I walked out onto the dock of the Argo in my pyjamas and wrapped up in a shawl. I reached the ledge of the boat, resting my elbows onto its wood. That's how Harry found me a few minutes later. My head turned to see him coming over to me. His eyes were low and gentle, locked securely onto mine. Harry, my own gaze lowered adoring his way.
"Can't sleep?" This perfect man asked, planting his elbows beside mine. After watching him for a moment, my stare returned back out at the water. My lips parted ever so slightly, waiting a minute to speak. "Harry, you know that no matter what happens, you'll always be with me. Always….."
Harry looked at me for the longest time; his own lips opening eventually. I think he could tell something was up. "What's wrong, Mal? Just now, you sounded a bit…." Harry didn't finish his sentence. I drew in a deep, silent breath. "Nothing. I just wanted to make sure you knew…." After another couple of minutes of us not saying anything, Harry's head also turned to face the water.
"Well, yeah; course I know that. It doesn't matter where you are; you're never out of sight, Mal," he said with such tenderness. "Harry," I gazed over at him. "This whole trip's got me thinking… Actually, I've been thinking about it for a while now. I know our parents won't like it, but who gives a damn about that anymore? When I want to see my future, all I have to do is look beside me." "Harry!" My eyes widened, touched. "Mal, you're the only one I know who I can watch for a minute and find a thousand things to love about." "Oh, Harry…." The corners of my eyes welled up with tears. "Ever since we were little, when you showed me what true kindness looks like, I knew you were the one….. And that's confirmed each and every time I look at you." His hook and hand reached down to take mine in his. My eyes rolled up from them to his facing. His eyes were the gentlest, most affectionate I'd ever seen…. "Yeah, I'm sure about this. I know…. All my happiness rests in your smile now, not mine. So what do you say, babe? Wanna make this a thing when we get back home? Will you be my forever girl and stay with me….. forever?"
I couldn't do anything be simply, merely, organically, effortlessly stare at him- at Harry. This wonderful, beautiful man who is so precious to me…. That's what I wanted; that's what I've always wanted more than words could say. I would have given anything for a future together back on the island. I want this with my entire body and soul. But… My lips parted a sliver. Our eyes locked again, and I felt my heart quiver uncontrollably inside me. This man who will always be with me….. "I love you, Harry," was all I said.
Harry's face beamed with the purest, most sweetest delight. Taking this to be an affirmation to his proposal, he proceeded to pull me for an elated embrace. His arms wrapped so tight around me, but my arms held onto him tighter. I pressed myself into him as closely as humanly possible. While Harry wore a smile a mile wide, my grin vanished once he could no longer see my face. I just held him for as long as I could, imprinting what his arms around me felt like into my memory. I wanted to remember this moment perfectly…. After all, you're my forever boy too, Harry.
There's no doubt in my mind whatsoever.