"You gave me peace in a lifetime of war."

. . .

Three Years Later

I'm turning seventeen today, I thought to myself. I smiled at the mirror, my hair reaching just past my shoulders, as it has for a year now. My body has finally ceased growing, my legs long and my stomach thin, though Rick would prefer if I had some more meat on me. Then again, he doesn't care how I look as long as I still love him, which I did.

I toyed with the ring on my right hand-his promise to me, which he's kept, just like he has all his promises.

I tugged on my navy dress and checked my teeth before bounding out of my room and down the stairs where everyone's waiting for my birthday party to start. The second my foot touched the last step, applause rang out and cheers were heard. I grin as my sister engulfs me in a tight hug, whispering "Happy birthday" in my ear. I squeeze her back.

And to think it's only been three years.

After my arrival three years ago, Alex and I couldn't tear ourselves away from each other. I soon realized I was leaving Rick in the dark, but he didn't mind. He purposefully distanced himself so I could bond with my sister without feeling the guilt of leaving him behind. Scott, my annoying stepbrother, and Rick grew quite close, surprisingly. And when Alex returned to school, Mom tried to get me to go with her. When she saw my reluctance because of Rick, she relented to allowing me to be homeschooled, seeing as Rick had already graduated.

Hugh, my stepfather, actually offered Rick a job as a field hand on the vineyard a few weeks after we moved in and Rick was searching for work. And now, at 21, Rick runs the show as a co-manager with Scott.

I released my sister to be engulfed in another hug-this time from my mother. Her smile was radiant and infectious. I smiled back at her and returned her embrace. Scott and Hugh both gave me a heartfelt "Happy birthday" and a half-hug. Turning, I smiled at the friends I've made throughout the years. Most are girls I worked with at the local diner. I hugged them and laughed with them, but my mind was wondering where my boyfriend was.

I gave them one last smile and disengaged from the conversation to go look for him.

After a while, I found him, standing in the gazebo out back. I smiled as I approached him.

"Hiding out, are we?" I grinned.

He grinned back. "Just waiting to have you all to myself."

I slipped my arms around him, holding him to my chest as he wraps his arms around me. His eyes gazed into mine, something lurking in their depths. "Penny for your thoughts?"

His smile widened. "My thoughts cost a lot more than a penny."

He released me and stepped back. I frowned, but he put up his hand and stopped me from stepping closer to him. He still held his smile as he bent to one knee.

I gasped, my hands flying up to cover my mouth in shock. What's he doing? Is he doing what I think he's doing? My mind races.

I waited as he slowly pulled out a black velvet box from his pant pocket. He held it up to me, lid still closed. "Alyssa, you've made me the happiest man in the world. Your smile and bright personality light up my entire world. You are my everything, my heart. Each and every day, you take my breath away, surprising me in so many ways. Please, do me the honor and be my love, my future, my wife."

Tears formed in my eyes and spilled as he finished proposing. My voice had failed me and I manage to nod vigorously. He grinned and finally opened the box, revealing the most elegant ring-white gold with crossing bands beneath a small diamond. I cry harder as he slips it on my left hand.

I grinned wider and he stood and pulled me to his chest, kissing me fiercely. Behind us, I heard claps and cheers. Release Rick, I turned and saw my family and friends watching from a distance. I saw my mother and sister, with tears staining their faces, and Hugh, holding out tissues. I turn back to Rick. "They knew?"

He shrugged. "I had to ask their permission."

I chuckled. "You're so amazing."

"No." He kissed me briefly. "You're amazing."

I pulled him closer to deepen the kiss. He's my everything. Even without the visions, which stopped over a year ago, I would have fallen in love with him.

He's perfect.

He's mine.

Forever.

Author's Note: The end! Thanks for reading! I'm sorry, I'm a shitty author. This is the best I could do with having being gone for so long in between updates. Again, I had no preconceived idea on how the story was going to go from the get-go. I just had an idea and sent it off, writing as I went. (BAD IDEA! Always organize your story before posting it. Learn from my mistakes.) I'm not to keen on this story, but I'm glad I got to finish it.

Thank you for reading!

Reviews and Favorites welcomed! :)

Willow