Epilogue: Gareth
One Year Later
We walked down the street with a laid-back attitude directly contradictory to the hustle and bustle around us. As I almost jostled, I tightened my grip on Becca's hand, trying to keep her from the fast-walking people approaching.
"So much has changed." Becca finally said. Her lips curved in the smile that I loved so much, as a hint of mischief twinkled in her eyes. Over the past twelve months, things had changed, but somehow we had grown closer.
She wasn't just a successful singer, she was also my girlfriend. She had insisted on going to another production company since she wanted to make it on her own.
As Becca walked back to me with the hostess in tow, they shared a conspiratorial look that I knew she believed I hadn’t noticed. My interest was piqued, and I couldn’t wait to see what her surprise was. Although I had checked out her restaurant choice beforehand, I hadn’t done the same for the surprise she had planned.
I didn’t have to wait long as the same waiter made his way over to us with another waiter. One carried a large cake while the other brought over two glasses and a bottle of champagne. I looked up at Becca and saw her wide smile.
"Well, are you surprised? Happy anniversary," she said, her excitement obvious in the bubbly quality her voice had taken. She leaned forward as she spoke, practically almost halfway over the table as she examined my expression. I obliged with a suitably shocked look as the cake was placed before us.
I cut Becca's piece first, a task I carry out carefully despite the excitement bubbling underneath the surface. My hands tremble faintly as I hand her the slice of cake and turn to cut myself a piece.
I watched her as she ate, barely able to feign calmness anymore as I alternated between looking at my plate and looking at her. A loud clink soon echoed, and Becca's fork paused over the small object hidden in her cake. She looked at the tiny box, confused, until I got a napkin and wiped it off.
At the sight of me on one knee, holding up the contents of the box, her eyes immediately welled with tears.
"How did you even do this?" she asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
"I just did. Becca, this past year has been wonderful, and I know that there's no one else I'd rather share my life with. Will you marry me?" I asked, the hope in my eyes plain to see. My question hadn't been out for a full second before she sprang out of her seat and launched herself at me.
"Of course, I will. I can't imagine marrying anyone else."
I held her close all night, unwilling to part from her for one second. A sense of peace washed over me as I felt her hand in mine. Becca was my fiancee now, and my heart was full.