Page 46 of Always, Plus One

Ariel's heart was racing as she unfolded the note from Miles. She read quickly, the paper clutched in her hand. She had stumbled upon it by accident, and maybe it was wrong for her to read—but now that she had started to read it, her world shifted on its axis.

The note was filled with words of love and devotion, and hinted at something more—

something that made Ariel's heart swell with joy and anticipation. She read the note over and over, quickly, each time feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of what it could mean.

As she sat there, lost in thought, Ariel couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the world around her. Miles filled her thoughts, and the possibility of what could be in their shared tomorrow. Ariel felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a sense of happiness and contentment that she couldn't quite put into words. She felt as though everything in the world was aligning just for her, and that she was on the verge of something truly magical.

The box, the note—Ariel found herself lost in daydreams of a future with Miles. She imagined a beach wedding, cozy nights spent by the fire, and lazy Sundays spent in bed. She imagined a life filled with love and laughter, and the feeling of being completely and utterly content.

Miles called over to her from the edge of the overlook. “I’m coming back! This is it. The perfect spot!”

She had to know what was in his heart, and whether the note meant what she thought it did. And though she felt a twinge of nervousness at the thought of the conversation to come, she was also filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

If Ariel knew what the future held, it was going to be filled with love and adventure. Scrambling, Ariel raced to stuff the box and the note back in his pocket, having to guess at which one it had been in. Her heart pounded with anticipation. Miles opened her door and put his hand out to help her up, and she smoothly passed him his coat in the motion.

“Thanks,” he said, smiling at her. “Are you ready?”

She looked into his eyes, took his hand, and said, “I think I am.”

He looked at her questioningly, but when she didn’t explain further he simply shrugged into his coat and reached for her hand, pulling her to him as she stood from the car.

As they stood outside the car, a cool breeze swept through the air, rustling the leaves and adding a touch of cinema to the moment. The weight of anticipated words hung in the air, yet there was also an unspoken understanding between them.

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes searching hers for any hint of what lay behind her mysterious response. The corners of his lips curled into a playful smile, revealing his curiosity. "I don’t get it. Are you ready?" he asked again, his voice uncertain.

She met his gaze with a blend of vulnerability and determination. There was something, a depth of emotion swirling within her, that she couldn't quite put into words. In that moment, she knew that she was ready to take this leap, to embrace the unknown and let their connection guide them. She might not have thought so before Miles had come into her life, but now, the thought of forever wasn’t so scary.

Gently, she reached out and took his hand, her fingers intertwining with his. The warmth of his touch sent a wave of reassurance through her, solidifying her decision. She read between their gazes a silent promise, a vow to support and cherish each other as they ventured into a new chapter of life.

“Ready for what?” she asked, her own tone teasing.

The world around them faded into the background as their connection became the focal point. With a tender smile, he reached for her other hand, pulling her gently towards him, their bodies now inches apart.

Their eyes locked, a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and affection swirling within the depths of his. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as their hearts beat in unison. The air crackled with a tangible energy, building up the anticipation of what was to come.

Unable to resist any longer, Ariel stood on tiptoe, and their lips met in a soft and lingering kiss. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, conveying their shared excitement, trust, and love. In that simple act, they sealed their commitment to each other, ready to face whatever lay ahead as a united front. Even if Miles had yet to get down on one knee, Ariel could feel in his tender touch the promise of a beautiful future.

As their lips parted, a shared smile formed on their faces. The unspoken words between them had found their voice in that kiss, a declaration of their readiness to embrace a new journey together.

“That was unexpected,” Miles said, grinning down at her. “Is there something on your mind?” He reached up and pushed a strand of wind-blown hair from her face, his eyes crinkling warmly at the corners.

“Oh, no,” Ariel said. “But there was this one thing on myheart.”

He nestled her closer to him, his arms wrapping her tighter. “And what’s that?”

She tucked her chin into his chest and said, “The answer to your question.”

She pulled back to see his confused expression.

“Are you ready?” she asked Miles. “For this? For us?”

As he realized what she was asking, he leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose. “Ariel, honey, I think I am not only ready, I think I have always been waiting. For someone like you.”

Hand in hand, they turned toward the overlook. Ariel’s heart was ready to burst—and she was ready to face the world and all its uncertainties, knowing that as long as she and Miles had each other, they were prepared for anything.