Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, and my gut aches. I hesitate. Have I read all of this wrong and confused lust with love? Forging ahead, I offer her the house.
Blinking, she sniffles. “I don’t understand.”
“Look at it.”
Taking it from me with trembling hands, she gasps. “Pink shutters. Just like I always wanted.”
I nod. “And an oak tree with a tire swing.”
“Is that a picture window?” she asks, pointing at the questionable structure with a laugh.
“It was meant to be.”
“Why did you give this to me?”
“Because nothing short of a lifetime with you will be enough for me. I know how this started, but it’s become so much more to me. And I think it’s the same for you.”
“Yes,” she whispers, closing her eyes. “I thought maybe I was seeing what wasn’t there.”
“It’s been there for a long time. You’ve owned my heart my entire life.” I cup her face. “I’m asking you to keep it safe. In turn, I’ll do the same for you.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, to what, baby? I like to hear the words.”
“All of it. I want this future with you.” She lifts the house. “You made me a house.”
“It’s only fair since you’re my home.”
“I love you, Emanuele.”
“And I love you.” Leaning in, I kiss her, careful not to crush the gingerbread home that marks the beginning of truth.
“This house has a special feature.” I hold the base for her. “The roof comes off. And there’s something special inside for you.”
Her hands shake as she takes hold of the roof and lifts it. “Emanuele.” Her voice shakes as she reveals the open blue velvet ring box holding the art déco diamond solitaire that belonged to my grandmother.
I drop down to one knee. Gasps and screams fill the air behind us. “You are the other half of my heart. I can’t fathom a life without you by my side. Will you create a home with me, built to last, and permanently join your life with mine in marriage?”
“Yes.”
I set the gingerbread house down, remove the ring from the case and take her hand. Our eyes lock as I slip the band on her finger. Cheers, applause, wolf-whistles wash over me, an intimidating wave of sound.
We’re encircled by our family talking all at once. Mom and Mrs. Oliver are hugging each other, as our siblings swear they knew this would happen one day. Their love and support are tangible and their presence makes the moment right. They’ve all been there for our highs and lows.
We’ve waited long enough to realize what we were looking for has always been right in front of us. The time to live our love in action has come. I kiss her hand, grateful that her little white lie has led us to a happy ending.