“Um, was that what I think it was?”
Can’t get anything past Claire.
“Maybe, maybe not.”
I take in a breath, glancing around to make sure everything is in place. String lights float like stars across the courtyard, dozens of candles illuminate the darkness, and flower petals gild the paved ground we stand on.
“Claire.” I gently remove her blindfold and pat down her hair.
My heart thuds with anxious energy. The choice I’m about to give her—the one that could make or break everything.
Claire blinks to adjust her vision, taking in the spectacle I’ve made. She brings her hand to her chest. “Johnny.”
“It was right here”—I point to the spot we’re standing in—“when I saw you for the first time. One of the darkest periods of my life, and an angel literally dropped right in my path. My soul knew before my mind did that you would be the person to guide me through. I was stubborn, stupid, and I tried like hell to push you away. To protect you. But the universe had a different plan. It was over there”—I point to the picnic table at the far end—“that I got the privilege to spend time with you, to get to know you, to see what a brilliant and wonderful person you are.”
“J…”
“It was there”—I point to the rooftop access that no one uses—“that I shared with you the pieces of me that I had never shared with another. I was so scared of losing you, but I knew I had to give you the option to walk away, that you deserved to decide for yourself.” I let out a small chuckle. “You accepted me without question, which led to the most insane first kiss ever.”
Claire blushes, and I run my hand through my hair, grateful at the length that’s growing back.
“This building is home to some of our best and worst memories. But without them, Claire, it wouldn’t have brought us here, to this one. And maybe that path was a little jagged, but I am eternally grateful for whatever force brought us together.” I drop down onto one knee, the light from overhead twinkling in my face. “Claire, would you do me the great honor of allowing me to be your husband?” Opening up the small black case, I finish my speech.
“Will you marry me?”
I’ve given her a choice numerous times before, and each one, I thought the uncertainty of her response would drive me insane. But it’s nothing compared to the fear I feel right now. I know with all of my heart that Claire loves me, but there’s still the slightest chance that she might change her mind about being forever hooked to my wagon.
Claire cups her hands over her mouth, tears springing from her eyes. She bobs her head up and down, her brown waves dangling along her bare shoulders.
My heart nearly jumps out of my chest.
“Is that a yes?” I fight to hide my excitement.
She reaches down to grip onto my face, pulling me up to her. “Yes, a million times over, yes.” Claire presses her lips to mine, smiling and laughing and kissing me all at once. “Of course, I’ll marry you. Are you really second-guessing that?”
I wrap my arm around her waist, picking her up and spinning her in a circle. I gently lower her to the ground, the petals dancing near us. Sliding the ring out of the box and onto her finger, I didn’t think it was possible to be any happier than I already was, but each day with Claire only continues to remind me that even in the darkest of times, if you look for it, there is light.
Claire, my sweet and destructive angel, you are mine.
* * *