28. Janta

CHAPTER 28

Janta

T oday is the day I'm going to show Rayna just how deeply I love her. I have everything planned down to the smallest detail for an evening at her favorite lakeside spot.

I've thought of everything, from the strings of fairy lights I hung while Rayna was napping with Lily all the way down to a playlist of our favorite songs.

"Okay," I breathe, trying to calm my racing heart. I've left Rayna a note to get dressed and meet me at our spot.

Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my racing heart. It's almost time. On the kitchen counter, I leave a note for Rayna. It's simple but heartfelt, instructing her to get dressed and meet me at our lakeside haven. Will she sense the depth of what this evening means?

As I give myself one last look in the mirror, adjusting my shirt and smoothing down my hair, I rehearse the words I've planned to say. They need to be perfect, conveying all the love, gratitude, and hope I feel.

Finally, I head out the door, my steps quick with anticipation. The walk to the lakeside spot is filled with eagerness and anxiety. I reach our designated spot and take a moment to take it all in—the beautifully set table, the fairy lights, the tranquil waters of the lake reflecting the early evening sky. Everything is ready.

I set up a table with candles and flowers, making sure every element reflects how much thought I've put into creating this moment for Rayna. I take a step back and look at what I have set up and I'm overcome with excitement.

After so many months of winging this parenting thing with Rayna, we've established not only a great co-parenting relationship, but also a partnership that has transcended just the formalities of Lily's parentage.

Now, all I have to do is wait for Rayna, hoping that tonight will be as magical for her as I've imagined it to be.

As the sun sets, the lake reflects a golden hue, perfectly mirroring the anticipation in my heart. Then, there she is. Rayna approaches in a long green dress that sways gently with each step. Her black hair, cascading in soft ringlets over her shoulder, frames her face beautifully, highlighting the surprise and wonder in her eyes as she takes in the scene before her.

Lily coos from her arms connecting us as a family and bringing a smile to my face. Everything I need in life is right here.

"Wow, this is beautiful," Rayna exclaims, her eyes scanning the fairy lights twinkling like stars above us. Her gaze meets mine, filled with wonder and love.

"Every detail tonight was inspired by the many journeys we've shared, and those we have yet to explore," I say, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest.

As I guide her to the table set under the canopy of lights, I continue.

"Just like how flights connect distant places, tonight connects our past with our future."

Rayna laughs softly, squeezing my hands. "It's perfect. You always know how to make things special," she says, her voice warm and affectionate.

I step forward, reaching out my hand to her. As her delicate fingers wrap around mine, a shiver runs through me, not from cold but from the overwhelming emotions stirring within. Her touch is familiar yet electrifying, reinforcing the depth of my feelings.

She looks out across the water, the last rays of sunlight dancing on the surface, then turns back to me, her eyes searching my face as if trying to read the intentions behind this elaborate setup. The expression on her face shifts from surprise to a dawning realization, her eyes softening with emotion.

"I wanted tonight to be special," I start, my voice barely above a whisper as I draw her closer to the heart of the setup. The fairy lights flicker on, casting a gentle glow around us, enhancing the magical atmosphere. "This place," I continue, gesturing to the serene lake and the cozy setup, "has witnessed the growth of our love. I couldn't think of a better place to ask you to be with me forever."

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears as she takes in every word, her grip tightening around my hand. The world seems to pause around us, the gentle lapping of the water against the shore and the soft music playing in the background the only sounds in the still evening air.

As we reach the table adorned with her favorite flowers and candles, I gently squeeze her hand, ready to pour out my heart and hopes for our future together. The moment feels suspended in time as I lower myself to one knee. Rayna's immediate reaction is a hand flying to her mouth, her eyes widening with shock and awe. Beside us, even Lily seems to sense the significance of the moment, her soft coos adding to the poignant atmosphere.

Holding the ring between us, a symbol of our past adventures and our hopes for the future, I feel my voice steadying with the weight of my commitment. "Rayna," I begin. "You've filled my life with immeasurable joy and love. With you, every day is a new discovery, a new reason to be grateful."

