“Loving someone and having them love you back is the most precious thing in the world.” – Nicholas Sparks

There’s a surprise waiting for you tonight, love. I can’t wait to see you.

Lucas

I read the letter that I found beside me after I woke up, a smile curled on my lips and an earnest feeling welcomed my heart with open arms as I read the letter all over again. Excitement thrilled me deep down to my bones and I already couldn’t wait for the night to come.

“Leaving me a letter after making love to me, how sweet can you be, Lucas?” I chuckled.

I stood up from the bed while holding the blanket around my waist since I was still naked, before noticing some clean clothes for me folded on top of his cabinet. Laughter and music boomed from the dining hall below and up to here in his room.

I guess I’ll be busy first. I thought to myself as I marched to the bathroom. I took a good bath and left the room already dried in just a bathrobe soon after.

The robe fell down to my ankles as I proceeded to put on the clothes he prepared for me and that was when I discerned that I was actually wearing a really formal attire and a suit at that, but why would he prepare such a suit for me?

I simply dismissed it when my mind couldn’t come up with a possible reason.

I put the letter inside the trousers’ pocket and immediately headed towards the door since I knew that my adopted father needed someone to help him manage the tavern around this time of day.

Climbing down the stairs, the blaring sound of people celebrating roared inside my ears and I had to press my palm on each side of my head to not end up deaf. Then a hand patted on my shoulder and I spun around to see my old man grinning at me like he knew something I didn’t know.

“It’s nice to see you looking noble like a prince.” Sam ruffled my hair as he laughed.

I grunted, “Stop it, Sam, it’s embarrassing.”

I pedaled backwards to avoid being treated like a little boy in front of these many people. On the other hand, he stood there and crossed his arms in his chest while staring at me with the same grin earlier and so I stared back at him confused – it seemed strange for him to be this good in mood considering that the dining hall was full of men drinking and messing around in which he would usually punch someone for passing out and not paying their alcoholic drinks.

“Come on, your lunch is ready.” he gestured me and I followed after him.

He led me to an empty table in the corner where a couple of delicious food was arranged well like a buffet, and it reminded me of the time he prepared the same thing during Julius’ engagement to his wife before.

But why would he do this? I questioned myself, but yet again, nothing came up in my mind.

“Where is Lucas?” I inquired my adopted father however he eluded the question and simply left after telling me to enjoy my meal thoroughly.

Doubt clouded my intuition and I was already thinking that Lucas probably had something to do with my old man’s sudden change in behavior and I was starting to wonder if it was also about his secret surprise for me later on.

Hunger caused my stomach to grumble hence I surrendered my thoughts again before digging on my meal without further ado.

The food was, indeed, satiating but something inside me told me that there are a lot more of pleasant things waiting to render me speechless soon. I stood up from my seat the minute I was done after placing down the spoon and fork on top of the table but I was caught off guard when I came face to face with my old man again – likewise, with the same knowing grin on him.

“I’ve been waiting for this day to come. Though I’m quite sad because another boy of mine will no longer depend on me but I’m happier because and finally, you can have another place for you in this world... it’s the greatest happiness a father can have.” he smiled at me candidly.

However, I stared at him in disbelief.

“What are you talking about, old man?” I asked, baffled.

He sighed and reached to adjust the tangle in my necktie, “I just want you to know that you deserve every ounce of happiness in this world and that it’s time for you to have it.” Sam continued to evade my question much to my dismay.

“I can’t understand what you’re saying-” I tried to figure out the meaning behind his words when he interrupted me.

“Your escort is already here, son.” he beamed.

I turned to look at the entrance door and I couldn’t believe to see my younger brother, Julius, this time. He appeared in his less formal but decent clothes, his silver blue orbs lit up like Christmas lights upon seeing me therefore he didn’t waste any time longer as he strode past the animated crowd – closing the distance between us – and he had a suspicious smirk on his lips.

