“You had that much in Bitcoin?”
“I got in early, so I saw the big gains. To be fair, I didn’t have that many, but it didn’t take many to get this place. It was pretty run down when I bought it and I put a lot of time into making it what it is today. Plus the owner was really hot on selling it, so it worked out quickly and perfectly. Just like us.”
“You don’t need time to make decisions when you know, right?”
“Exactly, Precious,” he says, wrapping his arms around me.
“We can lay low here until the money hits my account, just to make sure, then we’re outta here.”
“Where to?”
“If I told you it would ruin the surprise.”
“Dadddddy!”
“Just wait little girl. Daddy’s got it all taken care of and you’re never going to have to lift another finger again, wait another table, except for the one you fill with the food you make for our family.”
“Are you going to cook too?”
He laughs for the first time and his smile takes my breath away. “Well, I’ve learned the basics over my life as a bachelor, but I’m guessing someone who works in a diner might be better versed in culinary techniques than I am.”
“I can’t wait to cook meals for you, for our family, for us,” I say.
“Speaking of family, I’m older, old-fashioned and more traditional. And something about last night knows, just knows without a shadow of a doubt, that you’re pregnant with my first born.”
“You think I got pregnant on the night I gave you my virginity?”
“I don’t think so. I know so.”
There’s a sudden pause and our bodies separate slightly, but just enough to give him room to…
“Little Peaches,” he begins, kneeling on the gravel in front of this picturesque paradise while he opens a small black, velvet box with an absolutely beautiful diamond ring inside. “We’ve only known each other a short time but we’ve come a long way. And I know that time is precious, and the way ahead is with you. It’s time to take a second to form a bond that will last a lifetime. You make me feel things I’ve never felt before, even learning about myself as I learn about you. And I can’t wait to uncover a new little fact, unravel a new mystery about your personality, each and every day forever. I’m already the luckiest man to ever walk on the face of the earth, which is why I’m down on one knee for you, my princess. Make me your king and become my queen.”
He’s absolutely right, time is precious and the way ahead lies with him. Him and only him. His words hit me like a freight train and I can’t stop the tears from flowing like the rivers that line these mountains.
I have no idea how we got here, or why all the pain and hardships have suddenly been replaced with happiness nor am I going to ask. All I know is the most incredible man in the world, in such a beautiful place, just asked me to be his. Forever. And like Cinderella, time is of the essence, and no way in the world am I going to let the clock strike midnight before my luck runs out.
“Yes! A million times and forever yes!”
He slides the ring onto my finger, a perfect fit, and I jump in his arms, also a perfect fit, as our lips collide.
We come from two different worlds, but we’re alike in so many ways. This crazy little thing called life is a journey, and ours have intersected, collided, and now we’re taking the road together.
And that’s exactly how it’s going to be. Forever.
“Ladies and gentleman, she said yes,” Daniel says, making me laugh as there’s no one around for miles.
“Was I a good girl, Daddy?”
“The best, Princess. And now you’re mine all mine.”
“Princess? I prefer you address me as Queen,” I kid, taking a page out of his book.
“Your wish is my command…my Queen,” he self-corrects.
And with that, he’s made every wish I could have ever hoped for come true.
“I love you, Little Peaches.”