Page 114 of Key Ridge

Normally we chatted while we hiked, but today Erin was walking so fast that I was out of breath trying to keep up with her.

“You’re really on something today,” I huffed as we neared the top.

Taking a few more steps, we reached the short summit. I put my hands over my head to catch my breath and take in the views.

“Shit, Mattie. I dropped my water bottle a little ways down the hill. I’m just going to grab it and be right back.”

“Wait, you can have some of mine,” I called after her, but she was already gone. “Weird,” I muttered and continued to stare at the peaceful view.

Moments later, I heard footsteps behind me.

“Find it?” I turned around to find Giles standing there instead of Erin.

My face broke out into a grin. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the lodge?”

He ran his hands through his hair, and he took a few steps toward me. He looked nervous.

My eyebrows knit in confusion. “Is everything alright?”

He didn’t respond and instead grabbed my hands in his and stared down at me.

“Mattie…”

“Giles…”

“Sorry, I’m a little nervous.” He smiled shyly before taking a deep breath. “These past seven months have been amazing. I know I wasn’t the easiest person to get along with when you first came around, but you were so damn persistent in getting to know me. Now I-I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. I can’t even remember how I functioned before I met you. I love you so fucking much, and I want you around, like all the time.”

He smiled and slowly lowered himself onto one knee, taking one of his hands from mine and reaching into his back pocket.

“Oh my god.” My mouth hung open in shock as I registered what was happening.

He smiled and squeezed my hand. “You make me a way less insufferable person, and I hope I bring you even a fraction of the happiness that you bring me.”

The muscles in his throat tightened as he gulped, opening the black velvet box he was holding.

“Mattie, will you marry me?”

Tears were streaming down my face. Completely speechless, I nodded my head before launching myself into his arms.

“Is that a yes?” he laughed as we tumbled to the ground.

“Yes. Yes. Yes.”

I pressed my lips to his, giddy with happiness at finally finding my forever.

The End