Chapter One: A Proposal in the Sky

Eli's POV

8 years. Clare Edwards and I have been dating for 8 years, since I was 16. I want to take things to the next level, so I am going to propose to her. But before I do that, I must ask her father for permission. Asking her father for permission is a big deal to her family. I know marriage is a big step, but I am ready for anything as long as I have Clare by my side.

I walked up the steps to Mr. Edwards's house and rand the doorbell. I waited patiently for him to come, looking down at my black combat boots. My style has not really changed since High School; it's just not as dark. The door opens and I jolted my head up.

"Eli, what a nice surprise" Mr. Edwards said "Come on in"

"Thank you" I said, walking into his house. He led me into his living room, as he sat on the recliner. I sat down on the couch across from him.

"So what brings you here son?" He questioned. Son…that sounds good. I hope he accepts my request to marry Clare. She says he already thinks of me as family

"Well, I came here to ask you something… important" My hands began to shake

"What would that be?" he asked curiously. I took in a deep breath and asked a question that could change my life forever.

"Mr. Edwards, I would like to ask your permission to take Clare's hand in marriage." Without thinking, I began holding my breath waiting for his answer

He was taken back at first by my question, but soon, he relaxed and smiled. "Eli, you have been an amazing boyfriend to Clare, and I am sure you would make an amazing husband to her. I would love you to be my son in law, and of course you have my permission."

I smiled the biggest smile that ever came upon my face. I got up, and gave him a giant hug. You have no idea how happy I am. After about 20 more minutes of talking, I left to go back to my condo, which I shared with Clare. I asked her o live with me her sophomore year of college.

Our condo is a quaint little place outside of Toronto. It has two bed rooms, one kitchen, one bathroom, and a small living room. Even though there are two bed rooms, Clare and I share one, but we haven't done anything….yet. She still wears her purity ring, and I still respect her wishes. Also, since we share an apartment, I can't keep her engagement ring there, so I have to keep it in Morty, or she will find it. Both of us graduated from the University of Toronto, and majored in English. Now, Clare works at a publishing company, and I work part time at a mechanic shop (which I own) and at the company Clare works at.

I walked up the stairs and opened the doors to our house. Inside, Clare was on the couch reading. She didn't look up from her book when I walked in…Typical Clare.

"Hey sweetie" I said sitting down next to her. She looked up from her book, and smiled at me, closing the book. "Hi Eli" She climbs over and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Where were you?" she continued

"Ummm, I just needed to ask someone something important." Boy was I being vague. Before she could reply, which I know she wanted to, I quickly gave her kiss. At first she stiffened, but she soon melted into it, and kissed me back. When we let go, she yawned. I think she forgot what we were talking about, thank god!

"You tired blue eyes?" I questioned, using the name I gave her in high school

She nodded and yawned again, so I knew it was time for bed. Before she could get up, I scooped her up in my arms, and carried her into our room. She looked like she was going to fall asleep in my arms. When we got upstairs, we both changed into our pajamas and got into bed.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer to me. "Goodnight Clare" I whispered in her ear

"Goodnight Eli. I love you" she whispered back

"I love you too babe." I replied kissing the top of her head. Soon after we were both in a deep sleep. I can't wait for tomorrow to come.

*Next Morning*

Clare was still sleeping when I woke up this morning, so I thought I would make breakfast. As everything was cooking, I made some last minute phone calls for tonight's plans. Everything was set, and ready for the moment that would change our lives.

After finishing my final phone call, I heard Clare coming downstairs. I quickly got up and ran over to the stove; to make it look like that's what I was doing all along. She walked in the kitchen with her hair disheveled, but she was still the same gorgeous girl

"Good Morning Sleepyhead" I said, walking over to her, placing a kiss to her forehead

"Good Morning!" she said trying to hide the fact that she was tired, even though I knew she was since she yawned again.

"You hungry?" I questioned "I made breakfast…" gesturing to the plates of food on the table. "Yes I am" she answered, grabbing a plate and sitting down next to me.

