Five years later
Lars
“HELLO, I’M LARS and I’ve been sober for four years ten months and twenty days,” I said with pride. It had been a long time since I had a drink and it was because of Molly.
“Hi, Lars.”
“I am here today because I’m graduating college in a few hours. Sounds a bit crazy for me to say that I’m a college graduate, but I am.” I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. “I’m thirty-eight, but I’m not sure I would be here if it weren’t for my Molly. She’s my ex-wife, but almost five years ago, she saved me. Again. She made me come here and I hated her for it. She made me go to a therapist and trust me, I wasn’t fond of her then either. But with it all, she helped me and I’m here today.
“My life career was supposed to be in the Army. It was all I ever wanted. A protector of our country. However, life didn’t seem to go the way I wanted. I was involved in an ambush and lots of my men died and I was hurt. When I came home everyone welcomed me with open arms, but all I wanted to do was not feel anything. My Molly left me. I couldn’t sleep and barely ate. It was alcohol that fueled me to get through another bottle. And another. And another. Until there were no more feelings.”
I took a deep breath and tried not to cry.
“Now, my Molly is back in my life and I think I love her more than I did before. On top of that, my new career will be working with Veterans with PTSD and helping them get through their day-to-day life. No one knows how crippling it can be with flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks that come from out of nowhere. I do know and I’m going to help as many people as I can. All because someone had faith in me when I didn’t have any in myself, and I want to pass it on.”
As I walked out of the AA meeting I felt brand new. Today was more than a graduation for me. It was the day I was going to propose to Molly. Again. When I did it at eighteen, my carefree personality didn’t let me be nervous. Now, I was more nervous than I could ever remember.
“Are you ready?”
My beautiful Molly smiled. She was standing by our car in a dress which stopped just above her knees and hugged her perfectly. Her long brown hair had those soft waves that I loved. Her makeup wasn’t heavy, and it showed off every stunning feature she had.
“Yes.” I kissed her lips softly.
“Here.” With the pad of her thumb, she gently wiped my lips free of the gloss she had on her lips. Then she adjusted the tie which matched the shirt she picked out for me. “I don’t want my graduate to have one stitch out of place.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“Come on. You can’t be late.” She took my hand and led me to the car.
I DIDN’T GET my actual diploma today. They’ll mail it, but I still as if I accomplished something I never thought I would. I was not the greatest student and never thought of going to college, but this time it was different. It was something I wanted and passionate about it. Just like when I was in the Army. I worked harder because I wanted it.
I shuffled out with the rest of the graduates until I was outside and waited by the large fountain for my entire family to come. I knew they all were here. Doubled checking my pockets ensuring I still had the ring, I had thought about giving Molly the same ring I did when we first got married, but Mom said not to. This is a new beginning for us and it meant a new ring.
She was right. H
Stacy went with me to pick it out because I didn’t know anything about ring shopping. Honestly, it was easier the first time because it was just a little diamond. At that time, I walked in and told the salesperson how much money I had and he showed me what I could afford. This time it was different. I could get her something bigger and better.
I just hope she liked it.
After standing out there for a few minutes, I began to see my family. Jameson, Rebekah, and my Molly. Everyone began to grab at me with hugs and kisses on the cheeks. It was overwhelming, but I had to remember to breathe and I would be okay. This was my family, they wouldn’t hurt me. It was still hard for me at times, but it was always better when Molly was around.
Finally she reached me and kissed me soundly and I picked her up in my arms. “I’m proud of you, Russian Rocket.”
I chuckled at her silly name for me. “Thank you.” I set her back down and a loud bang went off behind me. I froze in place and my heart stopped.
“It was just a balloon, baby. Look at me.” She ordered softly, stroking my cheek. “Look at me.” Her golden brown eyes brought me back to reality.
“I’m fine.” I told her. “I’m fine.” I repeated to ensure her I really am okay.
“All right.” She smiled.
“But I do have a question for you.”
“Oh. What is it?” She seemed confused.
I pulled the ring box out of my pocket and dropped to one knee. Everything went silent around me. It was only her and me in the world.
“Will you marry me?”
Molly
THERE AREN’T MANY times in my life I could remember being speechless. I’ve always been the one to expect the unexpected and speak what was on my mind. However, with Lars kneeling in front of me, I was officially speechless.
“Huh?” It was the only sound I could make.
“Will you marry me?” he asked again.
I knelt down with him. The past five years have been a fairy tale. We’ve had our arguments, breakdowns, and tears. But most have been laughter, smiles, and love. I had come to terms with not ever being able to give him a family, as he had done. I was okay with turning forty in a couple of years. I loved my job even more since going back to pediatrics. Being around the kids and babies showed me how truly amazing my job was to me. But most of all it had been Lars who brought all of this realization to me.
Our love had done nothing but grow more and more every day and I wanted nothing more to be his wife. Again.
“Of course I’ll marry you.” I kissed him with tears in my eyes.
The family was cheering all around us and we laughed at the attention we were getting.
“Here.” He took my left hand and slid on the most perfect ring. It was heart shaped. “You’ve always held my heart in your hands.”
“When did you become so romantic?” I joked in hopes my tears wouldn’t ruin my makeup.
“All those stupid movies you made me watch.” He grinned.
“I love you, Lars.” I cupped his face.
“I love you, Molly.” He kissed me again.
Our new beginning was just starting.