Both of them were hiding something from me, that I was sure.

“So, is our signore already groomed for his special day?” my twin asked us as he studied my overall appearance before pushing his thumb up.

“He’s perfect! Pampered like a signora.” Julius teased.

I glared at him and was about to bump my fist to his shoulder when he held both his hands up in a defensive posture. “Calm down brother, I’m just teasing you but trust me... later on you’ll be a damsel in bliss.”

“Enough teasing him, Julius,” Sam disrupted him.

“Fine, I’m just happy for him. So let’s go to our date, Signor Julian.” my brother motioned me to the door after bidding farewell to our adopted father.

―

The first thing we did in our so-called date was paid a visit to a barbershop where I had my blonde hair trimmed for a new hairstyle. It didn’t differ from my usual hair but instead, it simply looked a little shorter this time – and also besides, I kind of wanted to look more alluring for Lucas so I can surprise him too tonight.

“I like the cut because you look refreshing.” Julius commented as he took note of my hair.

I nodded, “It feels the same for me too, anyway, is there a particular reason why we are doing this?” I asked him and hoped that he won’t avoid the question like how Sam did.

“Nothing much, it’s just that he requested for us to do this.” he replied.

“Did you mean Lucas, but why would he do it?” I inquired, getting more uncertain of the real reason behind all the oddities I encountered today.

“I believe it’ll be better if he said it to you himself instead of hearing it from me, because I doubt that you’ll appreciate it if I did.” he sent me an assuring smile which guaranteed me that whatever reason it was, it won’t be bad.

Soon, we went to different places like a clothing store and a hairdressing boutique where my brother bought me a couple of casual outfits along with grooming materials such as pomade and a small bottle of red liquid – which was extracted from a red perilla leaf that has an anti-aging or so the description said.

To be honest, everything in the date was exaggerated.

I mean, it couldn’t be that all of these were requested by Lucas because a part of me suspected that my brother just used my lover as an excuse to spoil me more than necessary.

But still and all, I didn’t know the reason why.

The date was nearing its end after a long four hours and now we were strolling towards the last place he planned for us to see. I was beginning to see the familiar things around the street and upon reaching our destination was I able to realize that he brought me to the place where we grew up after our parents passed away.

Julius brought me to the orphanage.

“Do you remember the time we first came here, brother? It was the day we pledged to each other that we will never be apart from one another.” he stated as we both stood in front of the house.

I let out a faint smile, “True, I remember it and it was always the reason why other children teased us. We were always together and I also remember how you refused to get adopted without me for countless of times. It’s so full of memories...”

“But I left you, wasn’t I?” my twin quickly added.

I turned to look at him and I saw sadness painted in his face. I shook my head in denial.

“No, you didn’t. I understood that it was time for you to share your life with the person you love other than me.” I reasoned out to him but his face was still contorted in unhappiness.

“And it’ll happen again and it’ll be you soon, Julian.” his words somehow caused me to be ambiguous but I ignored it and chose to comfort my dejected little brother first.

I sighed as I settled our shopping bags on the ground before pulling him in an embrace; it caught him by surprise because he hadn’t said anything for more than a minute until I decided to give him solace through kind words and gentleness as his elder brother.

“I know that we won’t always be together and we are bound to live our lives without the other but that doesn’t mean we’ll forget each other and the man who cared for us like we’re his own sons. Look, you may not always be there for me and I may do the same in the future however... you’ll always be my brother and Sam will always be our father, no one can replace that.”

“Besides this orphanage will always be our home because it is where we grew up and it is where Sam found us. It’s our place to go back to.” I ended my words and I felt his lips coiled in a smile against my neck.

He breathed, “I know, I’m just being a brat of a brother.”

“Not true, you are worse than a brat.” I teased and we both laughed before pulling from our embrace. He stared at the orphanage house for the longest time and so did I.

There was a pang of anxiousness building inside my chest.

