Chapter Eighteen
Austin
Walking out of the Villanueva’s home, I felt as if I was walking on clouds. It was happening. At the age of thirty, my life was beginning. Holding tightly onto Alma’s hand, we strolled to my truck. Everything was falling into place. I wasn’t sure it was going to, but now it is.
“Where are we going?” Alma asked as I hopped onto my side.
“I told you stargazing.” I smirk.
Her soft giggle filled the cab and made my heart race. “I know you did. I’m asking where?”
My stomach flipped. “Where it all began.”
“What?” She seemed confused, but it made me smile. There was still a sweet innocence within her. I love it. I love her.
On the drive back to the ranch I thought about our future. I knew how much Alma loved her job and that she wasn’t permanently settled here. Would it change after talking to her tonight? After I laid out my plan to her, what will she do? I was twenty-three when I fell in love with a sixteen year old girl. And now I was thirty and ready to sweep her off her feet again.
As I headed up the driveway to the main house, I cut off to the small but drivable trail to the hay field. I glanced over at Alma and she was smiling. She knew where we were going.
I parked my truck smack dab in the middle of the field and hopped out. I rushed over to her side and opened her door. I gripped her hips tightly and helped her out. I knew she could get out on her own, but I wanted to touch her. I wanted to all night.
Together we got the blanket and pillows out and made up the bed of the truck. I removed my jacket and put it around her shoulders. It was a bit cooler tonight and there was a light breeze. I laid down first and she easily curled up to my side. We were two puzzle pieces that fit just right.
“Do you remember our first night in this field?” My question came out in a soft whisper, but I knew she heard me.
“I do.” She glanced up at me. “I was so nervous.”
“I was too.” I stroked her cheek with the pads of my fingers. “You lied to your parents that night.”
“I told them I was staying at a friend’s house.”
“Your made-up friend.” I chuckled.
“I couldn’t say Tara.” She called out with a laugh.
“I told you I loved you for the first time.”
She raised up on her elbow. “I told you the same.”
“I still love you.”
“I love you too. I never stopped, Austin. I just… dealt with the pain of not having you around me.” The moonlight shone brightly showing her eyes filling with tears.
I maneuvered myself until I was up on my knees and then on one knee. Alma sat up completely.
“What are you doing?”
“Something I should have done a long time ago.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small pouch. I knew if I kept it in the ring box she would have figured it out.
“What are you doing?” She repeated. Her voice is shaking.
“Listen to me.” I kissed the palm of her hand, then held it tightly in mine. “Seven years ago, I fell in love with this girl. She was sixteen, young, vibrant, hardheaded, and perfect. She taught me a lot in the short year we were sneaking around and hiding our relationship.”
“What did she teach you?” Her voice now cracks.
“Hard work. Love everyone despite everything. Being brave. How to love.” I listed off the main reasons, even though there was much more. “Above all, she taught me about love and respect.” I pulled the ring out of its holding pouch. “I bought this two days before you left me.”
She gasped.
“I told you I wanted to marry you the day you left me. I told you, but I didn’t ask you. I was still so young and had a lot to learn about myself. Now, I know what I want and today I’d like to ask you.” I stared deeply into her eyes and saw the tears falling. I pray those are happy tears. “Alma Villanueva, I’ve loved you since the first day we met. I loved you even more after our first kiss in the hayloft. I can’t imagine never loving you. I want to wake up with you every morning and fall asleep with you every night. I want everything in between.”
She sniffed.
“I love you. Please, Alma, will you do me the great honor of marrying me?”
“I have my job.” She countered.
“I understand and you love it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to work it out with you.”
“I don’t live here anymore.”
“You can move in with me.”
“I’m nervous.”
I cupped her face in my hands. “I am too. However with you by my side, I know I can conquer the world. I need you in my life forever. I’m not whole without you.”
She closed the gap between us. Her peach lip gloss tasted like heaven on my tongue. There was a hunger between us both, but I pulled away first.
“Please say yes.” I begged. Hearing no from her would shatter me, but I’d keep fighting until she said yes.
“Yes, Austin. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
My heart raced faster than it ever had. She was going to be mine. Forever. I kissed her – my future wife.