Emery fiddled with his coat, feeling the ring in his pocket. He watched from his own window as the scenery passed by. Of course, he snuck several glances at Ceony. She clutched her certification in her hands, the smile on her face not wavering. She finally got what she wanted.

His own smile wouldn't waver either. He was going to finally do it, what he wanted as well. He watched as the scenery sped by and he felt a sting in his chest. He was really nervous, he just noticed that.

"Where are we going?" She asked as the buggy turned to a dirt road.

"You'll recognize it." He said, seeing Ceony try to figure out where they were going. It amused him. This was a special place in his heart, so for sure, Ceony had to have see it previously. But at least now, he could fill the empty space and replace it with Ceony, rather than merely having the hope of a family.

The buggy stopped and he got out, extending a hand for Ceony, who graciously took it. He led her up the hill carefully, feeling the sweat appear on his forehead. He was so nervous, but he wouldn't let Ceony see it. He stopped when they reached the familiar maroon-leafed tree he knew all too well.

"I love you." She said and Emery only sighed, his eyes smiling.

"I believe I'm supposed to be doing the talking, Miss Twill." He said, releasing her hand and bringing himself closer, his hands on the corners of her neck. "You're the kind of woman that makes me want to believe in God, Ceony. I don't know how else it could be possible to find you. For heaven's sake, you even delivered yourself on my front door." God, this sounded incredibly cheesy, but Ceony smiled, so he must be doing something right. "How many men can honestly say a woman has walked their heart? But I can and if you'll have me, I'd like you to stay there." She started to tear up. He was still probably doing something right.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his intricately Folded loop of violet and white paper about the width of his fist. The ring he had chosen a few days previously hung from it, the diamond and emeralds glimmering in the sunlight.

He slipped the ring from the loop and turned it in his hands. He dropped to one knee and held it up to her, asking, "Ceony Maya Twill, will you marry me?"

The moment felt legendary.

"No."

Then it was not.

"W-what?" He stuttered, looking at her. He was confused.

"I can't." She said, "I just can't. I'm sorry."

He jolted awake, falling onto the wooden floor with a loud thud, crying out in surprise. Ceony woke up as well, shocked at the blankets that had started to slide to the left. "Emery!"

"Oh thank the heavens." Emery said, sitting up. He rubbed the back of his neck, fishing for the matches in the drawer. Once he had found them, he lit a match and lit the candle on his bedside table. Ceony looked concerned, glancing down at him.

"Did something happen? You almost gave me a heart attack." Ceony said, getting out of bed to help him up. He graciously took her hand, rubbing his back now.

"I had a nightmare." He admitted, picking up the blanket and placed it onto the bed. The two stood in silence and Emery sighed. "You rejected my proposal." Ceony blinked, looking at him like he was joking.

"Is that what the fuss was all about?" Ceony said, a smile dancing on her lips. She started to laugh. Emery's brow furrowed. The door to the bedroom slightly opened and two boys looked into the room.

"Mum? Dad? What was that noise?" The taller one asked, frowning.

"Oh, kids." Ceony said, walking over to them. "It's alright. Your father merely had a nightmare. Go back to your room, okay?" She kneeled down and kissed them both on the forehead. The two nodded, deciding not to ask any questions to avoid any troubles. They closed the door carefully. Ceony turned her attention back to Emery as she walked back over. "My goodness, Emery Thane. I expected your nightmares to be less...mundane." Ceony said, wiping a tear from her eyes. "You've fought so many things and yet that's the thing that perturbs you."

"It's not funny Ceony." He said with upmost seriousness. Ceony studied him carefully and lifted her hand to show her ring. It glimmered in the candlelight.

"If I had rejected you, I wouldn't be standing here right now." Ceony said, "If I had rejected you, they wouldn't exist." She said, referencing to the two kids. "If I had rejected you, it would have been a very stupid decision. I probably wouldn't be as happy as I am today."

"I would have probably tried to gain your love." Emery said, "But I think I've already done that, my dear."

"How modest of you." Ceony said, climbing back into bed, facing him.

"I am your modest husband after all." Emery said, following in suit. He sat up in the bed, running a hand through his hair.

"Mmhmm." She murmured in agreement, closing her eyes. Emery adjusted the blankets to cover her and himself. He looked at her sleeping face, admiring her complexion before blowing the candle out and falling asleep peacefully.

another one of those that could be better, but this is all I got.