Epilogue

Ethan

I glanced at my watch again as I waited for the light signal to turn green.

Of all the days to be late!

I heaved out a loaded sigh and drummed my fingers on the steering wheel.

Skye is going to kill me!

A lazy smile crept in and warmth settled in my heart at I thought of her. I still remember the day we met like it was just yesterday and not six years ago. She hasn't changed at all. She was still the same loving, caring and absolutely breathtaking person.

That starvation to see her from my blind days still lingered. There were times where I just sit there watching her. Luckily, it didn't annoy her or set off any 'creeper' alarms. On the contrary, whenever she caught me staring -she would give one of those warm contagious smiles, and then traumatize my poor system with a kiss on the forehead that always left me burning. I thought I couldn't love her more, but man, was I wrong.

I eased my foot just a tad off the breaks making the jeep stalk forward slowly while staring at the red light that glared back at me. Perhaps it would sense my urgency and comply with my wishes.

Green!

I floored the gas pedal.

Once I parked- I hit the ground running. Just two minutes left to spare. I searched the crowed before me for the rest of the group.

How on earth can anyone find anything here?

"Ethan..."

Someone yelled my name making me spin in their direction. Matt waved at me and I started to make my way through. Bless his heart.

"Did I miss anything?" I asked as we bee-lined our way to the others.

"Nope. You came just in time." Matt grinned when he heard me sigh in relief.

I looked pass him and greeted Hank who held sleeping baby Jonathan and Sophie who sat their three year old Emma on her lab. I then waved at mum, dad and gramps who occupied the farther seats. We were all here. We all came to see her graduate. Just like they were there for me a few months ago.

Emma started to wiggle her little arms reaching for me, "Go Ethan," she told her mom.

Without being asked, Matt stood and picked her up.

"Mattyyyyy..." Her sweet baby voice greeted him. Her big blue eyes sparkled as a sweet, heart capturing giggle erupted out of her when he threw her in the air making her blond curls and pink dress flutter. That was their thing.

Matt smiled, "Emmaaa." He then sat back down and handed her over to me.

Emma wrapped her arms around my neck in one of her lovely hugs that I've always looked forward to, "Hi, Ethan"

I hugged her too and patted her back, "Hi, Cupcake."

She loved it when I called her 'Cupcake'. The tiny thing was obsessed with them -hence the name. She giggled and gave me a cheeky smile as she looked at me. Those little humans are beautiful creatures.

How could something so little take such big place in my heart? And don't get me started on baby Jonathan.

Emma rubbed her palm over the pink ruffles. "You like my d-l-ess?" She looked down at her pink dress.

The whole family is working on that 'R' letter. We're getting there.

"That is a very beautiful dress. You look lovely."

Then she lifted her foot, "Look! Flowe-l!"

"Flower is beautiful too."

And yes! I complimented the shoes, the socks, the hair scrunchies, the earrings, the nail polish, her sleeping brother and everything around us.

Then her tiny palms held my face as she looked at me, "You a-l-e bo-tiful too."

She had me smiling and we talked for a bit more before returning to Sophie and taking my heart with her.

I turned to the sea of black and gold graduation gowns and caps and my heart quiver in my chest. My girl was out there somewhere.

"Hey!" Hank called leaning forward with Jonathan cradled peacefully in his arms. "Did you get it?" He asked.

I moved forward meeting him while Matt sank back in his chair giving us space and following with us at the same time. "Yes!"

Hank's head turned the other side carrying the news. I sat up to see mom saying something to him before he turned back to me and I leaned in again.

"Clare said to tell you that everything is ready as planned." He informed.

I smiled, "Tell mum thank you."

Hank nodded with a big grin and sat back talking to mum.

I fixed the necktie around my windpipe and sucked in a not so calming breath. My nerves were punched in a tight ball. I don't believe I've ever felt this nervous in my life. I was sweating despite the crisp breeze and the cool weather. My leg started shaking in a hopeless attempt to release that tension.

A low chuckle came from the seat next to me and I nudged him with my shoulder making him laugh. "Don't laugh at me." I pressed a little growl in my voice even though I was smiling.

Matt shrugged innocently, "You're making it hard not to."

I rolled my eyes and sighed. He had a point there. However, it couldn't be helped. And for the life of me I couldn't find any calmness in me, only frenzy and anticipation.

The Dean tapped the microphone in front of him and the sound blared through the speakers indicating that the ceremony was about to start. A stir of chatter broke around us as others rushed to their seats. He cleared his throat before starting his speech.

I have to admit, his word of speech was better than what I've heard during my graduation. Not that I was fully listening.

Followed the Dean's opening was the valedictorian. Soon after graduates lined up in a long string of black gowns, squared hats and tussles that swung as they moved.

