Page 161 of Waiting to Lose
As the clapping faded, Jake took the deepest breath he’d ever taken in his life. He stood and lifted Madi from the piano in front of him. He glanced down at his watch. He was right on time.
“I love you,” she mouthed.
He smiled as his thumb brushed a tear from her cheek and he formed his thoughts. He held her hands in his. “I know that you and I have only known each other for eight months, but in that time, we’ve been through more contests and tests than most people experience in a lifetime. When I’m away from you, I feel like a part of me is missing. When I’m with you, even if it’s in a crowded room,” he said, motioning to everyone around them, “I feel complete. I told you once that we were two sides of a coin and that without you, I’m nothing. It’s never been clearer to me than it is now. You are the other side to love that I didn’t know existed. I never knew that I was capable of what I feel for you. Because it’s more than love; it’s forever.”
Madi lifted her hand to his cheek and he turned his face, pressing his lips into her palm. He reached up and lowered her hand in his. “At Christmas, your father told me that your love would be the greatest gift I could ever receive.”
Madi stole a glance to her father, and Jake’s head turned to him as well. His eyes were glassy as he nodded to them.
“He told me that you are precious and one of a kind. I agreed. I promised him that I would always put you first, no matter what, and he gave me his permission for this...”
Madi gasped as Jake bent down in front of her on one knee. There was a collective “Awww” from the group, as well as a scream from Kendra. Madi’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open as she searched his face for answers.
Jake squinted up at her as he reached into his pocket and produced a small black box. He held it in front of her as he spoke. “I promise you that I will always put you first. I promise you that I will always respect and appreciate your opinions, your thoughts and your feelings. I promise you that I will never take you for granted, that I will kiss you immediately upon entering a room, and that my love for you will never fade. I will always be your steak. I will always be your best friend. I will love you until the day I die, and in the life that follows.” His voice cracked as he swallowed hard. His eyes rose to hers in adoration as he opened the box. A two-carat brilliant-cut diamond on a platinum band glistened in the light, and Madi gasped. Her hands covered her mouth and her body shook.
“Madison Ryan, you are the love of my life. I can’t imagine my existence without you. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Let me show you each and every day just how much you mean to me.”
Jake glanced up into her eyes as she sobbed. “YES!” she shouted as she bounced. “Yes,” she whispered in a voice meant for him alone.
Jake placed the ring on her finger as everyone cheered and clapped. He stood and she flew into his arms. The countdown began. 10, 9, 8…
She pulled back and searched his face. “You are my everything,” she said. “You are my life.”
7, 6, 5…
“I love you, Madi.
“I’ll love you forever.”
4, 3, 2, 1!
“Happy New Year!” The room broke out in a chorus as people kissed and hugged the ones they held most dear.
“Happy New Year, baby. This is the year of you and me. Nothing will ever come between us again.” His lips gently pressed into hers as the balloons fell from the sky, surrounding them like the love from their family and friends, encircling them in a bond of their love that would last until the end of time.
The End
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