The ring glitters under the fairy lights, its sparkle a testament to the journey we've embarked on together. "This ring is more than just a promise—it's a symbol of everything we've been through and all that we have yet to explore together."

I look up into Rayna's eyes, those deep blue wells of warmth that have become my sanctuary, my home. "Will you marry me?" I ask, the words barely louder than a whisper but carrying all the hope and love I feel.

"Yes," she breathes out, her voice a melodic sound that fills the evening air. Her acceptance sends a wave of relief and happiness crashing through me. A tear escapes, trailing down my cheek, an unspoken testament to the depth of my emotions.

She reaches down, pulling me up to stand, and our embrace seals the promise. We hold each other tight, the world around us fading into the background. It's just us, our love, and a future filled with endless possibilities.

As we pull apart slightly, the joy in Rayna's eyes mirrors my own. We turn to Lily, our little one, who babbles and reaches out to us, making the moment even more perfect, if possible. Together, as a family, we step forward into the next chapter of our lives, filled with love, laughter, and the shared dreams of a lifetime.

As the evening deepens, the playlist I meticulously curated flows from the speakers, each song a chapter in our shared story. With a laugh and a flourish, I twirl Rayna around, her green dress fanning out gracefully. From her cozy blanket on the grass, Lily giggles, her delight adding to the magic of the moment.

As the song shifts, so does the mood, and we find ourselves sitting side by side on the blanket next to Lily, who's now playing with a soft toy. The stars above us are bright, casting a gentle glow. I reach over to tuck a loose strand of hair behind Rayna's ear.

"You know," I start, my voice soft but clear, "tonight isn't just about celebrating us. It's about committing to a future together, filled with love, challenges, and endless adventures."

Rayna leans her head on my shoulder, her voice reflective. "I love that. No matter what we face, we'll do it together. Just like we've always done."

"Yes, together," I affirm, feeling the weight and truth of my words. "And just like I always say at work—every journey matters, but the ones we share, they're the ones that truly shape our lives."

We fall into a comfortable silence, the kind only found between two people who understand and cherish each other deeply. The playlist continues to fill the air, a backdrop to our thoughts and memories.

Suddenly, Rayna lifts her head, her eyes meeting mine with a spark of something playful. "Promise me something?"

"Anything," I assure her, curious.

"Promise we'll keep traveling, keep finding new songs for our playlist, new memories to share. Even when we're old and gray."

I laugh, the sound mingling with the music and the soft rustle of the trees around us. "I promise. There's no one else I'd rather explore with."

As the night progresses, it's filled with more laughter, a few more dances, and many quiet moments of reflection. Our commitment to each other is as clear and bright as the starlit sky above us, promising many more journeys and moments just like this one.

Under the expansive blanket of stars, Rayna and I sit close together, the soft hum of the night enveloping us. The gentle light of the stars reflects in her eyes as we share our dreams and visions for the future.

"I really hope we can pass on a sense of adventure to Lily," I begin, my voice filled with hope. "I want her to see the world, to know the joy of discovering new places."

Rayna smiles warmly, squeezing my hand. "And I want our home to be a hub of warmth and love. Holidays filled with laughter; birthdays filled with joy. Traditions that she'll remember and could even pass on."

"Our little explorer," I laugh softly, picturing Lily's bright, curious eyes. "We'll show her the wonders of the world, teach her to be kind and brave."

Rayna nods, her gaze drifting upwards. "Do you think she'll love the stars as much as we do?"

"I think she'll love them even more," I answer, feeling a profound connection to the moment and to the dreams we are weaving together. "Because every time she looks up, she'll remember nights like this, with us."

As the night begins to draw to a close, a deep sense of fulfillment washes over me. Holding Rayna close, I feel the weight of our shared dreams and the promise of the future. My heart is full, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this journey we are on together. The night air is cool, but the future we're building feels warm and endlessly bright