I Love You More

“Where are you Anthony….” 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. 

“Penny! There-” Anthony leaned over, panting. 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 and smile, but say 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 smile and close my eyes

“Now…don’t peek!” He takes both my hands, leading me around the tree and having me step over various items. I smile as i hear him laugh

“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

“Oh! Anthony- "I look at the beautiful little picnic under the gain willow tree. There are candles on the blanket and an adorable little basket. The willow vines have twinkle lights intertwined through them. I cover my mouth and smile at him. 

You did all this for me??” I laughed, taking his hand “Anthony, it's beautiful!”. My heart melts as his smile grows. 

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

“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.

“Oh, I doubt it could be bad.” I cross my legs and take a big bite of…well, I'm not quite sure what it was. 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. 

“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, and I kiss his cheek smiling. 

“Aw, there there baby” I smile, grabbing a strawberry and stuffing it in my mouth. “See! The strawberries are delicious!” I pop one in his mouth, trying to make him feel better. He laughs but looks nervous. What's up with him? I’m about to ask him if he’s alright when he interrupts me. 

“Uh, Penny I-” he clears his throat and looks at me, sweating “Listen uh, we’ve been together for a long time now. And uh…well.” I tilt my head, trying to figure out what he's saying. 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-” my smile slightly fades

“Anthony, darling, what are you trying to say?” I searched 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, nervous, and opens his mouth to say something when the storm hits. Rain starts pelting us instantly, and I laugh. "fate is resourceful I guess..." We hurry gather everything and run for the glass gazebo. Panting, we ran inside. We look at each other, and I blush.

“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 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…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 on 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. 

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”