I still got your back, you stupid bad-ass

Lost and Found

[Five Years Later]

I spotted a dark-haired, blue-eyed man across the airport, and without hesitation, I ran.

He saw me, and the smile on his face grew. I eagerly jumped into his open arms.

“I missed you,” he whispered.

“I missed you more.” I sniffled, embracing him tightly.

Chris had been away on a business trip for 6 months. Even though he called every night, I still missed him.

I missed him so, so much.

“Let’s go home?”

I smiled and nodded. “Yeah. Home.”

Ok so we weren’t officially married...yet.

But we did own our apartment. It was big and beautiful, but it got lonely whenever Chris was away.

Leigh and Jerry, and the Kingston's gave us the apartment on our 1st anniversary. Chris and I have been together for five years…well, almost six. It’s our anniversary next week.

“How’s the foster home?” Chris asked.

I grinned. “Great. Joey got adopted. He was so happy.”

Did I mention that the foster house I used to stay in transferred near here? Well they did, with help from my amazing mom, Leigh. I work there part time. My full-time job was secretary and partner for Leigh and Mrs. K’s fashion industry.

“How was England?” I asked.

Chris smiled. “It was great, but not so much without you and the kids.”

Yes, kids. Still not married but kids. Right now I have a 5 year old boy--my boy, he looks just like me. I also have 2 year old twins; beautiful boys that look just like Chris.

I frowned and patted my belly. “Yeah, this place sucked without you, too.”

I'm 6 months pregnant.. Funny how that is huh? I haven't told him yet but.. This one's a girl. Finally!

He kissed my frown away. “Well, I won‘t leave you again.”

I smiled against the kiss.

°∆°∆°∆°∆°∆°∆°∆°∆°∆°∆°

I woke up, feeling Chris kiss my neck. It was our 6th anniversary. 6 years of dating. 6 years of loving each other. 6 years of being together. I can't believe we've been together for 6 years. Thinking about it like that makes me feel a little old.

“Happy anniversary, love.” Chris whispered.

I kissed him. “Happy anniversary.”

Well, I guess you’re wondering why he hasn’t proposed yet. To be honest, he did.. I think. I don’t know what happened with that. But I didn’t care. I was happy with him.

“Wanna go to the beach?”

I grinned. “I’d love to.”

*****

“Mmm, this place is as amazing as always.” I said, breathing in the fresh ocean water.

“It never gets old,” he agreed. I was cradled into his arms contentedly.

“You know, Hannah’s been bugging me lately.” Chris said casually.

“Oh she is?” I smirked.

Hannah’s been married to Aaron for around eight years.

After Aaron found out about the baby he proposed. She miscarried. A year later she got pregnant.

They have three kids now--Karissa, Taylor, and Duncan.

“What did she say?” I asked.

“She’s been wondering why I haven’t married you yet.”

I laughed. “She’s impatient like that.”

“Yes she is,” he kissed my cheek. “And I want to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being so patient. For waiting. For…everything.” he lifted my chin and kissed me sweetly. “So I have a little present for you.”

He reached inside the picnic basket and pulled out a big teddy bear with a blue t-shirt. On the t-shirt, it says, I LOVE YOU KENNY. There was a little pocket on the shirt.

“Aaww,” I squealed. “It’s adorable!.”

Chris smiled.

I squeezed the bear to see what it says.

“Will you marry me?”

I blinked. Then I squeezed it again.

“Will you marry me?” it’s squeaky voice asked again.

My lips parted, and Chris reached into the tiny pocket, pulling out a ring. "I know I kinda screwed up asking the first time and with work and the kids.. I never really thought about it but.. We live in the same house, we've been together for years, we have kids... To me we were always married, but Hannah reminded me that it might not be the same for you. So I'm doing it right this time."

I stared at him.

It's never really bothered me that we weren't married. I know he loves me. The first time he proposed it was clear he was nervous but he stopped in the middle like he had changed his mind. After that I thought 'what's the big deal? Kids and a house.. We have all this stuff going on so why not get married?' But I wasn't about to force him into it. I was happy with the way things were.

“You know the bear won’t be happy if you don’t answer it.” Chris’s voice whispered in my ear.

Then he turned me around. “So will you?”

“Y-” I swallowed, tears filling my eyes. “Yes,”

A beautiful smile lit Chris’s face, and he slipped the ring on my finger. I held it up and admired the diamond. It wasn’t flashy, nor was it too simple. It was perfect.

I laughed through my tears, hugging the bear close to me. What a creative way to propose. Trust Chris to be the one to think of it.

Chris kissed me passionately and said the three words I would continue to hear every day for the rest of my life.

“I love you.”

The future stretched out in front of me. Happy and full of love.

No matter what happens, Chris will always have my back.

          Just like I would always have his.