I decided to head over to my parent's house to tell them the good news. Plus, mother might want to see the ring I got her. I pulled up on the driveway and parked the car. I walked in the door. "Roland!" mother called, running over to me. "Hi, mom," I said, as she hugged me.

"So?" father asked walking over. "What did her parents say?"

"I asked her mother," I clarified. "She said yes!" I couldn't help the smile that followed. "Good job!" father said, pleased.

"You're one step closer to having a family!" mother cheered.

"Now, I have to propose," I explained.

"Oh, proposal is the hardest part," father said. "I sat there, on my knee, for a while, going through every scenario in my head. Your mother said I sat there for three hours."

"Dad, I've heard that story a thousand times," I said.

"It's just good to hear!" father exclaimed, spreading the biggest smile across his face.

"I'm sure you'll do just fine," mother said. "You always think before you act."

"Better than I do anyway," father piped in. "I act before I think, which is why I sat there for three hours."

Mother hugged me again. "Roland, I'm so proud of you! I've always been looking forward to this day since you were born but I didn't expect it to come so quickly! My little boy is all grown up!" She started crying on me.

"Mom," I tried. I don't know why I did. There is no point in trying to stop her when she's already crying. I just waited until she was done. I did return the hug however. After a few minutes, she stopped crying and let me go. "I'm sorry. I'm just so proud and sad at the same time," mother said.

"It's fine," I said, reassuringly.

"Go propose, son," father said. "Let us know how it goes."

"Of course."

Being in the best mood I have been for a while, I drove back home. I need a plan to propose to Sahara. Something she won't catch onto. I want to see her reaction when I do.

Somehow, that brought my mind over to the lake that we went to for our first date. I paused. The lake...that would be the perfect spot! The perfect place for a proposal! But, how do I do it? How do I ask her to meet me there?

I got it! I'll just tell her there is something I want to show her! I wouldn't be lying, plus, I could take her anywhere at that point. It's just the thing I need. I need to ask her later though, when it's night. That's the best chance I have.

When the evening came, my heart became nervous. How would she answer? Would it be what I was hoping for? Would she say no? Right now isn't the time. I can't stop now, not when I'm so close.

I pulled up to Sahara's house and knocked on the door. I waited. Is she going to come? Am I doing all of this for nothing? Does she actually like me? "Oh, Roland!" a lovely voice broke my thoughts. I looked up to see Sahara. "Sahara! Hi!"

"What is it?"

"I, uh, I wanted to show you something," I said. Please work. "Really?" Sahara asked, excited. "What is it?"

"I need to take you somewhere first, if you don't mind."

"Oh, well..." her smile faded. "My father's home and he won't let me leave right now..."

"He won't notice. I'm sure your mother wouldn't mind," I said, noticing Sahara's mother walk past in the hallway. When she heard me, she looked and smiled at me. Then she walked closer. "Go on, Sahara. I'll make sure he won't notice."

"Are you sure? I-"

"Go on, dear," Ms. Mint said. "I got this. You two go enjoy yourselves."

"Thank you, mom!" Sahara smiled. She turned to me as Ms. Mint walked away. "Okay, let's go. What is it you want to show me?" She walked out and closed the door and hopped into the car as I opened the door for her. "Well, it won't be much of a surprise if I tell you, would it?'

Sahara stayed quiet in the car, excited for my surprise. I was too, however, thoughts kept invading my mind, the same as before. I kept trying to brush them off but they kept returning. Am I sure I want to do this? What if she breaks my heart? I've never loved someone before. If she turns me down, it's the end of the world. Does she really want to be with your forever or does she just like hanging out with you?

Thankfully, through those thoughts, I managed to drive to the lake. "Ooh! The lake!" Sahara jumped out of her seat, forgetting to unbuckle first. She did and immediately jumped out of the car. She ran right over the edge of the lake. I stayed in the car.

Come on, I have to do this! I can't let these thoughts stop me! No doubt is going through me! I left the car and fiddled with the box in my pocket. It's not that hard. I'm just asking her to be with me forever. To be my wife. Nothing to worrying.

Who am I kidding? This is the hardest part! Asking her to be my wife, to be with me forever. That's a long shot! I can't do anything like that! I took a deep breath. Father could do it. So why can't I? Why can't I ask her to marry me?

I looked at the floor. It only just occurred to me that I was pacing. Why do I that when I'm nervous? I sighed. There's no turning back now. I do want to ask her, it's just...I'm not sure if it's the right choice. Is Sahara the right person for me? My heart says so, but my mind is having second thoughts.

"You have to take risks," Eugene's words came back in my head. He's right, like always. I have to stop overthinking things. I have to take risks!

I walked over to Sahara. Okay, I can do this. I took a deep breath and knelt down. She hasn't noticed me yet. That made the thoughts rush in again. Should I really do this? Is this what I want?

I shook them off. Now, it's too late for those. "Sahara," I called. She looked at my direction, didn't find me, and looked down. She held her hands up to her mouth.

I realized then that I wasn't holding the box. I pulled it out of my pocket, fumbled with it, and caught it. "Sahara," I opened the box, "will...will you marry me?" That's it. That's the question. Time for the biggest moment. Her answer.

Sahara stood there, staring at me. I couldn't help but notice that there are people nearby, watching. My heart raced. What is she thinking? Is she breaking up with me? Is she going to say-

"Yes." I looked up. "Huh?"

"Yes. Roland! Yes!" Sahara began to cry but out of joy. My heart raced in a different way. She said yes! I did it! I quickly stood up. "You will?"

"Yes!" She hugged me. "Yes! I will!" She said yes! I wasn't hearing things! I returned her hug. "Thank you," she whispered. We broke the hug so I slid the engagement ring on her finger. She stared at it. "Roland, it's lovely!" She hugged me again.