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We all load into a variety of vehicles and head toward the house that started to feel like a home in the last four years. I grew up in the house back in Blackburn and lived there for eighteen years, yet this two-story, six-bedroom structure feels more like home to me than Blackburn ever did.
Hand in hand, Emree and I make our way into the house. The moment we walk through the door, I’m blown away by the setup, knowing the parents went all out to celebrate us. The front door is covered in a sign that saysCONGRATULATIONSvertically, with the year 2024 floating all around it. There are balloons in our school colors surrounding the top and sides of the door too.
Inside is even more extravagant. There are pictures of all of us throughout our college years. Several are from college games, and I can’t help but laugh at the difference between freshman year to now. We all looked like babies, and I can’t believe how adult I thought I was back then. I knew nothing as an immature eighteen-year-old and was only living the life I thought I was supposed to. Now, four years later, I’m living for myself and my happiness.
* * *
Emree
With a full belly,I sink back into my chair and smile as I take in everything around me. I’m going to miss this. Our friends are sitting around the patio table we have hung out at so many times over the last year and a half. The sun has gone down, and our parents are long gone, but none of us have been in the mood to leave yet. I think knowing this is the last time we will all be together like this for a while is hitting some of us hard. I know it is for me.
Conrad is lazily rubbing my leg as we laugh about stories over the years. Many of the best ones are centered around Maddox and his lack of filter when it comes to what comes out of his mouth. We’ve had a lot of great memories together and some sad ones, but my years at Braxton, and especially with this group, will stay with me forever.
Standing, Conrad leans over and kisses my cheek. “While we’re all together because I’m not sure when the next time this will happen, there’s something I need to do.”
Leaning forward, I look at him, silently questioning what is going on. He just smiles and reaches his hand out for my own. I grab it, and Conrad pulls me up so that I’m standing in front of him.
“Emree, the day I met you was the moment my life changed forever. Never did I think this beautiful, fun-loving girl would alter my life for the better. For so long, I was living my life for someone else, and that included not loving you the way you deserve to be loved, but I was finally able to pull my head out of my ass and see that you’re meant for me, baby. I have no doubt that we were put on this planet for each other.”
He drops to one knee and stuffs his hand into his pocket, retrieving a red velvet box. Opening the lid, he reveals a gold band ring with the most stunning pear-cut diamond shining on top. Conrad grabs one of my hands while holding the box in the other.
Tears are unashamedly flowing down my face as he stares into my eyes with so much love. “While I have messed up our relationship in the past, I promise to be the man you deserve from here on out. To love you unconditionally. To protect you with everything in me. And to be your partner above all else. Will you do this life with me as my wife?”
Before Conrad is even finished with his question, my arms are around his neck, and I’m tackling him to the ground. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” With him on the ground, I forcefully grip his face and crash my mouth against his. Conrad smiles against my many kisses as I paint his face with my lipstick.
Our friends are all laughing and shouting out congratulations, but nothing matters besides the man under me. The man I love more than anyone in this world. The man I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.
My futurehusband.
Our relationship has had its ups and downs, mainly the first year, but none of that matters anymore. We fought our battles and came out stronger because of them. My love for Conrad Dugray is strong, and I know that whatever life throws at us, we can handle it. Together.
