Chapter 12 - First Coachella
Aubrey could feel her heart thundering in her chest as she sat in one of the V.I.P. tents with Chloe. Stacie was across the room with Beca being introduced to Alessia Cara and the members of the Chainsmokers. She smiled as she watched her girlfriend effortlessly make the group laugh and Chloe nudged her shoulder with a knowing smile.
"You're going to do it tonight, aren't you," asked Chloe and Aubrey took in a shaky breath as she thought about the ring pouch currently sitting at the bottom of her purse. She felt like she spent most of their first day at Coachella checking to make sure the ring hadn't fallen out or gotten lost.
"I don't think I can wait any longer. I've known for so long. It feels like an eternity."
"Well, you did ask for her parents' blessing four months ago. It has been a while, Bree," teased Chloe and Aubrey groaned.
"What if this isn't the right moment? I mean proposing at Coachella? Really?"
"It isn't like you are plastering it on one of the screens. This is a big moment for the both of you. You are in great places and I think this is perfect. She won't even expect it because she is distracted by all the glitz and glamor."
"Okay," agreed Aubrey and Chloe clapped happily.
"What are you so excited about," asked Stacie as she and Beca walked back over to them. They sat down on the couches and Aubrey glanced over at her best friend, but knew Chloe wouldn't miss a beat.
"I just can't believe we are at Coachella. This is bucket list stuff and we are here schmoozing with the stars because my girl is aca-awesome," giggled Chloe before tenderly kissing Beca.
"Not aca-awesome," whined Beca with a teasing smile and Stacie smiled at them before wrapping her arms around Aubrey.
"You okay, baby? You seem distracted," said Stacie and Aubrey nodded. She kissed her sweetly and gave her a wink.
"Just a bit overwhelmed," she answered somewhat honestly and Stacie gave her a wink.
"I know you aren't the biggest fan of massive crowds, so how about you and I sneak away for a bit before Calvin's performance," suggested Stacie. Aubrey stood up and held out her hand, which Stacie happily took.
"We'll be back later," called Stacie over her shoulder and Beca gave them a thumb up while Chloe winked at Aubrey. The couple headed out of the tent and walked hand in hand around the grounds as the sun began to set. Aubrey couldn't help but stare at Stacie in awe of how beautiful she was. The California sun complemented her and Aubrey didn't think it was possible, but sun-kissed Stacie with tanned skin and streaks of light brown in her hair was even more breathtaking than she ever imagined.
"I don't know how I got so damn lucky," Aubrey mumbled and Stacie blushed when she heard the words. She stopped and wrapped her arms around Aubrey as she rested their foreheads against one another.
"I can say the same about you, Bree. I am so proud of you."
"Me? You are the one already about to complete grad school and ready to take on the nerd world," teased Aubrey and Stacie giggled.
"You are pretty nerdy yourself, Miss Posen. I can't believe you already made partner. All those nights apart totally paid off and now I get you whenever I want. Partners don't have to travel as much, right," questioned Stacie and Aubrey smiled as she nodded.
"Right," assured Aubrey.
"Which means maybe you and I can start looking for a place of our own now. I know my dad wants us to move up to Portland, but I love it here, and while he will never admit it, I can do my work from the site in Burbank."
"I am pretty sure he is kicking himself for opening a subsidy in L.A. now," giggled Aubrey and Stacie nodded.
"To be fair, that was in the works when I was in high school. I just helped it flourish by doing most of my research there instead of at UCLA. So, what do you say? Want to be my permanent roomie?"
"I thought I already was," challenged Aubrey and Stacie nipped at her bottom lip before nodding.
"Good point," she moaned. Their lips meshed together in a sweet kiss that quickly turned passionate and Stacie rested her head on Aubrey's shoulder when they pulled apart.
