Intermission // Van McCann

1. What's That?

Note: If you haven't read Mission yet, I highly recommend reading it before starting this story. There's a lot of background information needed in order to understand this story.

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I played with the engagement ring on my finger, still not believing what had just happened. I didn't really have a design in mind when it came to a ring but what Van picked out was just perfect. It was beautiful but not flashy, which was how I liked it.

I began reflecting back on the months leading up to our vacation, trying to see if he showed any signs of wanting to propose. The only thing I could think of was how there were some days he was too busy to spend time with me, but he disguised it so well, saying he had exams to study for.

The day he asked if I wanted to go to Italy, I didn't think much of it. I just figured it was about time we went on vacation together since grad school and work ate up most of his free time. Once he managed to find time, we took advantage of the opportunity and booked our flight.

After Van proposed and gave me some time to recover from the shock and emotions, he flagged down a local fisherman and asked him to take our photo. The fisherman was hesitant at first. Taking pictures of an important moment is a huge undertaking and he wasn't sure he was up for the job. But after a few shots, he really got into it, crouching down and taking photos at all angles. Van and I laughed when he began posing us for photos.

"Put your hand on his chest just like that," the fisherman instructed me, moving my left hand onto Van's chest. "That way, we get a good view of your ring."

I bit back my laughter and nodded my head, thanking him for the tips. As soon as he turned his back to us, Van whispered into my ear.

"He knows we're not paying him, right? He's been at it for half an hour."

"Eyes over here!" the fisherman called, waving his hand to catch Van's attention. I began laughing and Van looked up with a slight annoyance on his face.

After the fisherman was done, he began flicking through the pictures and I have to say I'm impressed. He captured the both of us so well, I was beginning to feel a bit guilty for laughing at him. We bought him wine and gelato as a thank you and he began giving us marriage tips.

"The key to a long, happy marriage is trust, honesty, good communication, and forgiveness," he listed. "No marriage is perfect. You will have your ups and downs but you must learn to compromise and give something up in order to gain something greater."

"Thank you," I replied, resting my head on Van's shoulder.

"The both of you are still very young. Marriage is a wonderful thing. You will learn so much about each other and grow old together. I wish you nothing but the best. Congratulations." And with that, he waved goodbye and we retreated back to our Airbnb.

We didn't tell our parents yet as we wanted time to ourselves to enjoy this moment before being bombarded. We figured it was best to tell them as soon as we came home so we could enjoy the rest of our vacation.

"Why are you awake, love?" Van asked sleepily. He shifted in the bed so that he was now facing me.

I turned to look at him and stopped playing with the ring. "I was just thinking," I answered.

"Thinking about what?"

I stayed silent, trying to put my thoughts together. "How did you know you were ready?" My voice was so low, I was surprised he actually heard me.

"It sounds silly but I honestly can't imagine life without you. Our personalities compliment each other so well. I feel like I can be myself around you. And you take care of me so well. D'you remember that time I had food poisoning? I was sick and literally sat on the toilet all day, yet you stayed by my side and made sure I was okay."