"I'm actually really glad you're out here, by this tree. I know it was Sid's favourite, and this is exactly where I wanted to do it."
"What are you talking about?"
"I've been so nervous all day, and I was hoping the clinic would be quiet since Linus said I could leave if it was, but of course, it wasn't, so I wasn't able to get away early and do something."
"What? What are you talking about?"
He drops to his knee and pulls out a small box.
My heart races, and the world around us seems to blur. I barely hear his words over the pounding in my chest, but the way he looks up at me—with that blend of nervousness and certainty—says everything.
"I realise this is slightly unconventional since we're already legally married, but I wanted to do this anyway because I love you Muir Landers, with all my heart, with every fibre of my being. You're the man for me, the only man for me, and I would be honoured if you would be my husband? Properly and soberly this time." He opens the box and smiles. "I bought it when we were in Brissie. I hope you like it."
I peer into the box. The ring is simple but elegant, a smooth silver band with a subtle matte finish that catches the light. "It's perfect…but wait, Brisbane?"
He got the ring in Brisbane? We were there over a month ago.
"When you know you know," he says with a smile as he looks up at me. "And I fucking knew. So…what do you say?"
I lift a finger, and he frowns. "Uh, Muir? What's going on?"
"Don't worry. It's nothing bad," I assure him as I pull my phone out and join him on the grass.
"Are you going to text me your response?"
"No." I smile. "When was the last time you opened TikTok?"
"At lunchtime. Why?"
"Ah. So you haven't seen it."
His frown deepens. "Seen what?"
"This."
I hand him the phone and study his face as he watches my video.
When it finishes playing, he looks up and locks eyes with me. "This is my TikTok account."
I smile proudly. "It is."
"As in, it'sliveon my TikTok."
"Yep."
"You posted a video of yourself on my TikTok?" It's cute that it comes out as a question. He shakes his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you did that. It's incredible."
"Guess all your years of nagging finally worked."
He cups my cheek in his palm. "Why did you do it?"
"Because I wanted to. Today's a special day for us."
"So you remembered?"
"Of course I did. What sort of best friend slash husband slash potential fiancé would I be if I didn't remember the anniversary of our blackout wedding?"
He chuckles. "And why did you do it so publicly?"