My eyes, ears and heart zeroed on that stage waiting for the other half of soul to be called up.

Skye worked hard and studied harder. Pulling all-nighters, joining study groups and spending countless hours at the library. If anyone deserved an honors degree it would be her, and my girl got exactly that.

Soft applause and cheers of friends and family members stirred from different locations as their graduates have been called to be handed their certificates. Matt started to prepare the camera he had hanging around his neck ready to 'capture the moment'. And then, hopefully, even more of those moments.

We laughed when a few graduates decided to make an entrance. That included dance moves, back flips and moon walks. A guy had two of his friends throwing him in the air for a double flip then rolled on stage and wormed all the way to the Dean and instead of a regular handshake he slapped the Dean's palm and did a spin. The hilarious part was when the guy reached for his certificate but the Dean jerked it out of his reach and did a similar hand slap and spin.

Man, we're definitely watching the stream of this graduation again.

"Skye Kathryn A. Willis"

My heart jolted at the call of her name. We started to cheer for her as she ascended the stage. Strong, confidant and beautiful. She shook the Dean's hand then looked in our direction as she exited the stage. She gave me one of those heart-stopping smiles and a wink.

The ceremony carried on for another hour and a half. At the end there was a confetti of black and gold hats as graduates tossed them in the air. Cheers, laughs and whistles burst around us and we joined in.

My tension levels started to spike again and I reached for that tie. I swear this thing was shrinking around my neck cutting off my air supply.

We waited for her as she hugged her college friends and classmates bidding their goodbyes. I watched them as they took pictures and exchanged phone numbers. Even though she was heading our way others stopped her a few times.

I, too, had my share of handshakes from her friends and colleagues. We might not have gone to the same university, but we visited each other a lot, until my friends became hers and hers mine. She left quite an impression on those she met.

When she finally reached us there was another round of hugs and congratulations going. She went from one person to another. Gramps took his sweet time congratulating her and complementing how beautiful she looked in her graduation gown.

Knowing Gramps, he was delaying her on purpose. I could swear he glanced in my direction before whispering something in her ear. That giggle that escaped her didn't pass me as she saw how impatient I was while I waited for my turn.

As she walked towards me, a wide grin displayed on my lips. I was drowning in the blue of her eyes, I was melting before her smile and the sweet smell of her perfume that couldn't belong to any but her.

Finally! Make way people to our new -double major graduate.

Skye

I smiled as Ethan's hands garbed me by the waist pulling me close, "Hey handsome," I cooed.

He looked dashing in that tailored charcoal grey suit he was wearing. The solid white shirt and the matching tie completed the 'cut out of the magazine' look.

"Hey beautiful," his voice was thick as he leaned in for a kiss.

My heart quivered in my chest and my knees wobbled as our lips met. Soft, tender and promising that there would be more when we... um... well... weren't in a public place.

Yup! I've got over feeling embarrassed of kissing in front of his parents. Six years of training and a crazy boyfriend would knock the shyness out of anyone.

Ethan moved back just enough to speak against my lips, "Congratulations! I'm so proud of you." He smiled deepening those dimples I loved and my heart sighed.

Matt, our recent photographer, took quite a few pictures of us on campus, some were of all of us and some of only me and Ethan. Everyone was happy and extra cheerful. Ethan on the other hand seemed a bit odd. He appeared calm but I could sense that he was nervous.

"You seem a bit tense. Are you okay?" I leaned in asking in a low voice.

Ethan nodded with a laugh, "I'm fine."

Hank announced that they would be leaving and that we'd meet all up later for dinner to celebrate. There were a few strange exchanged looks before everyone split.

Ethan stretched his arm out for me, "Ready to go?" He asked.

I smiled and nodded taking his arm. He locked his elbow snuggling my hand there as we walked to his jeep. This was still our favorite way to walk together.

"Hey, do you mind if we made a quick stop on the way?" He asked as we pulled out of the parking lot

"Not at all. Where are we going?" I asked.

Ethan touched the tie around his neck then ran his fingers through his hair, "You know, one of those house projects" He glanced at me, "interested?"

My smile widened with excitement, "You know I love to see the before and after."

During college, Ethan started working part-time for Hank beside his studies. They bought old houses, fixed them, and then sold them. Hank showed Ethan the ethics and trades of the profession. Ethan enjoyed the hard work and Hank was pleased with how quick Ethan picked up and how dedicated he was.

During that time, Ethan would take me on two tours around the houses he was renovating. A tour when the houses were all old and damaged, and another after they had them renewed and fixed. 'The before and after'.