"Even after all these years, you still make my head swim," whispered Stacie and Aubrey smiled serenely. She buried her nose in Stacie's hair, inhaling to take in the sweet scent of perfume mixed with what she could only describe as distinctly Stacie. She opened her eyes and noticed the sun was in the perfect phase of setting, creating streaks of pink, orange, purple, and red in the sky. The festival stages were in the backdrop with the couple having walked away from the crowds for a moment of peace. Golden light showered over them with long shadows casted by the sun and the breeze swirled around. In that moment, she no longer was hesitant or nervous. She didn't worry about Stacie's answer or if the timing was right. With Stacie's eyes closed, basking in the moment of quiet together, Aubrey slipped her hand into her small purse and sighed in relief when she felt the familiar fabric of the pouch. She opened it and looped the cool metal of the diamond ring on her index finger before pulling her hand back out. She kissed the top of Stacie's head, effectively getting her attention and causing her eyes to flutter back open. They widened when they saw the diamond sparkling in the golden light and her head darted up to search Aubrey's eyes, wanting to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
"Anastacia Marie Conrad, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I can't imagine my life without you. Will you marry me?" Tears filled Stacie's eyes as she happily nodded and jumped into Aubrey's arms. Aubrey laughed and cupped her backside as Stacie wrapped her legs around Aubrey waist.
"Yes, yes, always yes," giggled Stacie as she showered her with kisses. They kissed and held each other close, reveling in their moment for as long as possible, before Stacie hopped down and started laughing. Aubrey smiled in amusement at her sudden outburst.
"What," she questioned and Stacie sighed happily as she shook her head.
"I should have known. You are so competitive that even when you don't know, you still have to win," teased Stacie and before Aubrey could question her, she pulled a diamond ring out of her pocket.
"I was going to propose tonight when we got home, but something told me to bring it with me just in case," she informed and Aubrey's jaw dropped.
"Wait, you were going to propose," laughed Aubrey and Stacie nodded.
"I guess great minds think alike," teased Stacie as she got down on one knee. Aubrey beamed with happiness at the gesture and gave Stacie her hand.
"Aubrey Elizabeth Posen, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife," she asked formally and Aubrey happily nodded as Stacie slipped the ring on her finger. Aubrey pulled her up and showered her with kisses.
"I love you," she cried and Stacie used her thumb to wipe the tears away from her cheeks.
"I love you too. Now, put that ring on my finger so I can show it off."
"Oh, right," laughed Aubrey and Stacie grinned from ear to ear when Aubrey slipped the diamond ring on her finger.
"Perfect fit," whispered Aubrey in relief and Stacie kissed her.
"Just like you," she assured before capturing her lips again. Neither knew how long they stayed that way, wrapped in one another kissing and basking in their moment, but the sound of Beca's voice made them pull apart.
"Found them, jeez guys, we thought we lost you. Come on, Calvin's set is about to….are those rings," exclaimed Beca and Chloe nodded happily as she jumped on both of them.
"You're engaged," she cheered and Beca frowned in confusion.
"Wait, Chlo knew about this? Why didn't I know," asked Beca and Stacie rolled her eyes.
"Because while you are one of the most private people I know, you absolutely suck at keeping secrets. You get all jumpy and Aubrey would notice within minutes of being around you," explained Stacie and Beca begrudgingly nodded in agreement.
"True, but I would never have told. I would have just made up some story about being stressed about the album, which is totally true," defended Beca. Chloe giggled.
"Well, to be fair, I had no clue that Stacie was proposing and only knew about Aubrey because I caught her trying to hide the ring bag," admitted Chloe and Aubrey rolled her eyes.
"Yea, do you know how hard it is to have privacy and try to hide stuff living with you three? It is next to impossible because someone is always home. I knew I had to take the chance though with Stacie out of the house. Beca was in her own little world with her headphones on, so I thought I was in the clear until Chloe came home from the dance studio early," explained Aubrey and Stacie kissed her cheek.
"Then I guess it is a good thing we are looking for own our place," she said.
"What," shrieked Chloe and Beca. Aubrey gave Stacie a look and she smiled sheepishly.
"Which we were going to announce later," she added and Aubrey nodded.
"We aren't moving right this moment and you know the housing market in L.A. is ridiculous, so we will have plenty of time together still as roommates, okay," said Aubrey and Chloe pouted, but nodded.
"Fine. You better be glad I am so happy for the two of you right now. Congratulations," she said as she hugged them and Beca joined in as well.
"We love you guys," added Beca.