First Sam and now Julius, why are they both fussing like this is the last day I’ll see them? I thought to myself and I instantly assumed that Lucas must have something to do with their unusual behavior because no matter how you see it, it started after he left me a letter this afternoon.

“Let’s go. It’s time.” Julius informed me as he collected the shopping bags.

I trailed behind him, unsure of his phrase, “Time for what?”

He looked at me past his shoulder with a smile, a smile that said a hundred fulfilling words, a thousand congratulations, a million cheers and endless words of him being happy for me – his smile spoke mute but truthful meanings that I found myself unable to response.

“It’s time for you to be someone else’ true love.”

―

Nightfall shrouded the entire heaven; limitless stars smeared the deep midnight blue color and the moon shone like a pearl in the middle of the ocean.

The atmosphere of night was simply idealistic and romantic.

Outdoor posts lit up their lights all at one, causing the shadows to hide in each alley that no one dared to enter. Horses from the parked carriages sounded deep in their sleep as I walked past them quietly, each windows of the terrace houses had their light opened thus letting residents know that they have families to return to.

“I guess this is it. I’m done being your chaperone.” Julius laughed to himself.

I looked at the place he brought me to and I realized that it was Lucas’ house. I predicted, somehow, that my brother would bring me here and I was right – the lunch and the date had really something to do with the secret surprise for me.

He grabbed the shopping bags from me, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” he gave me one last hug and soon he walked off into the distance after bidding me farewell.

I do hope Lucas has enough explanation for all the strange things today. I made a note inside my head as I climbed up the entrance porch.

Then I noticed the door already unlocked and soon I pushed the door open despite the immense doubt and uneasiness deep in me. Cold but soothing darkness greeted me as I entered the house, distinct outline of the furniture registered in my line of sight but it disappeared in a blink of an eye after I laid my eyes on the wooden floor.

Petals of white roses set up like a path for me to follow, and it led to the staircase.

Small candles burned ardently at me – the arrangement was similar to how the street outside looked like; the little petals acted as the road while the candles worked as outdoor posts – all of them were tempting my feet to follow them upstairs.

And I did after I closed the main door behind me.

Heartbeats pounded profoundly against my chest as I climbed up the stairs in slow motion, my doubts and suspiciousness both receded and leaving nothing but the kindling passion within me.

Little step after step and after step again until I reached the bedroom.

I trembled with delight as I touched the door handle before opening it, and my breath was immediately stolen from me by an invisible force as I stared at the scene that poured so many feelings to me.

There was a dinner table beside the bed and in front of the glass window – two chairs were arranged in each side and delicious food served on top with a single candle light and a glass vase of white rose – petals gathered around like a carpet and the moonlight from the window caused the beautiful scene to blossomed.

It was perfect, no, it was beyond perfect.

“I see that you like it, Julian.” said a sincere voice behind me and I turned on my heels to see the man who made these things for me.

“Lucas...” I found myself unable to utter anything other than his name.

He smiled and took my hand before planting a chaste kiss on it in which made my heart raced to another dimension.

He inhaled the scent of my hand, “Will you dance with me?” he asked and I nodded.

Lucas pulled my body into him, closing the unnecessary distance between us, before snaking his hand around my waist while the other was holding mine. Our fingers interlaced together with our eye both imprisoned in an intense gaze – this man enticed me completely.

His feet soon guided mine in a slow dance, subtle footsteps echoed like a chant that had me bound in its spell. I was madly captivated and I can’t escape.

“Please don’t seduce me with your eyes.” he complained and I bit my lower lip unconsciously.

Seducing him? More like, it was he who was seducing me because all of the things I wanted to ask him a moment ago just faded in a heartbeat the second I stared at his dark chestnut eyes full of adoration and devotion for me.

“I want to be honest with you, Julian.” he mumbled to me, his breath caressing my lips.