After college Ethan applied to the company just like any other new graduate. He had his résumé, portfolio and certificates prepared in hand when walked in to the interview. That surprised Hank out of his chair.

Ethan applied to the same position that Hank offered him and he turned down. He told me that he if was to get the job it should be because he earned it, not because he was related to the boss.

Could this guy be more extraordinary!

The work they did was astounding. The difference between the 'before' and 'after' was incredible. I loved it when he took me with him to see their projects. He would follow me around as I babble on things like, "This would make a perfect living room" or "Can you imagine if there was a porch here" or something like "The light here is perfect for one of those lazy chairs, a good book and a nice warm mug of cocoa"

The house that we pulled into its driveway was my most favorite. We've talked about it a lot and it was beautiful even before the renovations. The house was a two story with high ceilings, four bedrooms and four bathrooms, a spacious living room and a big kitchen. It had those wide windows that flooded the place with soft rays of sunlight giving it that cozy, homely, inviting vibe. As Hank would say "They don't build them like this anymore."

"You built a front porch!" I was surprised to see the white painted, newly built porch that wasn't there eight months ago. I looked back at Ethan who was a step behind me.

"It was a good idea," he shrugged with a smile. "Here," he pulled a key out of his pocket and handed it to me.

I reached for it getting all eager and excited to see the changes that happened inside. A faint smell of paint, wood polish and cleaning supplies lingered in the air. Ethan switched on the lights and I gasped.

"Oh Ethan, this is amazing!" I breathed. I was.

The renovations were flawless. If I hadn't seen the place when they first bought it, I would never have believed my eyes. I was twirling around as I walked in trying to catch on every detail and being entirely stunned with the 'after'. The phrase 'as good as new' doesn't come close.

The ceiling molding was to perfection. The delicate light complimented the soft colors of the walls and the marbled floors. They even had the doors change.

"Hey, why don't you start upstairs first," he suggested.

I nodded feeling thrilled, "I can't wait."

"Go ahead, I'll be in the kitchen. How does a coke sounds, I think we have some left?"

Even though he was smiling yet still seemed a bit off.

Before I got to say anything he shooed me away and stepped in the kitchens' direction, "Go on! Take your time," his voice echoed off the bare walls.

I knew he'd share what was going on his mind sooner or later, he always did. Perhaps this was one of the later moments.

As climbed upstairs with my hand running over the smoothly polished banister, I started to imagine how it would look fully furnished. I wandered slowly from one room to the other starting from the room on my right.

That aging yellowness and half peeled wallpaper was replaced with soft pastel colors that gently embraced the walls. I remembered this room had a view of the backyard and I curiously looked out one of the windows.

What once were dried shrubs and dead trees was now all beautiful, green and flowery with a garden table and chairs. I was grinning when I saw my babbling suggestions were being executed exactly as I said before my eyes.

Maybe my suggestions were better than I thought?

I moved between rooms until I stopped in front the master bedroom door. Eight months ago it had this very old paled wallpaper with flowers. The floor tiles have yellowed and cracked with age.

I swung the door open and peeped inside and light lilac walls were the first thing that met me.

Can colors smile?

I didn't know why, but this room made me feel happy. The matching ceramic tiles were polished to perfection.

Then a door caught my eye.

This wasn't here the last time!

As I opened the door my jaw dropped and my confusion increased as I remembered the conversation I had with Ethan. I remembered it because I got all dreamy and full of suggestions.

It started when he asked:

"Hey, any ideas for the master bedroom?"

"Hmm... I think it would look beautiful without the wallpaper."

He laughed, "Yeah, those are a lot of flowers"

I laughed too, "Oooh yeah! A lot!" I snuggled closer to him on the couch, "I'm sure it was beautiful once though."

His arm rounded my shoulders bringing me closer until my head was on his shoulder. "It probably was. What do you think would look good?"

"Hmm... Perhaps with a shade of light blue or ... Oh..." I looked up at him with excitement, "Do you remember that lilac color we saw the other day when you went to buy paint for that house with the white fence."

He smiled and nodded.

"That would be perfect." I didn't stop there, I was picturing that house in my mind and how it would look, "Ceramic tiles with just a hint of lilac that would match the walls. A walk-in closet. A double sink bathroom with those cabinets, a bathtub for bubble baths..." A question popped in my head, "Could there be a shower and a bathtub?"

Ethan laughed, "There is space for both." He then entwined our fingers and asked, "How about the rest of the house? How do you imagine it?"

That conversation happened quite some months ago and I didn't make anything out of it. But now, now everything I spoke of was here. All of my suggestions, my dreamy visions, how I imagined it, were all here. Right in front of me. Confusion swallowed me whole.

"Ethan?" I called as I descended the stairs.

