The drive to the pond isn’t that far. I think about Victor’s amazing story of him and his wife. But something h
e said still holds tightly around me. ‘Our family’? Did he mean what I think? No, he couldn’t. Are we ready for that? Our lives are still chaotic. He wouldn’t do that now.
I push the thought out because I can’t wait to see Levi. I want to hold him so badly. Listening to the stories warmed my heart. Our parents are such wonderful people, and now that I know that past, going to Pennsylvania will be a bit easier. I’m not alone. I have a huge family and people that love me.
I see Levi’s SUV, and I park next to it. He turns as I shut the door. His blue eyes shine on me. I love him. As my heart picks up, I can’t walk to him. It’s impossible. So I run through the snow, jumping into his arms when I reach him. It’s where I feel the safest. It’s home to me.
“I love you, Levi.” Even though my voice sounds sad, it’s the truth. I love him.
“I love you, too. What do you think about your day so far?” He sits me back on the ground.
“I figured it out. I know why you sent me on this hunt,” I tell him proudly.
“You do?” He seems shocked. “Tell me then.”
“You wanted me to feel loved and show me it’s okay for me to do things on my own, but I’m not really alone.” I know that I can do it now, and my family will be there to support me too, if I need them. Even going through all that they went through, they made it. It worked out for them, just as it will for Levi and me.
“I’m happy that’s what you took from that, but it’s not why I did it.” He gives me a small grin.
“It’s not? Then why?” I furrow my eyebrows.
“Because I wanted you to see how their lives forever changed with a couple of words, which gave your parents you and my parents me. And now, we’re standing here together about to embark on our own journey.” The love is so clear in his voice.
“Aw, Levi, that’s so sweet. I can’t wait until we both are in Pittsburgh together.” I hug him tighter to me.
“Me either, Presley.” He pulls back from our embrace and looks into my eyes deeply. “I have a bigger purpose, though.” I study his face, and he looks a little nervous. He takes a deep breath. “You are perfect. There’s no other word that fits you for me. You have made me improve myself as a person, a son, and a man. I’m so thankful for you and that you put up with me and keep me around. I love you, Presley. You make my life infinitely better.” He stops, looking deep into my eyes. “And because I can’t picture my future without you, I want to make sure there isn’t a doubt in your mind of what I want. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, making you happy. Presley Marie McCarthy, will you forever be mine and marry me?”
I step back and my mouth drops. “Wha…What? Marry? What?”
“Will you marry me?” He asks me again.
“Oh my God, you’re serious!” I shout at him and slap his arm as I finally grasp the question that he’s asking.
“I’ve never been more serious.” He chuckles as he grabs my hand, holding it tightly.
I can’t move. This is like a dream. He stands there, staring at me, waiting for an answer. I regain my breathing. “Levi, I love you so much. I can’t tell you what this past year has meant to me. It’s been rocky, but we made it through together.” I look at him with all my love. I can’t imagine anyone else, but him. “I would be honored to be your wife and be with you forever.” I leap into his arms, hugging him as tightly as I can. Levi is mine and forever will be. My heart is beating so fast I think it might pop out of my chest. I kiss him hard on his lips, and the coldness around us leaves. It’s only the warmth of our bodies around us.
“A ‘yes’ would have worked just fine, you know.” He smiles against my lips.
“What fun is that?” I tease back, kissing him again. He sets me down on my feet, the snow crunching beneath me. “Levi, may I ask a question?”
“Sure.”
“Do you have a ring or is this just a verbal agreement?” I wink at him.
“Of course, I do.” He turns me to our cars. I didn’t notice it before, but there is a small tree near Levi’s SUV. It’s slightly decorated for Christmas. “Do you see it?” He points to the one of the branches.
He takes my hand, and we walk over to it. Hanging from the branch is a dark blue box with a bright red ribbon around it. My hands are shaking as I pull it from the tree. Removing the ribbon, I open the box and gasp. Inside is a simple solitaire diamond with smaller ones surrounding it. Along the sides are accent diamonds, and it seems to be a more vintage piece than modern.
“When I knew I was going to ask, there were a few things I had to do first. I talked to your father and he grilled me a bit before he approved. I wanted your brother to know, so I told him too. But when I told Pops, the first thing he said was that my mom would have been tickled about you joining the family. He asked me if I knew when or what kind of ring I would buy. I didn’t know either of those things yet. You don’t wear jewelry, so I wasn’t sure what you would like. Pops reminded me of Mom’s ring and what it looked like. He said that she would want me to have it, to give to you, and Pops wanted to give it to me. That’s my mom’s ring and we all want you to wear it. If you want to.”
I gasp, covering my mouth. This is Levi’s mom’s ring? I stare at the most precious ring I’ve ever seen and feel like I’m about to burst with pride and honor of wearing her ring. “Levi.” The tears are flowing down my cheeks, and my voice cracks. “I would love to wear it.”
Levi smiles as I see a small tear in his eyes. He tries to be the big tough hockey player, but I know the truth. He’s a softy. He takes the ring from the box and holds it gingerly in his hand before taking my left hand. As he slides the ring on, it’s a perfect fit. Seeing it on my hand is an unbelievable moment. I feel like the world has stopped and it’s just us two.
As he kisses me, I feel the love flowing between us, as well as the vibrating.
I break our kiss. “What the hell is in your pocket?”