I never thought I’d come back to the place where I posed for a silly couples photoshoot with a stranger. Maya’s meddling was to blame, though I couldn’t even be mad at her because it brought Elsie into my life. Maya had gotten the two things she wanted—us together and beating her photography classmates for the most unique photoshoot, temporarily boosting her business afterward.
Even though she ended up losing the final class competition, which would have come with an award and more exposure, I was still insanely proud of my cousin; even if she wouldn’t stop complaining about the guy she lost to.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket and glanced at the lock screen—which I did far too often—just to see my favorite picture Maya had taken. The setting sun cast the perfect glow over the photo, sunflowers looming overhead, as Elsie stood front and center with me behind her, holding my arms across her chest. Her dainty hands gripped my forearms, and my lips were pressed to her cheek in a kiss. The smile on her face made me unfathomably happy whenever I looked at it.
Snow started to fall in fat, drifting flakes, as I put the phone away and waited, my nerves distracting me from the cold.
This was it.
I had spent weeks planning this, months thinking about this moment, and it was finally here. Maya was hiding somewhere, camera in hand. Though, with the field barren, I had no clue where she could be.
The last year with Elsie had been an absolute dream. A little bumpy at first as we worked through a lot of her fears, but we did it together, and it only made our relationship stronger.
She was my best friend, my girlfriend, and now, I hoped to add fiancé to that list.She was everything I ever dreamed of in a partner, and I couldn’t wait for what the future had in store for us.
A few months ago, I had convinced her tofinallysubmit one of her novels to a few literary agents. It was her dream—to publish her own books—and I fully believed she was talented enough for it to happen. She just needed a little nudge.
The nudge had paid off. Elsie recently signed a contract with an agent, and a publishing house bought her book. Her first romantic comedy was set to release later next year. Her dreams were coming true, and now, it was my turn.
I ran my hand across my coat, checking for the hundredth time that the little ring box was still inside. I couldn’t wait to give it to her. The ring was perfect and fit Elsie in every way. It was a beautiful pear-shaped diamond with a rose-gold band. It was elegant but simple in the best way—just like her.
I found it six months ago and had been holding onto it ever since. I had wanted to ask Elsie to marry me for months, but I didn’t want to rush her, so I had been waiting to pop the question for what felt like years, ignoring every impatient hint from my mom to hurry up.
Every moment with Elsie wasn’t long enough. I wanted every second, every day, every year, for a lifetime. I hated having to say goodbye every night, letting go of her, missing her.
I couldn’t wait to wake up to her morning grumpiness, or kiss her goodbye before leaving for work, or fall asleep cuddling to cheesy Hallmark movies. I couldn’t wait to grow our family together, create new memories and traditions. I wanted it all with her.
And I didn’t want to waste another second.
The crunch of footsteps in the snow had me turning to find my little bundle of grumpy sunshine trudging toward me, her hands shoved into the pockets of her gray peacoat. She wore a matching gray beanie with a big poof on top that immediately brought a smile to my face.
How did I get so lucky? Elsie was everything I always wanted, and everything I never knew I needed. If there were such a thing as soulmates, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Elsie was mine.
As she grew closer, a slow smile spread across her face as she took in my tux.
Yes, I was wearing a tux in December on a snowy, barren sunflower field.
I was a romantic. Sue me.
Elsie stopped in front of me, looking up with those caramel and jade-flecked eyes that pierced my soul.
“Hi,” she whispered.
“Hi,” I whispered back, our breaths fogging in the air in front of us.
She cocked her head. “Aren’t you cold?”
“Not when I’m with you.”
Her face brightened even more. “What are we doing here?” she asked after a moment, her teeth chattering.
“Do you remember when we first met?”
She scoffed. “How could I forget? I had to pretend to be in love with a stranger.”
I smiled, taking her hand in mine, running my thumb over her gloved knuckles.
“No pretending anymore,” I replied, kissing the back of her hand.
