Flower ring
1086 Words
DAMIEN POV
I woke up to an empty bed. Madeline's side of the bed was cold, so I assume that she’s been up for a bit. I look at the clock, it’s almost 9 am. After stretching my arms, I climbed out of the bed and head out to the kitchen. As soon as the door is opened, the smell of fresh coffee fumes my nose. Madeline must have made a pot when she woke up. I peer out the glass doors, seeing Madeline laying on a lounger browsing something on her phone. I filled a mug with some coffee and stepped quietly out onto the patio. “Good morning sleepyhead.” She smiled as I sat down. “Good morning beautiful. You should have woken me when you got up.” “You looked so peaceful and Gemma woke me up cancelling our plans for the day. I guess Maverick is taking her on a nice date. She switched to tomorrow instead.” I was curious to who this Maverick was. Gemma seemed smitten by him and from what I’ve seen, it’s nearly impossible to keep Gemma’s eye. I shrugged “Well, since we have the day to ourselves, what do you want to do?” She smiled big “I actually wanted to ask you how you feel about hiking?” “I’m down to hike. I’ve heard there are some beautiful trails around here.” She jumped up excitedly “I’ve been researching all morning. Let’s eat and get ready!” It makes my heart swell seeing her so happy.
The uber dropped us off at the Round Top Forest Reserve. Madeline wanted to hike the Manoa Falls trail. From what she described; it was breathtaking. We packed a backpack with some snacks and bottles of water. Madeline brought her phone to take photos. I knew that she loved art, but I wasn’t aware that she was into photography too. She mentioned not having a camera, so I think I will surprise her with one when we return home. She deserved it. Breaking me out of my thoughts, she laced her fingers with mine. “Are you ready?” she asked excitedly. Her smile was contagious. We hiked the trail that Madeline came for, making it to the top of a viewing point. She stopped often along the way, taking pictures with her phone. I took a few of her and then a few of us together. This was a memory that I didn’t want to forget. We stood at the viewing point, looking out at the vast forest and mountain range. “This is probably the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. Pictures do not do this place justice.” she said quietly. I looked around. She was right. No picture in the world could compare to seeing this place in person. I silently wish to myself that I had bought a ring, because this would be the perfect place to propose to her. I think that I will have to plan a special trip back here for the two of us. Hiking up this very trail and getting down on one knee at the top. “Don’t you always say you can feel the wheels turning in my head? I think I can understand that statement now.” she chuckled. I could feel myself blushing, but I looked away, trying to play it cool. I ran my hands through the back of my hair, lightly massaging my neck. Madeline tilted her head at me “Are you okay? Something is off with you.” She could read me like a book. It’s a good thing that she couldn’t read my mind or feel how I’m feeling right now. “Yeah, I was just thinking about you and I.” She looked at me horrified “Did you hike up here with me only to break things off?” She asked, her lip quivering at the end. Sh*t. What have I done. Honesty is always the best policy, so here goes nothing. “No. No. Baby, look at me.” I rush over, tipping her chin up so that she was looking into my eyes. I could see the worry etched into her features. “I was actually thinking about how perfect it would be....if I proposed to you up here.” I think I could feel a nervous sweat break out. She stepped away from me, tears welling up in her eyes. “You want to propose to me?” she choked out, tears silently falling down her face. I felt my throat closing up. This was too soon for her. I closed my eyes. I felt like my heart was breaking. She looked...scared. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it for a little while. I know it’s really soon, but when I came up here, I wished that I had bought that stupid ring.” I chuckled nervously. “You already looked at rings?” she cried out. I just nodded, unsure about what to say at this point. She surprised me, running and jumping into my arms. Her legs wrapped around my waist as she nuzzled into my neck. “I love you so much Damien. Can I say yes without a ring?” she whispered. I pull her back from me, shocked at what she just said. Think Damien, use your brain. I look around, searching for anything that I could use in this moment. It’s goofy as hell, but nothing in our relationship has been traditional. I hold my finger up, asking her for a second, before rushing off to the edge of the forest. There was a beautiful little blue flower poking up from the ground, I plucked it as closely to the root as possible, wrapping a loop with the stem, and rushing back over to Madeline. I dropped down on one knee. “Madeline, you are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. You captured my heart with your kindness. You were there for me in my darkest moment, like a light, guiding me through. You continue to bring me joy and happiness every single day. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. Will you take this very poorly made flower ring and marry me?” She started sobbing and nodding, reaching her hand out for me to place the flower on her finger. I can’t believe she said yes. I’m going to marry the woman of my dreams.
- Writer