―

He spun the both of us in one smooth cruise, letting my hair danced in front of my eyes just before he pushed them back with his kind hand – the hand that cared for me when I was broken, the hand that pulled me back to my feet when I was falling apart and the hand that protected me when I felt unsecure.

He was now holding my heart with his kind hand.

“I’m not born a noble man.” Lucas stated and I nodded at him, listening. “I’m nothing and I can’t offer you anything other than my heart. I know I’m not a perfect man who you can be proud of and I surely can’t promise you that I’ll be either.”

“I’m less of a man compare to the person you once loved.” he added.

“I can’t be like him, not even in a million years, and I admit that I can’t replace someone as great as him. But despite all of it, I’m here standing before you and being the man I am, offering you nothing but my true feelings of love. I love you, Julian. There is never a day where I’m not thinking about you and there’s never a moment where I do not love you with all of my heart.”

He surrendered on his knees much to my surprise.

“Julian Hartwell, will someone as beautiful and amazing as you take this man who is only good at making pots as your husband?” he soon pulled out a small white box before opening it in front of me.

It was a plain silver ring.

It didn’t have a gemstone, a design nor an inscription.

“It’s not made of gold and it has no diamond but still, it’s a precious ring and I want you to wear it.” my lover held the ring out in his shuddering hand, his facial features rendered tense.

Then I felt the time ceased.

This was it. It was what I once dreamed for myself and I couldn’t believe that it was starting to come true. It seemed ethereal to see someone proposing their love for me and knowing that I loved them in return – my heart was crossing the realm of romance and I was unable to fathom such feeling in splendid words – every emotion was priceless.

“Will you marry me?” Lucas inhaled an anxious breath.

I smiled, tears building in my eyes. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you, Lucas.”

The charming man kneeling before me put up the happiest smile I had ever seen. His eyes seared more appealing than that of a burning candle light, and I found my heart being drawn to it.

He took my left hand and inserted the ring on my finger, hence sealing our oath to each other.

He kissed the ring on my finger lovingly as if it was my heart itself, “I can’t describe how happy and lucky I am to be able to put a ring on your finger.” tears of joy were now falling down from the window of his soul and I brushed my thumb to rub it away.

Soon he stood up from the floor and enclosed his arms around me.

“I supposed this is the surprise that you mentioned in your letter and I supposed this is also the reason behind Sam and Julius’ odd deeds.” I laughed after finally understanding the whole lunch and date thing.

“It’s also because I’m leaving.” Lucas muttered and I stiffened.

He pulled out from our embrace, “I decided to take a medical education with the help of James. I know its sudden but I want to pursue it so I can be at least someone who can stand on equal grounds with his beautiful husband. I don’t want to be a burden to our future so I hope you understand me, Julian. I love you and you meant the whole world to me.”

“I proposed because I want you to come with me,” he added.

So was this, perhaps, the real reason why my father and my brother were already like saying their early goodbyes to me?

Do I want to? I questioned myself again and again. If I agreed then that could only meant that I’ll leave this place and live my life together with my lover somewhere far away. I will leave the place where I grew up, where I became happy and sad, where my father and brother live, and where important memories lingered.

If I agreed, I will leave the past behind and move on for good.

This was what I wanted and that I was sure enough however, why was I feeling reluctant? I disliked the fact that I didn’t know why.

“Sure, I’ll come with you, Lucas.” I replied, burying the hesitation deep down inside me where I cannot feel it.

He smiled again and nodded, “Then care to join your fiancé for a dinner?” my lover motioned me towards one of the chairs in which he assisted me on my seat like an already doting husband and I smiled at him, amused.

Lucas sat on the chair across me and began to feed me, which I found sweet of him.

The moonlight from the glass window illuminated his handsome face and I could feel my heart leaping in happiness – I also felt blessed to be in love and be loved by this kind man who did nothing but made me happy in every single moment of my life – I guess he was my true love.

“Can I ask you something?” I glanced at him, a little guilty of my following words.