My mouth went dry. My eyes widened in shock and I looked at my mother. She nodded, tears in her eyes. I blushed and stammered, trying hard not to lose control. “Is… is that you, Raito?” I felt lips press lightly against my shoulder, a body holding me close. “Yes, Eru. It’s me.” I bit my lip, closed my eyes and turned around. Breathing steadily, I counted in my head. 3…2…1… Open. I opened my eyes, looking down at the floor, and slowly raised my vision to the face of the one holding me. My eyes shimmered with tears. I was shaking. I couldn’t hold back any longer, and sobbed into the shoulder of my lover.

I felt his hands run through my hair, stroke my back, hold me close. “Shh… It’s okay… I’m here now…” I draped my arms round his neck, his body pressed tightly against my own, his heart beating fast next to mine. Then my dad’s voice drifted into my ears. “He came this morning, and explained everything to us. I never thought you’d have a boyfriend without telling us, and for three months, but we feel that he is right for you.” I lifted my head, wiping my eyes, looking in confusion at the boy I loved. “That’s right,” he said. “I’ve moved over here. I bought a place to live and everything. I just need to be with you, so I came and asked your family if… If they’d let you move out, and live with me.”

My heart leapt. First I see him, then feel his touch, his hands, his breathing, and now… I live with him? This was the most perfect day of my life… but it didn’t end there. “I packed all your things for you myself.” He continued, “But there’s one thing I need to do before we go.” I bit my lip, not trusting myself to talk. He lifted something small out of his pocket, a box of some sort. My stomach quivered. He looked at me uncertainly. Bit his lip. Knelt down. I shook my head, my eyes still wet with tears and my mouth totally bone-dry. He looked back up at me as I raised my hand to my mouth. “My love…” He began, “I know we haven’t spent too much time together. Maybe I should wait a while before asking this, but I know how much you want… a fresh start. And so, I come to you with an offer. You can stay here, with your family, and see me every day. Or… If you feel you love me enough… You can live with me, spend every night in my arms… And stay with me forever as my partner.”

I couldn’t believe this was happening. This was my dream, my perfect happy ending… or happy beginning. My mind reeling, I barely caught his next few words. “In short, my love… Will you marry me?” I sobbed once more, and nodded. “Yes… Yes… Of course I will…” He opened the small box. Took out the most stunning ring. Took my left hand, shaking as it was. Placed it on my finger. The perfect fit. He kissed my hand and stood back up, holding me tight, caressing my hand. “I love you… so very much.” He whispered. I could hear my mother, weeping in the background. I closed my eyes, listening to his heartbeat, his breath warm and soothing on my neck. “And I you… And I you.”