this point and completely oblivious to the fact that everyone was staring. To me, there was only him.

"I guess what I'm saying is, will you do me honour in spending the rest of your life with me and marry me?"

I nod my head vigorously, unable to say anything. He grins widely and slips the ring onto my finger. I throw my arms around him and kiss him passionately as everyone in the coffeeshop claps. We both start to laugh when we pull away and I know that this is only the beginning of the next chapter of our lives.

So, here I was. Sitting in the coffeeshop where we met, now engaged and the author of my very own book. Before him, my life was this routine that I didn't know I could break out of. He knocked down the walls I had built up with his sweet smile and dimpled cheeks and the hobbit hair he claims to hate. We saved each other through daily coffee excursions and shared awkward experiences. Our story may be cliche but, I wouldn't change it for anything else.

I fell in love in a coffeeshop and all along, it was him.