Today was the day.

Today, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw was coming home from a five month deployment. And Cecelia Marcellini was already at the airport, practically bouncing in place.

She didn't have a sign, like some of the other families standing around her. And despite being easily recognizable, especially in New York, Cece didn't have anything on that could hide her face.

She wanted Bradley to see her in all her glory, not hiding out behind sunglasses and a hat indoors.

Cecelia only had to wait about 30 minutes before the plane landed, but it felt like forever. You'd think after 5 months, another half hour wouldn't make a difference, but it does.

But she didn't have to wait anymore. The soldiers were beginning to come out of the gates, families all reuniting at once.

Suddenly, there he was. Bradley Bradshaw stepped out of the gates and immediately found Cecelia. He always looked for her the minute he stepped into a room. And her face was always the first he found.

As soon as he saw her, he made a beeline straight to her. He got to her just as she spotted him.

Without a second to waste, Bradley wrapped his arms around her, lifting her into the air. Cecelia's arms found his neck, holding him as close as she could. They just stayed like that for a few moments before pulling away amd looking at each other for a few more moments.

And then finally, finally, their lips met for the first time in over 5 months.

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The reunited couple didn't separate for a second, if they could. They only let for to get into the car, but their hands were clasped once they were settled.

A party was set up for Bradley's return back at their shared apartment. Cece's parents had set it up, just a small get together to welcome him home. A few friends from his home town were flown in, as well as the friends he's made in New York.

Most importantly, the Marcellini family was all in attendance. Especially because Bradley had asked Riccardo to hold onto something very important for him. And, through a few well timed phone calls, Bradley had requested he bring it with him to the party.

Today was the day.

Pulling up to the apartment, the two got out of the car. But before she could make it far, Bradley grabbed her arm and pulled her in for another kiss.

"You just can't get enough, can you?" Cece asked after they had to pull away for air. She wasn't complaining, because she was about to do the same thing. He just beat her to it.

"I will never get enough of you," Bradley is quick to reply. He knows exactly what hes doing, and the reaction he expected pops up. No matter how long they have been together, Cecelia still blushes.

Knowing that if they don't show up soon, someone, most likely Kai, will interrupt them, the couple makes their way inside.

"Welcome home, Lieutenant Bradshaw," Cecelia officially tells him as she opens the door.

He is greeted with the sound of mini confetti canons going off, all types of noise makes and balloons of every color. A sign sits about the the hallways, welcoming him home.

But that's all he can register before he gets tackled by everyone giving him hugs. Sofie Marcellini hugs him the longest and tightest, having a mother's worry about his safety while deployed, something he will always be grateful for.

Soon after all the hugs were finished, cake was brought out, because of course they had to have a cake. No party is complete without it.

Bradley, while happy to see all his friends again after being away, barely separated from Cecelia for the entire day. He always had her in his sights if she wasn't directly next to or in front of him. Everyone understood, but that didn't mean teasing wasn't involved.

Only three people knew how the night would end. Or at least, how they hoped it would end. And as the party began to wind down, Riccardo took his chance to pull Bradley to the side.

"You know you already have our blessing, but are you sure you want to do this tonight? You just got back and it's been an exciting day as is," Riccardo asked Bradley. He wasn't trying to talk him out if it. Hell Bradley was already family, this question would only legalize it.

He was just trying to make sure, with how emotions have been thr past 24 hours, Bradley was going into this with a clear head.

Knowing what he meant, Bradley nods his head. "I've thought of nothing but this since I left. I feel like I'm going to explode if I don't ask her tonight."

Riccardo brings him in for a hug, smiling like he had just won the lottery. Pulling away, he reaches into his pants pocket. Placing the small box into Bradley's hand, he says one last thing on the matter.

"Thank you for loving my Celia the way you do. We couldn't ask for a better man to welcome into our family."

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The party had lasted another hour or so before people had begun to clear out. It had been a long day for many, and quite a few had a feeling Bradley and Cecelia wanted to be alone. Lots of winking and nudging was done as some of the guys were leaving, making Bradley roll his eyes jokingly at them.

