Dandelion Lover

It was already quite late by the time she was finished with her little get-together with Vivian. I vaguely resented having to give way to their friendship from our time together however, it allowed me to prepare everything for that evening, and I knew that she wanted to spend some more time on her, especially now that we learned that Vivian was pregnant.

When her call came, I was already prepared to go fetch her, so I simply hopped into the car and drove over to meet up.

"That was fast." Vivian mocked, but I only heard it as praise.

"You've wasted enough of our time, so of course I had to come over as soon as possible."

"She's not all yours!" Vivian countered.

"Yes she is, she's just too nice to tell you to go to your own lover."

"Careful or I might just tell Johnny I'll stay longer." She threatened jokingly.

"Be my guest if you want to visit the shops some more, all alone."

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Try me!"

Our little duel was then interrupted by Kate's amused laugh.

"I'm sorry Vivian, I think it's time I go, we did make plans tonight." Kate's sweet voice easily cleared the discussion without any of us being able to reject it.

"Good luck with this guy then," Vivian replied amused at my annoyed expression, while Johnny was approaching us.

"Everything's ready Viv?" he asked and took her shopping bags with one hand, while the other naturally rested around her waist.

"Yup, just saying my goodbyes, let's go, I'm tired."

"Of course, the car is close by." John pulled her close and led the way.

"I'm really happy for them," Kate said while looking fondly at the couple's departing back.

"I am too, especially after what Vivian went through." I looked as they both entered the car and drove away. Remembering the days of isolation and heartbreak that she went through back then, it only made their current happiness shine so much brighter.

"I am also happy that I now have you all to myself. Let's go home." I added taking Kate's hand and pulling her slowly towards the car.

"My p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e." She murmured under her breath, her cheeks growing redder each passing moment.

Arriving home did not take long but I was unnerved of the reaction she would have when she saw the surprise I prepared. As we got out of the car, I tried to calm my nerves while trying to be as clear as I could with the instructions.

"Before we go in, I have a surprise for you so close your eyes Kitty and trust me to lead you in the right direction."

Her puzzled eyes searched for an answer in me, but before long she obediently closed them and placed her hand in my own, letting me embrace her body with my own, and guide her down the path to the house.

As we reached the front door, I turned her towards me and left her standing there for a bit.

"Keep your eyes closed Kitty" I warned.

I took the surprise gift from its hiding place and placed the slightly big red box in her arms.

She twitched slightly at the sudden weight.

"You can now open your eyes," I instructed her, without moving away not even a step.

As she opened her eyes she seemed surprised about the package she was holding, but urged by her curiosity, she did not delay to ask me.

"Is it for me?"

"Of course!"

"Can I open it?"

"I can't wait for you to do so," I answered truthfully.

With the corners of her mouth rising slightly she stared back at me and cheekily asked:

"How do you expect me to open it if I need both my hands to hold it?"

Her question dumbfounded me as I did not expect it.

"You can always put it down," I mentioned stretching my hands to help her hold the box. Her smile only grew larger at my actions.

"I could never be so careless with your gifts, what if they get damaged in the snow? Just hold it for me," she instructed and made sure that I was securely holding it before letting go herself.

She slowly opened the ribbon placed over the box and without opening the box further, playfully tied it around my neck, making a pretty ribbon at the end.

"I already have the best present, what could be better?" She mischievously asked while smiling from ear to ear and slightly brushing my cheek with the soft ribbon tangled with her warm fingers.

I could feel my heartbeat increase as her fingers left a hot imprint on my skin. It always made me incredibly happy to see her unfiltered expressions of her love for me, no need for hidden meanings in our words or playing coy with each other. We both treasured the chance that we got to meet, and more than anything we treasured the love we had for each other.

As she slowly opened the box, her eyes widened at the display of red roses carefully arranged to fit snugly in it.

She brushed past the soft petals, reaching towards the small white box placed in the middle.

My heart grew impatient as I waited for her to open the box. However, she passed the little box and picked up the small teddy bear that was in the corner, carefully examining it.

All the little actions seemed to take forever, I was feeling more anxious each passing second, despite her bright smile.

As if testing my heart, she finally picked up the white little box, and while opening it she tried to steal a look at me. My face must have been grimacing as it caused her to stop her actions.

"Are you alright Luke?" she asked with a worried tone, forgetting about the present in her hand. Her question snapped me back from my own anxiety enough to reply.

"I'm fine, I'm only nervous that you will not like my gift," I answered truthfully, unable to hide my nervousness.

Taking the bigger box from my hand and placing it on the doorstep, holding the teddy bear in her arms, she came forward and embraced me, her warmth permeating our clothes, reaching out to every corner of my heart.

I could feel all my worries melt, and they all seemed like nonsense when she was in my arms.

As she pulled herself close into my arms, a muffled voice could be heard in between us.

I love you!

Startled by the sudden interruption, we both started laughing, the feeling of happiness enveloping us despite the cold air.

"Is it just me or does it have your voice?" she asked repeatedly pressing the button on the teddy bear's foot.

"That's because it is me!" I answered laughingly. More precisely it's me proclaiming my love for you through him. He will be there for you when I cannot be, so he can scare any flies moving around you.

"Hmm, says the one getting all the attention from the ladies."

"I don't have time to see anyone else but you, but I'll be happy when you decide you want to come back and guard me. I'll take the opportunity to guard you myself 24/7."

"That would be strangely satisfying." She replied jokingly however I saw it as my chance to get a positive answer.

"Then how about you open that little box." I encouraged her while concentrating on her face, looking forward to seeing her response.

Smiling, she turned her attention to the small box and opened it. I could feel her breath hitch as she reached for the key.

"Is this…?" she tried to ask but her voice broke. Her eyes seemed to moisten as she stared at the simple key.

"It's the key to the house. I would like you to move in with me. Be it now, when you come over during the holidays, or anytime you feel you are ready. I would love it if you would consider living together with me."

She stood in front of me, while tears gathered near her eyes, threatening to fall at the slightest movement. Moving her fingers over the key, she fixed her eyes on my own, and a bright smile blossomed onto her lips.

"I would love to" Four simple words diffused all my nerves until then. I felt I was finally able to breathe properly.

"Meeting you was my biggest blessing, even if it was at a hard time in our life, and I will forever make sure to treasure our time together." She added, snuggling into my embrace.

"It's the same for me, although it wasn't the straightest or easiest road to get here, I am happy that you were willing to try despite everything else, and I will do my best so that you will never regret the choice you've made."

"It's not possible to regret it, as you are the one that helped me find myself and my happiness."

"I love you!"

"I love you too! Thank you!" she whispered into my ear as we embraced during the cold December night.