As I got back into the car, I held the small box in my hand, brushing my thumb against the crimson velvet before opening it, closely examining the ring.

I was surprised they were able to get it done so fast, thinking I had more time, but when I got the call, I took it as a sign that there was no better time than right now. It was just a matter of how I was going to do it.

I felt like my entire life has lead up to this moment, from the second I saw her I knew that one day I'd be sitting here wondering how I could ever possibly encapsulate everything I've ever felt for her into a simple question that would change the rest of our lives.

Nothing was ever going to be good enough.

But I could try.

It was absolutely beautiful; a simple gold band with two stones, both elegantly glistening in the light. It was so small, so dainty, so perfect for her.

I just hoped it was enough for her to say yes.

I think tonight is the night.

I think so too.

You're still okay with this?

Of course I am, honey lol

Thank you for everything.

Good luck.

And Congratulations :)

Jaime had always made me nervous, making me question my every move around her, just wanting her to see me in the same way that I so effortlessly saw her, wanting nothing more than to impress her and have her be just as sure that I was the one she wanted to spend her life with; I would do anything for her to be sure.

And it finally felt like she was.

But tonight would tell me for certain.

And then I felt my phone buzz, my heart instantly jumping as I saw her face pop up on my screen. It was like she already knew, which I prayed wasn't true.

-

After taking her back home on Christmas Eve, I had told her Mom what I was planning, hoping for her blessing before I asked Jaime anything, to which she agreed, making me feel a little more at ease about this whole thing.

"I couldn't think of anyone better." She said, looking back up at me from her bed with tired eyes. I could tell she was getting worse, despite her keeping me updated throughout this entire process, you could see it on her face when she finally let you. She was exhausted, making me wonder how much time she really had left.

"Does Jaime know?" I asked, sitting down on the edge of her bed. She hesitated before shaking her head.

"No, but I think she has an idea."

"I think you need to tell her. She'll hate herself for not being around as much, and you know that." She nodded.

"I know. But I also don't want her making any decisions she's going to regret."

"She'll regret not spending as much time with you as possible." She nodded again.

"I need her to go to New York." She sighed. "And if she knew, she won't." I held my stare on her, knowing that she was right. And this was Jaime's chance to finally make a life for herself, instead of trying to make one for everyone else.

"Okay." I sighed. "But.. then you're gonna be seeing a lot of me around here." She nodded, giggling to herself.

"That wouldn't be so bad."

"Do you really think she'd want to marry me?" I asked, now feeling my heart start to beat faster. She instantly nodded, her smile growing.

"I really think she does."

"Do you think I'm being crazy?" She laughed, nodding again.

"I do, but Jaime needs a little crazy in her life. And this is the best kind." I smiled, feeling my face get hot. I didn't want to pressure her into anything she wasn't ready for yet, but something just told me.. it was time.

"You know if she ever asks me.. about you, I have to tell her." I said. Her face dropped a bit.

"I know. And.. I appreciate you being honest with her. She needs that too."

"Do.. do you know.. I mean, do you think there's time-"

"I'd really appreciate it if you could plan the wedding for when you guys got back from school." She said softly. I understood.

"And.. perhaps don't wait so long for me to have grandkids." She laughed. My face felt like it was on fire.

"We'll see." I giggled nervously, not wanting to bring up the fact that Jaime didn't seem opposed to the idea either. I'm sure if it was up to either of them, they'd already be on the way.

"Okay." I sighed. "That's if.. she says yes."

"She's going to say yes."

"I can only hope."

"Do you have a ring yet?" She asked. I smirked back at her, giving her a half-nod.

"Kind of."

"What do you mean kind of?" She laughed, pushing herself back up.

"I mean.. I have an idea, it's just.. something is missing. But I'll know when I have it." She held her stare on me, I could tell still unsure, but eventually gave me a gentle smile.

"I'm sure whatever you do will be beautiful, and she'll love it. Now come here."

I got up, going over to her as she pulled me into a soft hug, gently kissing my cheek.

"Merry Christmas, Josh."

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Adams."

