The Move // h.g.

Proposal

six years later...

addie

"Hey, babe. I miss you." Hayes answers the phone.

I quietly laugh, "I saw you an hour ago. You're just at your mom's house." "I know, but it's different because you're not with me. I've gotten used to living with you."

I shake my head at his separation anxiety. He decided he was going to come pick me up at two this early morning.

It was nearing two, so I made my way down the familiar stairs. Mom was asleep, so I had to be as quiet as I used to be when doing this.

He picked me up in his old Jeep. I shake my head at the sight, knowing he only drove it when we came down to visit.

I got in and he started driving the familiar path. We ended up at our secret spot next to the lake.

It was a warm summer night. We were both on break from our teaching jobs in Asheville and decided to visit everyone in Davidson. After living in California for college, we knew it was time to come back home to good ole North Carolina.

I twirled the promise ring on my finger, gently smiling at the memory from years ago. It seemed like just yesterday we were teenagers in high school, having fun and making memories with our closest friends.

Nash and Brooke came to visit us with their two twins, Teagan and Brantley. They're the cutest pair of kids I have ever laid eyes on. Teagan is the sweetest little girl, while Brantley is just as hot-headed as his father. Those two were the ones who convinced us to come down and visit.

There was a cool breeze around us as we sat on the same bank we did when we were merely teenagers. It's funny how much we've grown
as people over the years we've been together.

It was calm and peaceful, just like the old times. There were more trees, it seemed, that filled the somewhat bare spots that were once there before. It was difficult trying to find our way back to the spot, but we managed to do so.

The two of us talked for hours. It was a hard task to do when we're back in Asheville since we're both knee deep in school work twenty-four seven. Of course we make time for each other, but it was never like how it used to be when we would talk like there was no tomorrow.

"I've missed this. Just being able to talk our hearts out again. We really need to work on that when the school year starts back up." I honestly tell my boyfriend of seven years.

He whole-heartedly agrees, apologizing like he usually does. I, of course, say it's fine since I know the stress he's under.

Still talking, I notice the sun started coming back up. I was surprised at how much we had talked, turning away from Hayes to watch the sunrise.

It was truly beautiful.

After it was almost all the way up, I turn back to Hayes to see him on the ground, leaning on one knee.

My heart stopped for a second. There was a mix of emotions - confused, happy, relieved -when I saw him open the porcelain box to reveal a gorgeous ring.

There was no long speech or tears, just that look in his eye that told me this is the real thing. The strained smile of stress from my answer not being out was shown on his face.

"Add, I know we have talked about this, but I wanted to make it official. Will you-" He started, but I cut him off with a nod, the words I want to say weren't coming out like I hoped.

He smiles my favorite smile on him. It's the one where you can see he's genuinely happy; his cheeks making his eyes scrunch at the corner and his eyes look like slits.

I hug his neck, a few tears falling onto his sweatshirt. His hold is tight around me to where I can feel the corner of the box gently hitting into my back.

He pulls away and kisses me lightly. He slides the ring onto my now outstretched finger. I stare in awe as the sunlight hit every diamond that was visible.

"If this is the engagement ring, gorgeous, what are we going to do about the wedding band?!" I look at the big rock, not really expecting Hayes to go all out with this.

"Had to go big for my girl." He chuckles, laying a sweet kiss on my lips. The pads of his thumbs wipe the stray tears on my cheek as I dab the corner of his eye, teasing him as I did so.

This was the start of the future I had always thought about since I've been with Hayes. Everyday, I still think of the day in the park and meeting Lennon. She changed my perspective of the future with just one smile.

"Do you like it?" my, now, fiancé asks with hopeful eyes.

"Hayes, I love it. And I love you." I smile up at him, my tired eyes staring into his.

"I love you, too."

~

thank you.

thank you for putting up with my bs and actually making it to the end of this story.

thank you for all the support even when i wouldn't update for months.

thank you for being here, reading my writing, and making me smile.

i owe you all the world.

p.s. i hope you recognized the last two lines ;)

i love you. goodbye for now.

xx

🌻