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"Is this your cabin, Dean?" she asks.
I can't help but let out a chuckle and shake my head. "For tonight, it is," I reply. "Technically, it belongs to Daphne and Cody, but they've been kind enough to let us borrow it for our special evening." Then I wink at her. "So feel free to make as many sounds as you want."
Lily's cheeks tinge pink as she blushes at my words. "I can't believe this," she murmurs as we walk inside. "It's like something out of a fairy tale."
The inside of the cabin is just as charming as the outside. Exposed wooden beams give it that rustic charm, while the stone fireplace in the living room is stacked with logs ready to crackle and pop. A Christmas tree sparkles in the corner decked out with ornaments.
While Lily looks around, I head back out to the car. I return a few minutes later with an armful of groceries.
"Those are a lot of bags," Lily says with a laugh as she looks at me.
"Well, every fairy tale needs a feast," I reply, nodding down to the groceries I'd packed. "And I happen to have brought all your favorites."
Back in the kitchen, I roll up my sleeves and start cooking. Lily tries to help, but I shoo her away with a smile. "Just relax, beautiful," I say, waving her towards the living room. "I'll handle dinner."
Lily throws her hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, big chef. I'll let you have your moment," she giggles. "Just don't forget, I'm the one who usually saves your bacon in the kitchen."
I laugh, shaking my head. "I could never forget that, sweetheart. But I've got things under control right now."
She raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she leans against the doorway. "Oh really? Should I be worried?"
I can't help but play along, flashing her a confident grin. "On the contrary, sweetheart. You should be excited."
Lily chuckles and finally retreats to the couch with a shake of her head and a warm smile. As she settles into the plush cushions, she calls back, "Alright, Dean, impress me!"
And with that challenge issued, I dive into the task at hand, determined to create a meal that'll truly surprise her.
I'm not much of a cook, but I can make a mean spaghetti carbonara, and it's one of Lily's favorite dishes. I chop up the pancetta and sauté it in butter and olive oil until it's crispy. Then I add in the garlic, red pepper flakes, and some white wine before tossing in the spaghetti to coat with all that deliciousness.
As the aroma fills the cabin, I glance toward the living room. Lily is sitting cross-legged on the couch with a Santa blanket draped over her lap, her eyes glued to the TV screen. She's found the stash of holiday DVDs I'd packed. She's currently watching Elf, one of her all-time favorites.
"Oh, you found the Christmas movies, huh?" I call out, my voice light and teasing. She turns to look at me, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "What can I say, Dean? You can't have a Christmas getaway without the classics." And with that, she flips the remote, shifting back into her cozy nook nestled within the cushions, her gaze once again captivated by the timeless holiday tales on screen.
I'm so happy to do this for her - to give her a break. She takes care of me and Ava so well. I'm just glad to finally have the opportunity to take care of her for a change.
Once dinner is ready, I set the table with candles and a bottle of wine we'd picked up on our way here. The effect is romantic and intimate, just like I'd hoped. But as we sit down, I can't help but feel a knot of anticipation in my stomach. It's time.
"Lily," I begin, my voice steady despite the nerves. "I brought you here because... well, I wanted to thank you. You've been incredible with Ava, and I can't tell you how much that means to me."
She smiles, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "Dean, it's no problem at all. I love Ava."
"I know," I say, taking a deep breath. "And that's just it. Lily, I've fallen in love with you. You're incredible, and every day with you feels like a gift. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy."
"I love you too, Dean," Lily replies. Her voice is choked with emotion as tears well up in her eyes. Then she laughs as she wipes them away. "Sorry, I guess I just don't know what to say."
"Say yes."
I reach into my pocket and pull out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a delicate ring with a sparkling diamond.
Lily squeals and covers her mouth with her hand.
"Marriage?" Lily squeaks out in a shocked voice, her eyes wide as saucers. "Dean, do...do you really want to get married?"
I can't help but let out a hearty laugh at her surprise, reaching across the table to take her hand. "Of course I do, baby," I reassure her, my voice filled with confidence and love.
"But..." she stammers, her brows knit together in confusion. "We...we haven't even dated yet."
I just shake my head, unable to suppress the grin on my face. "I don't need to date you to know that I want to marry you," I say, my voice steady and sure. "The last year we've spent together has told me everything I need to know."