-

"Hello Jaime" I sang, instantly feeling calmer the second I knew she was on the other side. And that's how I knew. Even when I felt like I was going to explode, Jaime was always someone who I knew could bring me back down to Earth. She was the only one I've always wanted by my side through everything; in any situation, she's the one who I always knew could make anything better.

"Hi." She giggled. "What are you doing right now?" Oh, if only she knew.

"That's so funny you ask." I said, my voice trailing off as I looked back down at the ring.

"And why's that?"

"Because.. I was wondering, considering it's our last night here, if I could take you out."

"Of course you can take me out." She said. I couldn't help but smile. "Where did you want to go?"

I knew exactly where I wanted to go.

"Well, I've.. I've got something for you, and.. well-"

"Wherever you want to go is okay with me." She said. I loved that it didn't matter what we did together, just as long as we were together.

"Okay." I sighed." So, when do you think you'll be ready?"

"Should I.. wear anything.. specific?" She asked. I stopped and thought for a moment.

I was proposing. If a few hours we could be engaged, and I'm sure every girl dreams about the moment that happens and wanting to feel their most beautiful. But how could I tell her to get dressed up without causing too much suspicion? Jaime and I were casual. We were homebodies that could appreciate a comfortable t-shirt and sweatpants ensemble paired with a relaxing evening cuddled together on the couch.

"Something nice." I finally said, not wanting to get too specific, but prayed she picked something.. memorable. That was it.

"Something memorable."

"O-okay. And I'll.. I'll come by once I'm ready and-"

"No, no.. just.. just text me and I'll come get you." I said, knowing I still had to run out and get her flowers.

"Whatever you say." She laughed. Another smile escaped my lips, my cheeks burning as I began to count down the seconds until I saw her again, knowing that after tonight, everything was going to change.

"I love you, Jaime."

"I love you, I'll see you later."

"Okay." I said, waiting for her to hang up, refusing to be the first one to ever hang up on her. I finally heard the click after she waited a moment, letting me know that she didn't want to hang up either, but someone had to win this. And as stubborn as she was, I appreciated that she always let it be me.

As soon as she hung up, I quickly flew down the road to the florist I always went to for her, knowing I had a few minutes to spare before they closed.

Quickly making my way up to the door, I could see Mary-Anne heading over to lock it, but stopped when she saw me picking up my pace, flashing her pleading eyes. She smirked at me, playfully rolling her eyes and letting me in before locking the door behind me.

"Thank you." I sighed, going over to the counter. "You have no idea how important this is."

"You're my favorite customer." She laughed. "I'll always stay open for you. So, what color today?" I bit down on my lip, leaning up against the counter as my eyes scanned the collection of roses displayed behind her.

"I'm proposing tonight." I said, unable to contain my eager grin. Her eyes instantly lit up.

"Oh my goodness! To her?" She asked, having heard plenty about Jaime over these past few months. I nodded, feeling my face get hot.

"Oh wow, so exciting, oh my gosh. Okay." She turned around and went to work, arranging me a perfectly crafted bouquet of red and white roses with strategically placed baby's-breath. She was a life saver.

"You have no idea how much this means." I said, handing over the cash as she carefully wrapped them up in brown paper, tied together with a white ribbon.

"Yes I do." She sighed, handing them to me, along with my change that I instantly placed into her tip jar.

"You're gonna come to me for your wedding though, right?" She laughed. I nodded, making my way over towards the door.

"You know I wouldn't trust anyone else."

As I pulled up to her house, I could see the light on in her room, her silhouette pacing back and forth in front of her curtains. She always did that when she was nervous, making me wonder what she was nervous about. She had no idea what was about to happen, not as far as I knew anyway.

And then I felt my phone buzz.

I'm ready be right over

Oh, how I loved her.

I looked in the mirror, fixing my hair as much as I could, taking one last look at the crimson box. Despite how light it felt in my hand, there was no denying just how much weight it carried.

I took a deep breath, opening the box one last time before shoving it into my pocket, getting out of the car and making my way up to her door.

I was ready.