He didn't answer.

To add to my bewilderment, when I stepped into the empty kitchen everything I've told Ethan about was there too. The warm marble tiles. The high cabinets. The long island in the middle. The sliding glass door to the back garden. The double ovens. It was all there.

"Ethan?" I called again, my voice bouncing off the walls.

A can of coke was placed on the table beside a set of papers and a pen. Not just any pen, it was Mr. Fuzzytune. The same pen I've teased him about stealing. My heart shook in my chest.

I can't believe he still has this!

I picked up the papers and flipped through the pages scanning them. I gasped and read them again with wider eyes as my trembling hand covered my mouth.

It was a contract. A purchase contract. Of the house I was standing in. With both our names. Ethan has already signed all the parts that consisted of his name, while the line underneath mine was blank waiting for my signature.

He bought the house?

My brain screamed over my pounding heart.

He bought us a house!

I rushed out of the kitchen looking for him.

There was only one place left -the living room-. My harried pace slowed as I saw a trail of red rose petals scattered on the floor at the entrance then were gathered into a line. I followed the trail that flowed to the middle of the room with my eyes until I reach the end where it erupted in a big heart.

Ethan was standing there, in the middle of the heart in his grey suit, tall and handsome and surrounded by countless red roses and soft dancing lights of candles. In the corner stood both his family and mine with wide smiles and silent zealous expressions. M gaze alternated between them and Ethan.

When did they get here?

Ethan held out his hands for me and his lips smiled.

I wasn't sure how my feet carried me to him, but soon my hands were encased in the warmth of his. My mind went blank, there was something going on here but I couldn't comprehend nor could I process. Just as I couldn't take my eyes off his face.

I saw that loving gaze that never changed and the gentle smile on his lips. The strong set of his jaw and that muscle that betrayed his calm posterior and sold out how nervous he actually was. Everything was exhilarating and slowing down at the same time as gradually our surrounding vanished leaving nothing but the two of us.

Ethan cleared his throat and his fingers tightened a bit over mine. "Did you like the house?"

"You bought a house?!" I still couldn't believe it.

He grinned, "We bought a house." Then his face got all serious, "Which brings us to this..."

I could hear my heart racing in my ears and knocking on my rib cage. If it wasn't for his hands holding mine my knees would have buckled long time ago. Was he going to do what I thought he was about to do?

Oh my god! Is this a....

Ethan

I took a deep breath trying to force my nerves to calm. I cleared my throat again and allowed myself to sink in her eyes. To be lost in her beauty and to stealth my heart with the softness of her touch. The words I've prepared for this moment poured out of me like a song.

"Skye, you had me from the moment we bumped into each other in the hallway on your first day of school. And you had me from the first time you called me a jerk when... well ... I was a jerk. You had me when you walked into my life with all the name calling and the bickering and the teasing. You saw me at my best, and you saw me at my worst -thank god you stuck around-"

Skye laughed and I did too. Her eyes started to water and trickle down her lovely face. I reached out and started to wipe the tears away. Right then I made a silent promise to myself, that from this moment on I would do everything in my power so that nothing but happy tears will ever fall from those eyes.

I collected her hands and pressed them over my pounding heart. "Every day I get to spend with you is a blessing and I wish to spend the rest of my life with you. You are my one, you are my only. I love you with every beat of my heart and until the last breath I'll take."

More tears started to trickle down Skye's face as I pulled out a small box and I got down on one knee. Her hands covered her mouth and her eyes widened.

My heart was beating too fast in my chest as I opened the box. "Will you marry me?"

All that was I froze in anticipation as I waited for her answer. It might have been a mere second or lifetime, I could no longer tell. Nonetheless, it was the longest moment in my life.

I don't think anyone was breathing at that point. I swear, if someone dropped a pin it would be heard.

Skye was crying and laughing. Her breathing hitched as she finally nodded, "Yes! Yes!" Only then life was breathed in me.

Squeals and cheers erupted from the corner making us laugh.

My god, she said yes!

A joyous grin broke through my face as I took the ring out of its case and slid it around her finger. Her hands were trembling and so were mine. Skye looked at it lovingly and then dove into my arms and I locked her in a tight hug lifting her off her feet as I stood. A deep sigh of happiness and nothing less than ecstasy washed over me.

Not a second later we were surrounded by family and friends with a renewed yet different stir of congratulations. Mum and Sophie had tears in their eyes as they hugged us. I think gramps too, but he was quick to look away.

When I finally had my arm around her again she looked up at me with one of her radiant smiles that always made my heart hic-up and I leaned in to meet her lips.

My Skye!

Skye & Ethan

Our celebration doubled today and so did our happiness, for I have loved you blindly.