Archie Andrews and Veronica Lodge found themselves amidst the vibrant hum of New York City, a place that seemed to pulse with life even as the night deepened. The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, with its shimmering reflections of city lights on the water, provided a serene escape from the constant buzz of the metropolis. It was a place where the two of them could walk, talk, and rediscover the love they once knew.

"New York at night," Archie mused as he glanced over at Veronica, her dark hair catching the city lights. "It's like a different world, isn't it?"

Veronica smiled, her eyes sparkling. "It really is. There's something magical about it. It's like... anything can happen here."

As they walked, Archie couldn't help but let his mind drift back to their shared past. The memories of Riverdale were both sweet and bittersweet. He looked at her, and the words that had been building up inside him for so long began to spill out.

"Veronica," he began, his voice tinged with emotion, "I've been thinking a lot about us. About everything we've been through. Riverdale, high school, all those ups and downs. And, well... there's something I need to say."

Veronica turned to him, her expression softening. "Go on, Archie. I'm listening."

Archie took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. "I've always loved you, Veronica. Even when we were apart, even when things were complicated. You were always there, in the back of my mind. And now, being here with you again, it feels like coming home."

Veronica stopped walking and looked directly into his eyes. "Archie, I... I feel the same way. Ever since we got back together after my divorce from Chad, I've realized just how much I love you. How much I've always loved you. You're my rock, my safe place."

Archie's heart swelled with a mixture of relief and joy. "Veronica, you have no idea how much that means to me. I've been carrying this around for so long, and hearing you say that... it's everything."

Veronica reached out and took his hand, her grip warm and reassuring. "We're here now, Archie. Together. And that's all that matters."

Archie nodded, his eyes brimming with tears. "You're right. It's just... there's one more thing I need to do."

Veronica raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh? And what's that?"

Archie took a step back, reaching into his pocket. His heart pounded as he knelt down on one knee, pulling out a small, velvet box. He looked up at Veronica, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Veronica Lodge, will you marry me?"

Veronica gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. For a moment, she was speechless, her eyes filling with tears of joy. Then, she nodded vigorously, a radiant smile breaking across her face.

"Yes, Archie! Yes, I'll marry you!"

Archie slipped the ring onto her finger, feeling a wave of happiness wash over him. He stood up, pulling her into his arms, and they kissed passionately, the city around them fading away until it was just the two of them, wrapped in their own world of love and promises for the future.

As they continued their walk along the waterfront, hand in hand, Archie couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning. They had faced so much together, and now, they were ready to face whatever the future held, side by side.

Veronica leaned her head on Archie's shoulder, her voice soft and content. "I can't wait to start this new chapter with you, Archie."

"Me too, Veronica," Archie replied, squeezing her hand gently. "Me too."