Steppingoffthe plane, the cold air blowing in from the Alleghany Mountains fills my lungs with a chill. Adjusting the strap on my shoulder, I hold my duffel in place and make my way down the stairs.
Behind me, the aircrew is already preparing the bird I flew in on to become airborne again.
As I move forward across the tarmac, thoughts of long blonde curls and bright blue eyes fill my heart with warmth. A smile comes with the anticipation of how she always smells like vanilla and lavender mixed with hints of citrus.
When I step into the terminal, the anticipation of being this close to seeing her sends a buzz of electricity through my body.
I go over what I want to say for the millionth time, telling myself I don't have a reason to be nervous.
Approaching the Hertz rental counter, a tired clerk waits, half awake, for me. Placing my hands in front of the window, I remind myself one more time. I'm hers, and she's mine.
Parker
I’mhiding. Well, not so much hiding as trying to melt into the background. No, I’m hiding, definitely hiding.
I should be smiling with cheer. The house is full of it. Bing Crosby, Brenda Lee, and John Legend, along with a whole host of others, have been singing my family's favorite Christmas songs for hours. Scents of baking ham, warm cookies, and freshly baked goodies waft in from the kitchen. Conversations float from all over the house as relatives and friends catch up, telling stories of recitals, who made what team, and every number of life changes.
I should be in with all of them instead of trying to blend in with the paint on the walls, but I can't. My heart is too worried.
Tears well in the bottoms of my eyes, watching my niece and nephew run through the living room in front of where I'm sitting tucked into my favorite reading chair.
I wish I could predict how he will react when I finally get the chance to tell him.
I only forgot to take my pill one day. We were in such a rush. All we had was twenty-four hours before he had to leave again. Before, his unit would be out of contact for at least three months.
"I'll do everything I can to be home on Christmas." I've carried those words with me since he said them right before he left that day.
My mom catches my gaze and leaves the conversation she's in with my Uncle Frank. Her eyes are wet as she makes her way to me.
"Are you okay, honey?" I look up at her, and the lie spills from my lips before I can stop it.
"I'm okay, momma." She squeezes my shoulder. I know she doesn't believe me, but she still gives me a smile that doesn't quite meet her eyes.
Austin
As I Drive through the streets of this familiar town, I keep glancing at the small box tucked inside my pocket.
Every day since the first time I saw her has brought me to this moment, and I don't want to spend another one without telling her exactly how I feel.
In life, there are times when you make decisions that will affect everything that follows. This is one of those times.
I'm at a crossroads. I've already decided which direction I want to take. I just have to wait to see if she's willing to go with me.
I'm only minutes away from where she is, but I know I won't see her for hours. With all her family gathered in the house I can't knock on the door in the middle of the night and wake everyone up. No matter how bad, I want to crash my lips against hers and run my fingers into her hair.
Making the last turn. I spot the cars parked along the street. For a brief moment, I think of driving, the three miles to my parents' house and sleeping there. But just as quickly, I dismiss the thought. I want to be able to see her the minute I wake up.
As I park the car, I watch Christmas lights flicker on and off from houses on either side of the street while inflatable decorations sway in the wind above front yards. Then I settle back in the seat, close my eyes, and slowly drift to sleep.
Parker
I wake up before the kids. Last night, I told everyone else to sleep in, since I was the only one not drinking.
Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I make Santa’s cookies disappear making sure to leave a few crumbs on the plate. Then I move the elf on the shelf one last time. This morning he’s a taco. And after today, when the kids aren’t looking, he’ll be my dog's new chew toy.
I spend the next hour getting bowls of cereal and cups of hot chocolate before sending the little blessings up to wake their sleeping parents.
Not long after they go up, sleepy adults holding cups of coffee between their hands are watching their children tear gifts open.
In the middle of the melee of toys, clothes, and heaps of discarded Christmas paper. A loud knock brings the room to a halt. And we all turn to face the front door.
Austin
I can’t wait any longer. I know I must look like a mess, but I can’t go a second longer without telling her she’s my forever.
As new snowflakes start to fall, my hand goes against the door, knowing my future is on the other side. My heart races in my chest. I’m more excited than nervous to finally tell her everything. I don't want to hold back anymore.
When I look back to my rented car parked in the street, I hear the front door pull open. Turning back, I see her piercing blue eyes standing there, searching mine.
Watching her mouth fall open with shock I reach forward and take her hands in mine.
Parker
He’s standing in front of me. Austin is here. He takes my hands, and a breath I didn’t know I was holding comes out.
His uniform looks slept in, and his hair has that just woken-up look. But even in his disheveled state, it’s stunning how handsome he is.
“Hi, Parks,” the sound of my nickname filling the space between us in the graveled tone of his voice breaks my trance, and I launch myself at him. His lips take mine, and I get lost in the way he kisses me.
He pulls back first and smiles the smile that first stole my heart when we were only seven. Then I unwrap my legs from him and take a step back.
I’m beaming when I tell him.
“Come inside, Gorgeous.” My heart freezes mid-beat when he says.
“Not yet.” With his words, the butterflies in my stomach turn into flutters of worry.
“I need to tell you something,” Meeting his hazel eyes that are flecked with gold around the edges, I say
“Okay,” Taking both my hands in his, he goes down to one knee, and I stop breathing.
“Parks, I’ve been in love with you since you told me I couldn’t use your crayons in Mrs Orlando's class. It took me from that day in second grade to high school to realize you weren’t just my best friend but the only girl for me."
"It took me going halfway around the world to realize you weren't just my girl you were my forever." A tear slips out and falls down my cheek.
“I hope that’s a happy tear.” He says, looking up at me, and all I can do is nod.
“Parks, you’re it for me. Make me the happiest man alive and marry me.” Letting go of my right hand he reaches into his pocket and pulls a little black box out before he opens it and shows me a ring with a sparkling solitaire mounted in the center.
Gasps from my family, who have gathered behind me fill the air. Biting my bottom lip, I look down at Austin, who is waiting for me.
I give him my answer, in a question of my own.
“Do you think we can have the wedding before June?” I can see the confusion swim across his face before, he asks.
“If that means yes we can, but why June?” I bite down harder on my lip before I smile and hope he will be as happy as I am when I tell him.
“Because I want to be married before the baby comes.” He's the one who launches himself at me this time. Picking me up, spinning me around, and kissing me.
After my family finally stops clapping, he smiles against my lips and says
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