Page 53 of Frosty Felicity
She heard Brett sigh, and then felt his arm around her.
“I understand, Felicity. After my mother’s death, I felt like I was in a black hole,” he said. “I pretended to be okay, but I wasn’t. My brother and I were arguing a lot. We’ve always gotten into it every now and again, but it was so much worse after Mom’s death. We’re just two different people, and see the world differently, too. I was taking some of my aggressions out on him, to mask sorrow and grief. In the last few weeks, my brother and I have been getting along much better. We’re actually talking normally. And I found out he’s been worried about me, fearing that if he lost Mom, he can lose me too, and that would mess him up. He really does love me, and I guess, since he didn’t seem to show it, I never knew how much.
“So, anyway, I’d been grieving, in my own way, but stuffing it down, deep inside. I didn’t know I was doing that, though. The reason why I found out is my aunt, my mom’s sister, gave me a book about death, and missing a mom. I started reading it, and it turned on so many lightbulbs for me. I referred to that book, and still do, when I need to. I imagine I still will for many more years to come. I use a book. You use an app.” He shrugged. “You named it. Fine.” He stroked her shoulder nice and slow, then kissed the top of her head. “I didn’t name my book Bob or anything,” She laughed at that, “But it was still, in some way, form or fashion, my friend.
“I’m just glad you had the know-how and desire to recognize that something was wrong and took steps to try and help yourself. I know things at your job are stressful. You’re also worried about your father, even though you and he are at least talking somewhat peacefully now. Also, you had to confront your mother recently and tell her that you don’t want to be in the middle of her and Ian’s arguments anymore, because you love them both. You’ve been doing a hell of a job, honey. You’ve had some crummy things happen, and I’m sure I don’t even know every single thing, but you’re just trying to be better. To get through it, in a healthy way. Your way wasn’t as conventional as some, but honey, if it works, and you aren’t hurting anyone, then I wish you and Violet a beautiful friendship, until you no longer need her. I hope I’m that person you can now trust and completely confide in, because I gotta tell you, you’re that for me.”
She smiled at his words, and felt her eyes sting when emotion bubbled to the surface.
“You are that person, and that’s why I’m telling you this, Brett. Not one thing have I thrown your way, or that you accidentally found out about me, has made you run for the hills. I can’t believe I finally met someone who gets me and accepts me for who I am. Someone on the same page as me, and loves me unconditionally. I’m so in love with you.” She dabbed at her eyes once again. “I honestly was afraid to fall in love. I didn’t want to be hurt, or to have to keep explaining myself, or to hide parts of myself for fear of not being understood. I’ve had to do that in almost every relationship I’ve ever had. I had to either dumb myself down, or water myself down. With you, I’m in full bloom.”
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. It wasn’t long before they were kissing, and making love again.
Afterwards, Brett got up from the bed, put his underwear on, and told her he’d be right back. He was going to get something to drink. She felt lazy and satiated, sexually satisfied to the max. She grabbed the television remote and turned on the morning news. At last, he returned, with no drink, although he was holding something in his hand. Taking the remote control from her, he put the television on mute, and got down on the floor. On one knee.
“Oh my God…OH MY GOD!” Every nerve ending in her body screamed.
Brett opened a small black box with a light built into it that shined bright on a gorgeous diamond ring.
He looked into her misty eyes.
“Felicity, I know we haven’t known each other a long time, but sometimes, as my dad says, when you know, you just know, and that’s all there is to it. You’re the woman for me. There’s no doubt in my mind. Sometimes, it’s not about how long you’ve known someone, it’s the time you two spend together, and how that person makes you feel. My parents didn’t know each other long when they got married. It was the longest lasting marriage, besides my grandparents, in our family history. They’d still be married right now, and happily. My parents loved each other so much. They had arguments every now and again, but it was clear how much they respected and adored each other. You can know someone your whole life, and not really know them at all, and then, on the other hand, you can meet someone one day, know ’em for a few weeks, and know their entire story.
“Time is relative. You make me laugh. You add to my happiness. I have learned things from you that have really made me think, especially with how you handle life. I’ve seen you grow and change since we’ve been together. You didn’t become someone else. You became a better version of yourself. I am incredibly attracted to you, physically, sexually, spiritually, mentally, intellectually, and emotionally, and I want a life with you. Forever. Will you marry me?”
“Yes! Yes, I will marry you, Brett!”
He laughed, looking rather pleased and a bit relieved as he slipped the ring on her finger. Soon, they were hugging each other tight, kissing, laughing, and making love, once again…