After eating, Clare glanced at the clock on the wall, and began freaking out

"OH MY GOSH! I'm going to be late for work! She exclaimed, jumping out of her seat, and running upstairs. I could not help but laugh, because she had plenty of time to get to work on time, but she had to follow her "schedule". She's weird, but I love her

I heard the shower turn on, so I began cleaning up the dishes. 20 minutes went by, and finally Clare came downstairs ready for work.

"Alright, I've got to go. I don't want to be late"

She was almost out the front door, when I yelled "Wait!" She stopped in her tracks and slowly turned around "Yes?" she asked quietly

"Two things" I pressed, "One, make sure you're home early tonight, because I have a surprise for you" she smiled and nodded, "and two… you forgot to kiss me goodbye."

She laughed and ran over to me. I pulled her close and gently gave a kiss to her lips. We let go, and she quickly yelled "Bye Eli, I'll see you tonight." And with that she was out the door.

I smiled contently to myself, as I sat down on the couch. I didn't have to be at work for another hour, so I thought I would just watch TV. I wish tonight would come sooner.

*That night: 8 O'clock*

"Eli where are we going?" she complained in the passenger seat of Morty

"Sweetie, it's a surprise, I promise you'll love it"

"Fine. By the way, did I tell you that you look very handsome tonight?"

I looked down at what I was wearing: black dress pants, a white dress shirt, black tie, black combat boots, and a black jacket.

"No, but thank you. You look absolutely breathtaking tonight." I said, taking her hand in my right hand.

She blushed, and smiled at me. She was wearing a knee length, strapless purple dress, with silver high heels, and the diamond heart necklace I gave to her on her 16th birthday. Her hair was still short, and curly: just like it was in High School. Gorgeous would be an understatement if I had to describe her.

The time in the car slowly went by, as we made our journey to the destination. Years ago, on her sixteenth birthday, I brought her to a park that was magical to say the least. That was where I was bringing her to propose, but I have a couple new surprises up my sleeve. Finally, we arrived at our destination, and ran over to her side after parking the car. After a couple of minutes of silent walking, we reached the park. She gasped when she slowly saw where we were.

"Eli, you brought me here on my 16th birthday." She was gitty with excitement

"Yeah, I thought it would be a nice surprise." She ran over to me, and gave me a giant hug, symbolizing her happiness and excitement.

The destination was created to look similar to how it did 8 years ago. It was still this giant open grassy plain, surrounded by rose bud covered trees. This time, there was a picnic blanket lying on the ground with food and flowers.

My plan was to propose to her at midnight, but it would be a bit more special than the old "get down on one knee" thing. There was a lot more too it

We ate, and talked for so long; almost 3 hours straight. At eleven, I began making sure everything was set up; calling my friends when Clare was not listening. The final 50ish minutes went by too quickly. My first surprise was beginning.

"Clare, look up" I whispered in her ear. Fireworks began going off up in the air above us, making Clare and I watch in amazement. The display continued for another 10 minutes, before the grand finale went off.

She never took her eyes off the sky, until the final set of fireworks went off. It was time!

Fireworks lit up the sky saying "Clare, will you marry me?"

When this was up, I took the chance to take the ring out of my pocket. She began crying, as she looked at me, trying to find out if it was a joke. It wasn't. I took her hand in mine, and began pouring my heart out.

"Clare, you and I have been through a lot I the past eight years. You and I have seen each other during out highest, and lowest of times. You are the strongest women I have ever met, and I you to know, that you have changed me for the better. You are the most gorgeous girl I could ever meet, and it's weird to think that a smart, gorgeous, competent girl like you would fall for a guy like me. I want to be with you forever and always, and never let you go. I want to wake up next to you every morning. I love you more than anyone that's ever come into my life. You have my heart, and hopefully I have yours. What I am trying to say is, Clare Diane Edwards, Will you marry me?" I pulled the ring out of the box and watched her watch me, crying her eyes out.

"Yes" she whispered softly, crying. "Yes, Eli! I love you so much!" she answered again, a bit louder.

I slid the ring onto her fingers, and took her into my arms giving her the most passionate kiss EVER! She wrapped her arms around my neck, as I slowly wrapped my arms around her waist.

"I love you" she said

"I love you too, Fiancé" I replied kissing her temple. She giggled at the word, and smiled, leaning into my chest, as we lay in comfortable silence.

Together forever, I could get used to that….