Strawberry Boy

I pulled out my phone again, checking if I was in the right spot. It’s beautiful out here, I thought to myself, looking around at the empty park. I have always loved this place; it is so peaceful.

“Where are you, Anthony….” I mumble to myself, crossing my arms as the cool breeze promises later rain. From over the hill, I see my boyfriend, Anthony, running over the large hill that has the perfect view to the lake. I laugh and wave my arms.

“Penny! There-” Anthony leans over, panting and holding an arm out. I can't help but smile at his disheveled hair and his hurried button-up shirt. “There you are!” he finished, smiling. I laugh and take his hand, kissing his cheek.

“There I am??” I snorted and fixed his hair. “More like, there you are! I’ve been waiting here for ages!” I tease, smiling.

“Sorry sweetheart,” he laughs, leading me by the hand down one of the many hills.

“Setting up took a little while.” he clears his throat and looks away from me. I tilt my head in curiosity and smile, saying nothing as he leads me. We stop by a big tree, and he turns to me, his beautiful brown eyes wide with excitement.

“Ok! Close your eyes!” he laughs. Oh gosh, why are you so adorable? I think to myself as I close my eyes

“Now…don’t peek!” I feel him take both of my hands, leading me around the tree and having me step over various items. My foot catches on random objects, causing me to stumble.

"Where are you taking me?" I laugh as I almost trip over a root. I smile as I hear him laugh. "Just wait! It will be worth it." He squeezes my hands.

“Are we almost there?” I tease as I feel his hands pull me over a large wooden log. “Or are we going on a hike?”

“We’re almost there! Just turn riiiiiiight…here!” I feel his hands pull away from mine. “Ok! Open them.” I open my eyes and gasp. before me is a beautiful little picnic under the giant willow tree where we had our first date. There are little plastic candles on the blanket and an adorable little basket. The willow vines have twinkle lights intertwined through them

“Oh! Anthony- ". I cover my mouth and smile at him. He looks at his feet, cheeks pink as strawberries.

"You did all this for me?” I laugh, taking his hand. “Anthony, it's beautiful!”. His face lights up, making my heart melt.

“You think so?” he smiles, leading me to the blanket. I nod and sit down, smiling wide, taking in the pretty sight. I fix my skirt, leaning closer to him.

“I'm so glad you do! It took ages,” he laughs, opening the basket.

"And uh... I cooked for us, but uh—” he swallows, looking nervous and excited. “Don’t judge me if it's bad.” I laugh and take the plate of pastries he hands me. Glancing at them, they look awful. Messy and dry, making me laugh.

“Oh, I doubt it could be bad.” I lie, crossing my legs as I take a big bite of…well, I'm not quite sure what it is. The second it touches my tongue, I put on a fake smile. Oh, it's so salty. I look at him, my mouth still full.

“It's…so good! Thank you!” I smile again, and he looks at me suspiciously. I cough and laugh slightly. He gasps, scooting closer.

“Give me that!” He takes the pastry from my hands and stuffs it in his mouth. His eyes widen, and he coughs, spitting it out, and I die laughing.

“Ow! That's horrible!” he wipes his tongue frantically. I kiss his cheek, still laughing.

“Aw, there there! its...uh." I smile, grabbing a strawberry and stuffing it in my mouth.

“See! The strawberries are delicious! Perfect, just like my strawberry boy!” I pop one in his mouth, trying to make him feel better. He laughs but looks nervous, causing me to slightly recoil my hand. What's up with him? I’m about to ask him if he’s right when he interrupts me.

“Uh, Penny, listen I-” he clears his throat and looks at me, sweating. “Listen, uh, we’ve been together for a long time now. And uh…well.” he rubs the back of his neck, glancing at me. I tilt my head, trying to figure out what he's trying to say. He straightens his messy tie and takes my hand. “Well, uh…see, Penelope, I know your life has been hard with your family and… everything but uh-”

“Anthony, darling, what are you trying to say?” I search his eyes, uncertain. He looks at me and takes a deep breath, pulling me closer to him..

“Penny… I’ve never been happier than when I'm around you. I’ve never liked anyone like I like you, and … I can't imagine a life without you.” My heart flutters, and I feel my face blush. Oh gosh, I better not be blushing. Anthony smiles nervously and opens his mouth to say something when the storm hits. Rain starts pelting us instantly, and I laugh.

"Oh gosh, fate is resourceful, I guess!" We stumble over each other to gather everything. Arms full of decorations, I yell over the wind and rain

"Where do we go?" He starts running towards the glass gazebo. I chase after him, dropping some of the candles. Panting, we make it inside, soaked and messy. After a moment of silence, we looked at each other, and I burst out laughing. It seems like forever when we finally calm down. I wipe my eyes and look at him.

“Uh…what were you saying? Back there?” I smile, taking his hands, the rain pouring over the glass gazebo making a romantic atmosphere. He looks at me and takes a deep breath, his hair wet, but his eyes… oh, his gorgeous brown eyes were so bright.

“Penny…I love you. More than any man could possibly love someone. When I see you, I see my future. I…I want to grow old with you and start a family. I want to take care of you, and…more than anything, I just want to be yours forever.” My eyes widen as he gets down on one knee.

“I know I'm not much, I mean, I'm just a strawberry farmer…but Penelope Mae, Will…” he looks into my eyes, and time seems to stop.

“Will you marry me?” He looks at me eagerly, his eyes searching every part of my face. My own eyes begin to water, and I nod.

“Yes! Oh yes! Anthony, a million times yes!" I cry and laugh, and his face lights up.

“Yes??? Yes!” he slides the ring onto my finger and laughs, his own eyes watering. He grabs me by the waist and spins me, laughing and crying. I wrap my arms around him, and we slow down, just looking at each other. The rain pitters on the glass, creating a symphony that makes this moment all the more magical.

I lean down to his face and kiss him, smiling as I feel him kiss me back. This time it's different, I feel forever on this kiss. I hold him, the rain shielding us from the rest of the world. I pull back and put my forehead to his, closing my eyes.

“I love you…” he says softly. I open my eyes and smile softly, the beautiful moon reflecting through the gem of my beautiful ring. This moment was perfect.

"I love you more, strawberry boy."