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TWELVE
Briar
Eighteen Months Later…
I’m graduatingfrom college today and I smooth my hands over the satiny gown, trying to get out all the wrinkles. I straighten my hat, taking one last look at my reflection in the window before I head out into the auditorium with the rest of my classmates. I know that my parents and Arlo are somewhere in the stands, waiting to cheer me on.
Arlo graduated last year and that time it was me in the stands with his parents, watching as he walked across the stage to get his diploma. He had stayed in New Orleans after he graduated and he still works for the same software company. He does most of his work from home, so nothing has really changed that much in our routine. He still picks me up from class and drops me off too.
Arlo asked me to move in with him the night after we made love under the stars. I, of course, accepted. His place was incredible, and I loved the idea of spending every night with him. He had me moved in by the next weekend and it’s been heaven ever since.
I’ve met Arlo’s parents a couple of times and I love them too. They’re so sweet and kind and they welcomed me into their family right away. I talk to his mom every other week and we’ve made plans to spend Christmas at their house this year. It’s only fair since Arlo came to my parent's house last year.
My parents love Arlo too. They’re always asking how he’s doing and they love how good he is to me. I had been afraid that they would be upset that we had moved in together too fast, that we were too young to be doing this. They had surprised me though by being ok with it.
I sit in the uncomfortable folding chair while they do the commencement speech and wait impatiently as they start to call everyone’s names. It takes a while to get to the S’s but finally, it’s time.
“Briar Simmons.”
I smile, running my hands down my gown one last time as I make my way towards the stairs. I can hear my parents and Arlo cheering and I grin as I shake the people’s hands and take my diploma, pausing for the picture before I make my way back to my seat.
It’s still another hour before the ceremony is finished and it’s time to meet our guests. I stand on my tiptoes, trying to see over everyone’s heads until I spot my parents and Arlo headed my way. My mom runs up to me, squealing and wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. My dad joins us next and tugs me into a tight bear hug, whispering how proud he is of me in my ear before he sets me down and steps back so that Arlo can hug me too.
“I’m so proud of you, Briar.” Arlo whispers in my ear and I hug him tighter.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He says before he pulls back and drops a quick kiss on my lips.
“You two ready for dinner?” My mom asks and I nod as I follow them out to their car.
They take us out to dinner before they head back to their hotel. We’ll see them tomorrow
morning for breakfast before they leave to head home. I notice my mom and dad both giving Arlo strange looks and I look at him questioningly, but he just shrugs and ushers me over to his car. He helps me inside and drives us home, holding my hand the entire time.
I walk inside our place, kicking my shoes off as soon as the door closes behind me. I wiggle my toes, trying to ease the ache in them from the heels that I wore most of the day. Arlo bends down, sweeping me up in his arms and carrying me over to the couch where he sets me down and pulls my feet into his lap, massaging them. I moan as he works out all of the knots and smile at him when he chuckles.
“Congratulations again, babe.”
“Thanks.” I say as I lean my head back on the back of the couch.
I can feel Arlo shift and I open my eyes, looking over at him. He’s looking down at a little black velvet box in his hand and I gasp as I realize why my parents we’re giving him sly looks.
“Oh my god.” I whisper as my eyes start to water.
“Briar, babe, I love you. I wanted to wait until I was sure that you were ready for the next step, but I don’t want to wait any longer. I don’t want anyone else and I never will. You are my future, Briar. Will you let me be yours and do me the honor of marrying me?”
He flips open the lid then, revealing a large emerald cut ring nestled inside. Tears start to spill from my eyes as I look from the ring back up to his face. I’m not sure that I can get any words out so I just nod my head frantically. Arlo tugs me into his arms, letting me cry happy tears on his shoulder while he rubs my back.
“You don’t have to say yes, you know.” He says, trying to make a joke.
“I want to marry you so bad.” I sob, trying to get myself under control.
I’m so happy and it’s taking me a minute to calm down. I take a couple of deep breaths and wipe my cheeks off when I’m finally ok. Arlo smiles sweetly at me before he takes the ring out of the box and slides it onto my ring finger. I admire the way it sparkles and shines before I look back up at my fiancé.
“I love you, Arlo.”
“I love you more, Briar.”
He seals his lips over mine then and I climb onto his lap, excited to start the next chapter in our relationship.
