Page 58 of Love in the Countdown

Ben comes inside a few minutes later and says he’s going to freshen up. I’m watching the live broadcast of Times Square when he finally comes back downstairs. He’s dressed and looking handsome as ever. My eyes roam over his body, drinking in the sight of his sculpted muscles straining against the buttons of his shirt, the fabric stretched taut, revealing the corded strength beneath.

“See something you like?” He smirks, catching me checking him out.

“Oh, definitely,” I scoff but smile up at him from my seat.

“Come on. I have to show you something.” He gives me a kiss and helps me up off the couch.

“But we’ll miss the ball drop!” I know I’m pouting, but I can’t help it.

Ben smiles indulgently at me and hands me my coat. He sits me down on the bench and helps me into my winter boots. He leads me outside a few feet before turning around to face me.

“Do you trust me?” he asks, looking deeply into my eyes as he pulls out a scarf from his pocket.

Though I eye the scarf suspiciously, I don’t even have to think about it. I trust him with everything I have. I nod, and he places the scarf over my eyes. The last thing I see is the excited gleam in his eyes. He ties it behind my head and then guides me to where he wants me to go with his hands on my shoulders.

My heart is racing. I have no clue what he’s up to. I thought the significance of New Year’s Eve would make me feel sad since it was the day that sparked so much change in my life, but I have been excited to have Ben by my side at midnight to ring in the new year. I’m trying not to let a single event define my happiness for the entire year.

He finally stops me and then pushes my shoulders to turn me around. I feel his warmth leave as he steps away from me, the anticipation killing me.

“Okay, you can look.”

I whip off the scarf and look around. I’m confused at first. He’s set up a string of lights across the pergola in our backyard. In the center is a spinning disco ball. He has his iPad turned on to livestream the Times Square countdown I had just been watching from the couch. The seconds are counting down closer to midnight. Ben also has a projector setup pointing toward the side of the house. The image is of the two of us at a beer fest we went to early in our relationship. “Will you marry me?” is written across the image.

I look around for Ben before I feel a tap on my shoulder. Whirling around, I find Ben on his knee. I gasp and cover my mouth with my hands, tears welling in my eyes. In his hands is aring box opened up to a beautiful cushion-cut diamond the size of my head.

“Emily Nguyen, the day you asked me to be your roomie was the best day of my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and the baby we have made. I love you with every beat of my heart, and I want you to be my wife. Please be my wife and my roomie for life.” He gives me a sideways smile.

The sound of the excited crowd escalates as the last ten seconds approach.

10…

“Aren’t you supposed to ask me?” I chuckle and give him my hand.

9…

“No, I’m not taking no for an answer.” He takes the ring out of the box and slides it on my finger.

8…

He grasps my hand, places a soft kiss on the ring, and stands up to cup my face.

7…

“I love you,” I cry into his hands.

6…

“I love you, future wife.”

5…

The people continue to count down the seconds to midnight, but I’m not paying any more attention as Ben kisses me hard on the lips, parting them with his tongue, and I moan as our tongues dance. After a few seconds, he pulls away and gives me a big hug.

We sway to the shouts and cheers of people celebrating the new year. Ben holds me tight to his chest and kisses my head as I admire the sparkly new ring.

In the past year, I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve found my self-worth and learned that I don’t need to settle forless than what I deserve. I found a man who loves and respects me while giving me the independence I need.

I found love in the countdown.

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