“Okay, open your eyes now,” I said to my girlfriend of 5 years.
She opened them, and saw a view only partially as gorgeous as her. We stood at the top of Rockefeller Plaza, her favorite view of the city, right as the sun was setting and traffic was dying down. We had just come from a fancy dinner with dessert, and now I’m watching my favorite person gaze upon her favorite sight. She stood there silently for seconds that felt like hours, and I could hear the slight shakiness of her breath every now and then. I wish I wasn’t too nervous to enjoy how beautiful she looks.
“This is gorgeous,” she said softly.
I slowly inched by her side and responded, “I’m sorry this isn’t a view I can give you every day. But, I like to make you feel special when I can.”
“Is something wrong?”
“Um… what?”
“This is all very sweet and I appreciate how much you went out of your way to do this, but if there’s some bad news you have to break to me, I’d prefer if you just came out with it.”
“Is that why you think I did this?”
“No, no, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s not fair to say, I understand, but you’ve been super nervous all week and you were sweating at dinner and I don’t know what’s going on. But if I can help, then I want to. And if there’s something wrong, I need you to talk about it with me.”
I stepped away and paced back and forth, but I’m not sure if I did it because I was nervous or embarrassed.
“Nothing is wrong,” I responded sincerely. “There’s nothing you have to help me with, but the fact that you’re so willing to be there for me contributes to the issue.”
“I’m not following.”
“You were the first person to ever make me feel genuine, romantic love. It seemed like a fantastical idea before I met you, but I never had a second doubt once it happened. You inspire people around you, but keep them grounded at the same time. You’ve accepted me and all my flaws since we met, and you haven’t complained ever.”
“Those flaws are all you see, honey. You don’t see the butterflies I get when you explain what you’re making, or hear the squeal I have to stifle when you hug me.”
“But I do. And… that’s not an emotion I’ve ever had someone feel about me. You deserve to feel as special as I do.”
“Hon, I appreciate it, but you make me feel special alre-”
I stopped in my tracks as I turned around to see my boyfriend kneeling in front of me.
“I- You- You mean everything to me. I used to overthink everything, and I was so scared of taking chances. I focused on the negative and it was so tiring, but you’ve taught me how to let go. How to enjoy moments for what they are. And I want the rest of my moments to be with you.”
I so badly want to tell him how much he means to me, but I cannot bring myself to get any words out. My hands are shaking, my breathing is ragged, and my lips are quivering as the tears well up in my eyes, but I don’t care about anything except the man in front of me.
“I know I can’t stop worrying. But I have never been more sure about anything. You mean everything to me, and if you’ll have me, I’ll give everything back to you. Will you marry me?”
I ran into his arms so fast that I didn’t even feel myself running. I kissed him what seemed like a million times, saying “yes” through what little breath I could muster. I felt weightless, and he was pulling me back down to him. He always has.
“You’ve made me the happiest man in the world,” he says sweetly. “But, just so you know, you’ve been stepping on my toes for quite some time.”
“That’s… an odd thing to say after proposing, hon.”
“No, you’re literally standing on my feet right now.”
I looked down and shrieked as I stepped back. “Sorry about that! I got a little too excited.”
“Your level of excitement is perfect. I’m so elated to be spending the rest of my life with you.” He put the ring on my finger, and we locked eyes. We grabbed hands and sat and watched the sunset from Rockefeller Plaza, all without saying a word. This view was always my favorite, and it somehow means so much more to me than it did before. We’re only on top of a building, but I could swear we’re on top of the world.
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