Chapter 6: Confessions, Rings, and Blessings

It was Julian.

He stood on the porch, flowers in hand, looking nervous.

“Why are you here?” I asked, surprised.

I opened the door, trying to hide my excitement.

Julian gently hugged me, then took my hand and looked at me.

His arms were warm, grounding me. He looked serious, but there was a softness in his eyes.

“I thought this was important, so I wanted to explain in person.”

His voice was steady, but I could see the worry in his eyes.

I looked at him, waiting.

I squeezed his hand, letting him know I was listening.

“Actually, the gym wasn’t the first time I saw you. I saw you helping someone on the street before.”

He took a deep breath, looking a little embarrassed.

“At the time, I thought, ‘This girl is so cute. If only I could meet her.’”

He blushed, glancing away for a second.

“One day, I saw your photo on the gym flyer, so I signed up.”

He smiled sheepishly, waiting for my reaction.

After he finished, Julian looked worried. “Savannah, I admit, my intentions weren’t pure. I did use a little trick, but I’ve never lied to you about anything else, and I would never hurt you.”

He squeezed my hands, his voice trembling just a little.

“Savannah, can you forgive me? Give me another chance?”

He looked so vulnerable, I couldn’t help but forgive him.

Looking at Julian, I admit, I was a sucker for his face. Before I could even think, I found myself nodding and saying, “Okay.”

I grinned, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

Julian’s face lit up with joy.

He pulled me into a hug, spinning me around. I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in days.

“Who’s there? Oh, it’s Julian! Come in, sit down,” my dad called.

He waved Julian inside, already clearing a spot on the couch.

“Mr. Brooks, Mrs. Brooks,” Julian greeted politely, picking up a pile of gifts from the floor.

He handed over a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers, bowing his head respectfully.

How did I not see those just now?

I stared at the gifts, wondering when he’d had time to prepare them.

After some small talk, Julian said, “Mrs. Brooks, my family really loves Savannah. When can our parents meet?”

He looked at my mom, his voice steady but hopeful.

My mom’s eyes sparkled. “Sure, you pick the time—just have Savannah tell us.”

She grinned, clearly thrilled by the prospect.

At that moment, I could feel my mom’s eagerness to marry me off.

She was already making mental wedding plans, I could tell.

Julian smiled slyly. “Then, are you free tomorrow?”

He raised an eyebrow, challenging them.

“Hm?” My parents were stunned, then smiled. “Sure.”

They exchanged a look, then nodded enthusiastically.

So, still a little dazed, our parents met.

The dinner was a blur of laughter, stories, and a few embarrassing childhood photos.

They set the engagement and wedding dates.

Before I knew it, we were engaged.

I stared at the ring on my finger, barely believing it was real.

As the bride-to-be, I didn’t have to prepare anything—Julian took care of everything, just bringing me along to see and try things, waiting for my approval before finalizing.

He made checklists, called vendors, and even tasted cakes with me. I felt like I was living in a dream.

Then, while still in a haze, I was about to marry Julian.

The ceremony was set to be small but beautiful, filled with family, friends, and enough flowers to fill a garden. I couldn’t stop smiling.

Chloe insisted on being my bridesmaid. Before the ceremony, she knelt down in front of me and softly asked, “Sis, are you really going to marry Julian?”

She looked at me, her eyes searching. I nodded, no hesitation.

I felt a rush of certainty, my heart full of joy.

Suddenly alert, I realized that deep down, I didn’t have any doubts about this wedding—I was actually full of joy.

I took a deep breath, letting the happiness wash over me.

Chloe breathed a sigh of relief, her smile pure. “Okay, then, Sis, you have to be happy.”

She squeezed my hands, her eyes shining with sincerity.

“Okay,” I replied.

I hugged her, grateful for her support.

“Chloe, when will you marry me?”

Just then, Julian brought in Tyler, today’s groomsman.

Tyler was grinning from ear to ear, clearly thrilled to be part of the festivities.

As soon as he saw Chloe, Tyler excitedly rushed over and started hovering around her.

He tried to hand her a bouquet of wildflowers, tripping over his own feet in the process.

“Keep dreaming, stay away from me,” Chloe said disdainfully.

She pushed him away, but there was a smile tugging at her lips.

The two of them bickered as they walked off.

Their voices faded down the hallway, still arguing over who got the last piece of cake.

Watching them, I smiled. Maybe Chloe’s wedding wasn’t far off either.

I had a feeling those two would be together sooner or later.

Julian took my hand, still smiling gently, but I felt his hand tremble slightly.

He squeezed my fingers, his eyes shining with emotion.

“Savannah, will you marry me?”

He knelt down, his voice barely above a whisper. My heart skipped a beat.

Looking into Julian’s eyes, I could see his worry, even though he tried to hide it.

He was trying to be brave, but I could see the vulnerability there. It made me love him even more.

I smiled and nodded.

I reached out, brushing his cheek with my thumb.

“I will.”

The words felt right, like a promise I’d been waiting to make my whole life.