I've spent the last two days thinking. I haven't gone to work. I've barely left my study except to spend time with Bella.

I hope I've finally figured myself out.

The way I see it, Laura needs to feel like she's an active participant in this relationship, and not someone who's along for the ride. I would hate it if she were making all the decisions for me.

I understand now. I get why she's upset.

She has every right to be.

I spent the first day putting myself in her shoes and trying to figure out what wasn’t working. I imagined my horror if she had wanted to set up my career for me. Or if she had suggested that instead of having a relationship with feelings, we should have a contract and nail everything down. Or if she had set up a wedding without me and said, “Surprise, we're getting married.”

It definitely would not have gone over well with me. But that was exactly what I had been doing to her.

I was a complete idiot and a jerk. I had only been thinking of myself and my own feelings. Not about her at all.

I took the second day and tried to figure out how to make things right. She needs to feel like she was in control, or that we’re making decisions together.

Now I had a plan, but I didn’t know if it was going to work.

I pace back and forth in the study. When I’m ready, I text Laura to come down. I need to talk to her. I only hope there’s enough between us for her to give me a final chance.

The door opens and I straighten my back. I have to do everything right so I don’t lose her forever.

“Max?” She peeks through the door opening.

I almost tell her to enter, but manage to catch myself.

“Will you come in?”

I can see she's startled. “I will. Thanks for asking. I don't have a lot of time. My flight leaves in an hour and I want to have enough time to say goodbye to Bella.”

I thought I had more time than that. I thought her flight left tonight.

It didn’t matter. Either I could show her I understand her, love her, and I'm willing to make changes. Or I couldn’t.

We both sit down on the couch and I turn to face her.

“Laura, I've thought a lot about what you said. I was wrong and self-centered. I want to do things differently. But I need help. You’re going to have to point it out to me when I'm doing it because I’m not going to see everything.”

“Really?” She seems incredulous and hopeful at the same time.

“I'm going to need your help with some other things too.” Her brow wrinkles in such a cute way I want to kiss it. But I hold back. I want to make sure I do everything I planned. “Will you come look at something?”

“Sure.” She jumps to her feet, looking pleased. The flicker of hope inside me bursts into flame.

“First of all, there's twenty samples of wedding cake to try.” I lead her over to my large desk completely covered with tiny plates.

“What?” She covers her mouth in astonishment.

“I have four types of wedding invitations. We can order other ones if you don't like any of these, I asked the stationary store to send samples of their most popular ones.”

“Max, this is too much.”

I smile at her and keep talking. “I thought you could have your wedding dress designed by one of your favorite designers. But if you want to get it from a catalogue, or a thrift store, or you want to wear your jeans, that's fine too.”

“Max!” She starts laughing.

“There's a whole folder filled with styles of wedding decorations for the venue and...”

“Stop.” She puts her finger on my lips. I want to suck it. But I hold back. There will be time for that later.

“Laura, can we have a discussion bout whether me proposing to you and getting married like regular people is a good idea? I love you. I don’t want to live without you.”

“Max Brideau.” She looks at me and I imagine I can see the love in her eyes. “I will point out when you forget and start making decisions for the two of us. And yes, we can discuss getting married and decide together.”

I can't wait any longer. I have to know now.

“So, what do you think? Should we get married?” My heart pounds as I wait for her answer.

“Do you know something?” She wraps her arms around my neck and presses her body against mine. “I think we should.”

“Is that enough discussion?” I tilt my head and pretend to think. “Maybe we should make a list of pros and cons. Weigh the benefits and drawbacks.”

“Stop talking.” She laughs. I love making her happy. “You're babbling.”

“I never babble. It's unmanly.”

“Come here.” She covers my mouth with hers. It's the best kiss we've ever shared. Better than the first one. Better than any of them. Because this time when we kiss, I know it's authentic.

I know we love each other.

I know it will be forever.