Page 147 of Take This Heart
“Hi,” I say. “You look way too pretty this morning. But you’re always beautiful.”
“I was just thinking the same about you.”
I tug her toward me and give her a lingering kiss. “How are you feeling? You ready for this day?”
“Now that I’ve had my coffee, I think so. How ‘bout you?”
“I’m ready. I feel good about things. I might need another cup of coffee, but…” I grin.
Now that she’s pulled back a little, I notice she’s holding something.
“What’s that?” I ask.
“I’ve got a little present for you.” She smiles and lifts up a small box.
“What? A present?”
“I wanted to give you something…because I love you and because you’ve done so much for me and my family. You’ve picked up my brothers from the airport when Tully couldn’t. You’ve driven to Minneapolis to get the cloth napkins when we found out they weren’t going to be delivered in time. I saw the list you were working on last night and it’s as long as mine.” Her eyes glisten and she presses her lips together. “I just wanted to say I’ve noticed every sacrifice you’ve made, every way you’ve gone above and beyond what any architect would ever do…beyond any boyfriend I’ve ever seen too.” A tear drips down her cheek and I catch it. “Goodness, all this buildup and the gift is just something simple, but I love you.”
I press my lips to hers. “God, I love you. Thank you. I’ddo it all again to be with you. I love you and your family, and I’m proud to be around to witness what you’re doing here.”
“You’re a part of this just as much as I am. I want you to know that.”
I’m touched that she feels this way. I wanted to bring her vision and her dad and brothers’ vision to life, and somewhere along the way, I became completely invested.
“Thank you,” I say quietly. “Thank you for letting me be part of this.”
“I couldn’t have done any of it without you.”
“You could’ve.”
“Let’s not go back to arguing,” she says, sniffling.
I laugh and she hands me the box.
I open it and am stunned when I see an antique compass in perfect condition.
“Goldie,” I breathe out. “It’s beautiful.”
“You are my true north,” she says. “And no matter what we go through, I want you to always find your way back to me.”
I lean down and kiss her. “I will. Always.”
“I had it restored. The needle was re-magnetized, so it works!”
I lift it carefully out of the box and smile when the needle moves into position.
“This is such a thoughtful gift. I’m—” I shake my head, beyond moved. “Thank you. I love it.”
“You’re welcome,” she says softly.
I place the compass back in the box and put it in my pocket, pulling the ring box out.
Her eyes go round when she sees it.
“I have something for you too,” I tell her.
I get on one knee and she gapes. When I open the box, she gasps.
