Kiara
After offering Santa his fill of my milk and cookies, we settle down to watch "Home Alone" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." As the night deepens, we change into some warm clothes. Then, Trey prepares hot chocolate, filling thermoses for our Christmas lights adventure.
Excitement courses through me as we drive through the illuminated streets, the colorful displays creating a magical atmosphere. As we pull up to the Botanical Garden, I find myself practically bouncing with anticipation.

However, I notice a subtle shift in Trey's mood. He seems...nervous. I wonder if he's concerned about whether I'll be satisfied with our plans or if the disappointment from my family being sick is still on his mind.
"Is everything okay, Trey?" I ask, my voice filled with genuine concern.
"Of course, Cupcake." I can tell he's lying immediately. It tugs at my heart, but I decide to leave it alone, respecting his space. Perhaps there's something on his mind that he's not ready to share, or he simply doesn't want to dampen the Christmas spirit. I shift my focus to the enchanting lights outside, hoping the festive atmosphere will lighten the mood for both of us.
We pull up to the Botanical Garden, a place I've driven by plenty of times but never visited, and honestly, I don't even have a reason why not.
"I am fucking excited," I admit, jumping out of the car.
As we approach the entrance, Trey's nervousness becomes more palpable. It's a stark contrast to his usual confident and cocky demeanor. The shift in his energy is unnerving, raising my own nervousness and concern. The twinkling lights that should evoke wonder now carry a layer of tension, and I can't help but wonder what might be bothering him so much.

We silently walk around looking at the displays and lights for a while until my curiosity bubbles over. I grab his arm, forcing him to look at me. "Look, if you're not having a good time, we can go home," I say softly.
"I'm fine, Cupcake," he replies, intertwining his fingers with mine and continuing down the lighted path. Despite his reassurance, the lingering tension between us leaves me with a sense of unease. As we walk through the enchanting display of lights, I decide to let the festive atmosphere work its magic, hoping that Trey will open up when he's ready.
We come upon a large tree, adorned with lights and ornaments. "That is beautiful," I whisper in amazement.
"It is," he murmurs.

"Kiara! Over here!" I hear my mom's voice, and I whip around. My mouth drops open as I see my mom, dad, and Lavender standing in front of me. "Wait, what? Where'd you guys come from?" I ask, confusion coloring my words. "I thought you were all sick." The unexpected appearance of my family leaves me stunned, trying to make sense of this sudden change in plans.
Did Trey invite them here just to make me happy? Is that why he's been acting so weird ever since we got in the car?
Silence falls as their attention centers behind me, each face expressing a mixture of shock and surprise.
"What the hell-" I start to say, my confusion growing as I turn around to see what has caught their attention.
There, on the ground, Trey is on one knee, gazing up at me with a black box in his hand. He opens it, presenting me with a beautiful diamond ring.
My jaw hangs open. Is he... proposing? And after only four months together?
Holy shit.
He looks at me with an overwhelming amount of love in his eyes, leaving me breathless. Gently taking my left hand, he kisses it, and my heart races in my chest like a runaway horse.
"Trey," I say breathlessly, my cheeks most likely hot to the touch.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small notebook. "These are the reasons I love you," he says, handing it to me. Tears well in my eyes as I flip through the pages, finding heartfelt notes, memories, and promises written in his handwriting.
On the final page with writing, today's date is inscribed with the declaration, "the day we become engaged."
When did he have time to do this? I wonder in awe.
With a smile, he adds, "I want every chapter of our story to be written together. I am utterly in love with you. I know we've only been together for only a short while, but in this time, you have managed to capture not only my heart but my soul. I thought I would never be satisfied with just one flavor, but you're the only taste I crave for the rest of my life. With this ring, I promise to stand by you, support you, and love you unconditionally. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
As he awaits my response, the twinkle of the Christmas lights seems to reflect the hope in his eyes. Amid the festive glow, my mind turns into mush, but one thing is crystal clear: this Christmas is one that I will cherish forever.
Speechless, my mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. I struggle to find words, overwhelmed by the mix of emotions. My heart feels as if it will burst from my chest.
The weight of the moment hangs in the air, and all I can muster is a breathless nod, conveying my answer without uttering a single word.
The biggest smile graces Trey's face. He slides the ring onto my finger, and as it finds its place, he sweeps me up in his arms, twirling me around. He lays a passionate kiss on my lips that seals the promise of a lifetime together.
As the whirlwind of emotions settle, I find myself gazing at my engagement ring.
I'm really engaged!
I spent two years with Jordan, and the idea of us getting married never crossed my mind. Yet, here I am, four months into a new relationship, feeling ready to sprint down the aisle.
Life is truly wild!
The remainder of the night is spent reliving my childhood memories with my family and Trey. A tangible sense of happiness hangs in the air as we stroll around, exchange stories, and immerse ourselves in the enchanting glow of the Christmas lights. An unspoken truce seems to embrace us, even if just for today, and it surpasses any gift I could have wished for this Christmas.
As the night concludes, a profound sense of gratitude washes over me. This Christmas will forever hold a special place in my heart, marking the beginning of a journey filled with joy and unconditional love.