Sarah sat patiently in the Audi’s passenger seat and smiled through the window at the man walking around to open her door. As much as she wanted to get out and look around, she loved it when Matt opened the door for her even more. When it slipped his mind, she happily waited in the car until he noticed. It usually didn’t take long. He always remembered… eventually.
Wiggling her toes she glanced down at her worn out sneakers. Hopefully it wouldn’t get too hot while they were hiking. Her door opened and she took his extended hand. She pulled herself out of the car to kiss him. Even after dating him for a year, kissing him just didn’t grow old.
She broke away reluctantly so he could close her door. Gazing past the parking lot at the trees crowding both sides of the path, Sarah couldn’t help but take a big deep breath. Being outdoors was such a big stress reliever!
Matt came up behind her and slowly eased his hands around her waist until she could lean back into his chest, enfolded in his embrace. For several minutes they stood there, enjoying the simple fact that they were together and in love. It was Matt who broke the quiet first by spitting out a few stray hairs of Sarah’s that had blown into his mouth.
With a giggle Sarah spun out of Matt’s arms and grabbed hold of his hand. “Let’s go.”
They were having too much fun to do any serious hiking as they meandered along the trail. Sarah drank in all the beautiful fall colors. How could she not be completely happy when she was not only surrounded by nature but also with the one person she wanted to be with for the rest of her life?
Shaking herself out of her thoughts she pointed up at a huge rock on the side of the path.
“That one!” She exclaimed.
“What about it?” Matt asked, using the distraction to pull her in under his arm. She didn’t hesitate to snake her arm back and around his waist. The closer the better.
With a small hip check, she nodded up. “I want to climb it.” She gave him her very best ‘duh’ face. “I want to stand on top and see the world at our feet.”
Laughing, he agreed.
In a matter of minutes they reached the base, all while pushing each other around like two year olds. With an exaggerated bow Matt proclaimed loudly. “After you, milady.”
Sarah shoved him a little. “You just want to watch me climb.”
All he did in reply was smile. Shaking her head, she began the climb. It took longer than she thought because Matt would randomly grab hold of her foot. He didn’t pull or anything dangerous, but it sure made it hard when she couldn’t pick up her foot to step up higher.
“Stop grabbing me!” She hollered down. As she heard him chuckle back, he snatched at her foot again.
“It isn’t me.” He wriggled his fingers up her legs like spiders, “It’s the rock monsters.” With a soft smack to her calf, he called up. “Don’t worry. I got it.” Again she took a step up, laughing.
Reaching the top, Sarah let out a whoop and did a little victory dance. Matt took his time.
While she waited, she turned in a full circle, looking out across the tops of the trees in every direction. Even the trail they had been following was hard to discern from up top.
Matt’s head popped into view. “What? No help?” He bemoaned.
With a laugh she reached her hand out, “Want some help Matty?”
“Peas!” He fake whined.
Both collapsed into giggles after she did indeed help him up. After several minutes laying there giggling and poking each other Sarah sat up and dangled her feet off the not-quite-steep ledge. Matt followed her over and gently wrapped his arm around her; effectively taking her in against him once more.
Sarah lay there, head on his shoulder, drinking in the view as well as Matt’s closeness. Far too often work, school, and well-meaning friends intruded on what little time they could spend together. This hike was perfect. Just the two of them for the whole day.
Matt stirred beside her, giving off an almost anxious air that hadn’t been there minutes earlier.
“What’s wrong?” She asked, still snuggling while attempting to look up into his face. He didn’t look at her but smiled quickly.
“Nothing.”
“Liar.” She softly accused. It wasn’t anger that filled her but curiosity. Why would he lie to her? And why on earth was he so nervous?
She felt rather than saw him shake his head. He didn’t answer her accusation. “Matt?” She questioned, seeking to pull his attention back.
He had begun to shake, his nerves getting the best of him and Sarah was beginning to worry. If he had to end their all-day date early she was going to be heartbroken. Already she started preparing for the worst. In an effort to pull him out of his fog she nudged him and asked, “Ready to climb down and keep hiking?” Even to her, her enthusiasm sounded forced.
Matt stood up and stuck his hands in his pockets, looking everywhere but at her.
Enough of the weird behavior. This was not how she was going to spend her day.
Sarah stepped right in front of Matt. Fists on hips she glared up at him. “Alright. Spill.”
“Huh.” His distracted gaze landed on her. Her in-the-face approach at least got his attention. “Oh sorry Sarah. I’m just a little distracted. It’s fine. I’m fine.”
“Well I’m not. Un-distract yourself.” She smiled and went up on tiptoes to give him a small kiss to soften her demand.
Under his breath he muttered, “Now’s as good as any.” Before she could question that odd comment her question was answered as he dropped down on one knee.
Sarah heart stopped and shock sprinkled across the absolute joy spreading over her features.
The nervousness Matt had been exuding disappeared and her confident and outgoing man made a startling comeback.
“Sarah. From that first date when we had a picnic in the rain, I have known you are such a special person. Everyday I am more and more certain that I never want to let you go. I want to be with you for eternity. Will you marry me?”
Halfway through his proposal Sarah was already nodding. “Yes!” she beamed.
He slid the ring on her finger and rose to kiss her. It may not have been perfect since she had sort of bullied him into spitting out the proposal without realizing what she was doing, but she was now his fiance.
“I love you Matt!” She exclaimed as she threw her arms around his neck.
