5 years, 260 weeks, 1826 days, 43829 hours.

Santana's POV

5 years ago I never thought that I'd be at this point in my life. I never thought I'd be mature enough for this decision but I feel like im ready for it. Im ready to take the next step.

After I graduated NYU with my law degree I started at a small law firm and from there I worked my way up to where I bought my own business (with my parents help). Now I own one of the most successful law firms in the city. Luck has really been on my side these past 5 years.

After high school I came to New York to find myself, to find out who I was without the people I know and love to back me up along the way, but that's not saying I was alone. Of course I was still friends with Brittany and Puck but my chance in the city was to be Santana Lopez, someone who no one else here knows, where no one knows my history and my background, so that I can start fresh and not be who I was expected to be by those around me. I wanted to make something of myself and that's what I did.

Right now I don't think things could be any better. I live in a great apartment which is in the upper west side. I've been so lucky with grabbing this place; one of my clients hooked me up with it after we won his case.

After my accident my parents really came around, I don't know what the sudden change was for them, maybe it was the thought of losing me, I don't know but were closer than we've ever been. I couldn't be happier about that; a solid relationship with them is all I've ever wanted. We communicate regularly; they come up to New York every month to see me. Sometimes I feel bad about not going to visit them whenever they ask me to come home I usually just say im busy with work so they just come up here instead. Truth is, I never want to go back to Lima. It brings back too many bad memories that I don't want to relive. I don't think I've been back there in about 4 years.

Puck and Britt are probably the only ones I've kept in touch with from Lima. In her 1st year at Miami Britt dropped out and enrolled into a dance school in New York, which I was happy about because whenever I spoke to her she never really spoke like she enjoyed it. Currently Britt is a backup dancer for Beyoncé, which is crazy. I went to see her when she was on tour, she killed it. I've never seen Brittany look so happy; dancing is what she is meant to do so im so proud and happy for her that she's doing something she loves. As for Puck he graduated from UCLA with a degree in business, I didn't even know he had it in him. When he graduated I came up their too see him for his graduation and the party afterwards, at the party he told me he had a surprise for me. He told me he got offered a job in New York. We celebrated hard that night. Living in New York with my best friends was a dream. Five years ago I never thought that us three would be here.

The sound of my alarm woke me up. 6:30am, time to get up and get ready for work. I couldn't help but feel nervous, it wasn't time yet but it was leading up to it. I had to get past work first.

Every morning when I get to work I can't help but smile and think about what I have accomplished. I created this. I walk in to my office and take a seat on my chair. My office window has a great view of Manhattan, this was the main reason I located the business here so every day I could look at this view.

"Good morning boss"

My assistance Chloe interrupts my thoughts. To be honest I couldn't off asked for a better assistant, I don't think she's ever done anything wrong, plus she's a great therapist for when I need to vent to someone. Chloe is more like a friend than an employee.

"Morning Chloe" I reply to her.

"So todays the big day" Chloe says to me with a big smile on her face, she knows what's going on.

"Yup" I breathe out.

"You nervous?"

"You noticed huh?" I try to laugh out.

"Don't be nervous San, you too are perfect for each other, you'll do great" see that's why I love her, she manages to calm me down in some way.

"Yeah" I say back to her. I know she's right.

"Trust me, everything will be ok, she'll say yes and then you will live happily ever after" I can't help but smile back at her when she has that big grin on her face, I swear it's contagious.

"Now stop worrying and start focusing because you have the Jefferson case this afternoon and this morning you have a meeting with Mrs Lawson, oh and your mother called asking if you would call her back"

"Did my mom say what it was about?" I ask.

"She said something about having the wedding back in Lima or something like that" I cringe at her words. I told my parent's that I was going to propose about a month ago and ever since then my mom's not been shy about giving idea's for the wedding but I know for sure that there is no fucking chance that I will get married in Lima, Ohio.

"Well that is most definitely not going to happen so I'll just call her later."

With that Chloe nods and leave's the room as I get prepared for my meeting.

The day passes pretty quickly, as soon as I know it it's 5pm and im getting ready to leave.

On my way home I stop by to pick up some flowers for the occasion.

When I get home I get changed and get the apartment ready for when she gets home. Around an hour later everything is ready. I've got the ring in my pocket for when she gets here.

As soon as I here keys in the door I get in position. The door open's and my beautiful blonde girlfriend stops her tracks to take a look around her. She notices me in position and I guess this is my que to start.

"Hey babe, I know this might come as a surprise but I feel like it's time for us. I love you so much, everything about you. I know we've had our rough times but what couple hasn't. I love everything about you, your smile, your hair, your eyes, your personality. I could go on. So I want to take the next step."

She's now right in front of me, I cant see the tears of happiness run down her cheeks.

It's now or never.

"Ashley will you marry me?"