The amusement park lights slowly disappeared behind them.
Jay thought the night was already perfect.
She was wrong.
Keifer drove quietly.
Too quietly.
Jay noticed.
"You're being suspicious," she said, leaning toward him.
He didn't look at her.
"Am I?"
"Yes."
He smiled… just a little.
The car finally stopped.
Jay looked outside.
A garden.
Wide.
Silent.
Glowing with warm golden lights.
Strings of fairy lights hung from the trees.
Candles lined a small stone path.
White flowers covered an arch in the middle.
Jay's breath caught.
"Keifer…"
He stepped out first and opened her door.
"Come."
She walked slowly beside him.
Every step felt unreal.
Soft music played somewhere hidden between the trees.
The air smelled like roses and jasmine.
At the center of the garden—
a small stage of white petals.
And standing beside it…
a huge bouquet.
Her favourite flowers.
She turned to him.
Eyes wide.
Shaking.
"You did this?"
Keifer nodded.
"I wanted it to be quiet."
He picked up the bouquet.
Then took a slow breath.
For the first time that night…
he looked nervous.
Real nervous.
Jay's heart nearly broke at the sight.
He stood in front of her.
The boy who always teased.
The man who never bent to pressure.
Now standing still…
only for her.
"Jay…"
His voice dropped.
Soft.
Serious.
"I don't know how to promise you an easy life."
Her eyes filled instantly.
"But I can promise you one thing," he continued.
"I will never let you fight alone."
He went down on one knee.
Jay gasped softly.
Keifer opened the ring box.
A simple ring.
Elegant.
Perfect.
Just like him.
"You were my best friend before you became my home," he said quietly.
"And now…"
His voice shook.
"I don't want a life where you're not beside me."
He held the bouquet out to her with one hand.
And the ring with the other.
"Jay…"
He swallowed.
"Will you marry me?"
Jay covered her mouth.
Tears slipped down before she could stop them.
"Yes."
The word came out without hesitation.
"Yes."
Keifer let out a shaky breath.
A smile broke through his control.
He stood up and gently slid the ring onto her finger.
It fit perfectly.
Like it had always waited for her.
Jay dropped the bouquet and wrapped her arms around his neck.
He pulled her close.
Holding her tightly.
Not letting go.
"I love you," she whispered for the first time.
His chest stilled.
Just for a second.
Then he pressed his forehead to hers.
"I know," he murmured.
And kissed her.
Slow.
Deep.
Certain.
Under fairy lights.
Under a quiet sky.
In the garden where their forever quietly began.