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The ground crew scurries around, checking ropes and the burner. The efficiency and attention to detail reassures me.
We step into the gondola of the hot-air balloon. Molly’s eyes shine with excitement as she curls her fingers over the edge of the basket and stares out at the landscape. “We’re really doing this?” Her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yup.”
Mr. Roberts gives his crew a final nod. A powerful burst of flame shoots into the balloon’s envelope and we slowly rise. The ground falls away slowly.
The sun’s low in the sky. Lights twinkle below us, in contrast with the sprawling desert landscape. We drift higher and higher. The only sound an occasional burst from the burner and the gentle creak of the basket. It’s peaceful. I pull Molly into my arms and we take in the view.
Now, I just need to time this right.
Molly
The serenity of floating above so much beauty steals my breath. Griff’s quiet, holding me tight, but he seems lost in thought.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I whisper.
“It’s incredible.” He drops his gaze to my face. “Are you happy? Did I surprise you?”
“Yes, and yes. This is amazing. I can’t believe how peaceful it is compared to how chaotic it was in the city.”
The pilot shifts our direction, giving us a beautiful view of the desert sunset. The sinking sun casts a golden glow over the landscape. Vibrant shades of orange, pink, and deep purple slowly transform the sky. I peek up at Griff and he meets my eyes. The corners of his mouth curve, the warm smile he only gives to me. The one that makes my heart flutter faster.
“You’re not watching the sunset,” I say.
“I see it.” He turns slightly toward the quickly setting sun, then back to me. “You’re just prettier.”
He kneels on one knee, the basket gently swaying.
My heart pounds with uncertainty. “Griff?”
There’s a click from the pilot’s direction, but I can’t take my eyes off of Griff.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“Give me a second.” His eyes close and he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small blue velvet box. “I need to ask you something.”
“Griff?” My voice rises. Tears sting my eyes.
“You make everything so much brighter, more interesting. I want to go everywhere with you. See everything. Discover new things. Enjoy the familiar. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” His words die down to an emotional rasp. “Will you be my wife, Molly? Will you marry me?” His lips tilt into my favorite teasing grin and he meets my eyes. “Two years from now. Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” I want to jump into his arms, but I don’t dare rock the basket. “Yes! You know I will.”
He opens the box and pulls out a ring. Sleek white gold gleams under the fading light and the large stone in the center glitters like it’s plugged into an electrical socket.
“Griff?” My voice is a hushed whisper. “What…oh my God. It’s beautiful.”
He slides the oval bezel-set solitaire onto my ring finger. It feels substantial, full of promises for our future.
Griff stands and pulls me into a kiss. The slide of his lips against mine feels both familiar and new.
“Congratulations!” the pilot says.
How’d I forget he was there?
Laughing, I pull away but keep my hand on Griff’s chest. “Thank you.”
Griff wraps his arms around my waist and turns, so we’re facing the view. He leans down, kisses my neck, and whispers in my ear, “I want to make you happy every day.”