They weren't that far off and everyone knows it.

Eventually, it's just the Marcellini family, minus Kai who has an early rehearsal go get to. Sofie helps Cecelia clean up the kitchen as the boys tackle the living room. The faster they clean everything up, the more nervous Bradley gets.

And as Cecelia is hugging her mom goodbye, Riccardo winks at him, giving him that all knowing smile.

Finally, Cece and Bradley have their apartment to themselves. Despite what some of Bradley's friends insinuated, the couple just lays on the couch together. Granted, you can't tell where one person starts and the ends, but all clothes are still on.

Simply being in each other's arms again is enough for the moments. Bradley softly hums his signature song into Cecelia's ear as she taps out the rhythm on his chest.

It's moments like these they had missed the most.

Eventually, they did have to get up for some food, but that was the perfect opportunity for Bradley to strike.

As Cece grabs a few things from the fridge, Bradley comes up behind her. Pulling her into another hug, she laughs. "I know you don't want to be separated, but I do need to actually cook the food first."

He chuckles a little, the nerves really beginning to kick in. But he pushed them back, because Cece can read him like an open book.

"You know I love you. And being apart for the past 5 months has been hard. I know we've done longer before, but this one felt different," Bradley begins. Cecelia can tell he's serious, so she just listens, nodding along occasionally to show her agreement.

"It took me a while to figure out why this one felt different. And once I did, everything clicked. You keep me sane. You keep me grounded and you help me fly. I wasn't truly living before I met you. I was simply going through the motions of life. And you changed all that for me.

I don't know where my life would be today without you in it. You have brought me a joy I didn't think was possible. I was so young when my dad died, that I didn't really get to see how he and my mom made it work. But she always told me it felt natural. And with you, everything is natural. Nothing is weird or out of place. Well, sometimes things are weird, but that's just you. And I wouldn't trade that for the world."

He takes a deep breath, and while pulling the box from his pocket, Bradley Bradshaw gets down on one knee.

"You, Cecelia Marcellini are the love of my life. And I truly can't imagine my life without you."

Cecelia, hands over her mouth the moment he started to kneel, is already in tears.

"Cecelia Marcellini," Bradley begins the question, opening the box. "Will you..."

"Yes!" Cecelia exclaims before he can actually finish the question. He just laughs as she manages to look slightly sheepish saying "sorry, please continue."

Still laughing, he continues. "Will you marry me?"

And again, with zero hesitation, Cecelia says "Yes!" Before launching herself down to the floor with him.

"A million times yes!' She just keeps saying yes as she kisses him, not giving him the opportunity to actually put the ring on her finger.

"Cece," he happily mumbles, enough for her the pull back. "Can I please..." he doesn't even have to finish the question before she remembers.

"Oh yes, of course," she is still crying tears of joy, barley keeping her hand from shaking as he slides the ring onto her finger.

And as he does, they both stare it it for a few moments, barley believing this has just happened. Leaning in, their lips connect in a passionate embrace. One full of love, joy, contentment, you name it.

So yes. Today was the day.

Today, Bradley Bradshaw and Cecelia Marcellini had finally made that promise.

Today, Bradley and Cecelia had finally gotten engaged.

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Word count: 1,595

Here we go. I'll be honest, I didn't have most of this planned out. I kinda based in it my parents engagement, as my dad had to basically corner my mom in their kitchen to ask. (She wouldn't stop moving for long enough for him to ask as both sets of my grandparents were there and they were hosting lol)

Also, I'm trying to keep these shorter than the actual chapters, but considering this is longer than some of the official book chapters, I'm not making any promises.

Plus, the wedding chapter is next and I have BIG plans for that one. Sorry, not sorry, I have too many ideas. Oops.

Fun fact I forgot to mention in the main chapters. Meg Ryan (aka Rooster's mother) was the voice of OG cartoon Anastasia (Liz Callaway was the singing voice). And my faceclaim, Christy Altomare, is the OG and ONLY Anastasia on Broadway. (She stayed for the entire 3 year run before they closed)

But that is all for now, so I'll see you soon for our baby's wedding! Bye!!!