secrets

thirty-three

-ADELE-
______

I have already planned this night ahead in my mind, a plan that has been in place for several weeks.

And we both managed to keep a secret from each other. A big one, at that. I laugh to myself as I realize that both of us have found creative ways to tell each other our secrets, and if that didn't prove we're meant to be, I don't know what would.

In absolute elation, I watch my diamond engagement ring shine on my ring finger as we drive past the highway lights. It's a symbol of the love Simon and I share, the devotion we have to each other for the rest of our lives.

As we approach the exit to take home, I say, "Simon, don't go home yet, I ordered ice cream to take home just to celebrate our date, but we now have much more to celebrate."

He smiles. "You know, I've been craving ice cream all day. I love how you always know without really knowing.

I laugh. "Of course I know, that's the first thing I found out we had in common."

He laughs and passes the exit, heading for the ice cream shop. I smile in amusement to myself. He has no idea what's coming, and a part of me wonders if the two of us can take so much joy in a night. I never knew my life would become this perfect and blissful, but it has.

The whole way home, I start to become scared. It hasn't really hit me that it's actually happening, but I know that the moment Simon finds out, it will all become overwhelmingly real.

Once we arrive home, I take a deep breath. We've arrived home together so many times after so many different events, but this night has topped them all.

He holds my hand as we walk into the house and drop our things off at the door, then he picks him up and holds me against him.

I wrap my legs around him and bury my face into his neck. This is my safe place, the one place I can always come back to when I feel lost or afraid. And now I'll get to come back to this every night of my life, and the thought alone brings me more joy than I could ever imagine.

"We're getting married, Simon." I say, as if he doesn't already know.

"I know, baby. That means there's only one more wish of mine to come true."

"What's that?" I ask, lighting my head and looking him in the eye as his arms hold me tight.

He looks back into my own eyes for a moment, searching for the right words to say. "I want to have a family with you."

I smile. Consider it done. "That's something I've always wanted, baby. Always. And for it to be with you is something I don't deserve."

He carries me over to the kitchen and sits me down, kissing my forehead. "You deserve the world."

I begin to bite my bottom lip as I realize what's about to happen. Not only are our lives changed because we're getting married, but it's also not just going to be us anymore.

We sit down and eat our ice cream, and I watch carefully as Simon comes closer and closer to finishing.

"Isn't it funny how if I had never asked you if you were alone all those months ago, we wouldn't be here?" Simon asks.