The moon was brighter than it normally seemed. Penny was in a little baby basket with a big bow in her hair. She was sleeping quietly with a contented smile on her face. I couldn’t stop admiring her sweet little features. I never wanted her to grow up. Why couldn’t she stay a baby for the rest of forever? Then we would never have to worry about what we’d do when she was older. But right now, I had to enjoy her innocence. For at least a few more years, she would still be a little girl.
For the first time in days, I’d taken the time to do my hair. The curls that generally fell freely down were piled up in a bun upon my head. A sparkling silver pin tucked them together. Eyeliner and mascara highlighted my blue eyes. My lips were as red as a velvet cake. It was just another one of the days where I was positively sure I belonged in the live-action Snow White.
My green dress was more frilly than I usually liked. Albert had picked it out. The lace framed my hips, waist, and chest. My favorite part was the boots, though. They were black velvet and tall enough that they reached my knees. My nails were the same deep green color. Albert had told me to dress up tonight. We were having dinner while Nina and Anya watched Penny.
“The babysitters club has arrived,” Nina called from the door.
I smiled before turning around. “Reporting for duty?”
Anya grinned. “One of the best jobs I’ve ever had.”
“Let’s hurry up, ladies,” Albert said from the bedroom door. “Reservations can’t be delayed.”
Nina rolled her eyes. “He literally never stops.”
“I heard that,” Albert responded.
He walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I leaned my head back against his shoulder. His lips lightly grazed my neck. I laughed as his fangs slipped from his lips.
“Okay, go,” Anya said. “Seeing you two like that is still weird.”
Nina and Anya both laughed. Albert rolled his eyes as he took my hand and pulled me away from them. Nina winked at me, and Anya smirked as Albert closed the door.
As soon as the lock slid shut, Albert pulled me against him. Our lips locked as we melted into each other. Albert’s hands found my waist as he let his fingers trace my hip bone.
“We should go,” he whispered.
“Right,” I replied.
He gave me a tiny kiss before pulling me to the elevator. Albert’s face held a small smile as he tugged me along. I couldn’t help but laugh at the excited expression on his face.
I was expecting to see a restaurant. But no, he drove me to the ocean. It was the same ocean where James had first kissed me, the same beach where I’d started this chaotic journey. And now, I sat staring at the waves with the love of my life.
There was a blanket spread out with two glasses of blood atop it. Beside us was a bowl of cherries, lemons, and limes. Candles were set up in a circle around us. As I sipped from my glass, Albert laid his head against mine. We hadn’t talked very much. We’d grown comfortable just holding each other.
“Anne,” he whispered.
“Mhm,” I replied.
I noticed a small box in his hand. I caught my breath. He smiled softly. Albert knew I understood what was going to happen. Our night had suddenly changed.
“You know what I’m going to ask you,” Albert said in a gentle tone.
I smiled. “Yes.”
He flipped the box open to reveal a silver ring. There were tiny diamonds embedded in it in the shape of a flower. He took the little diamond rose from the box and slipped it on my finger. I watched it with fascination.
“Ms. Emerson,” he whispered. “Will you marry me?”
I traced my finger across his jaw and pressed kisses upon his cheeks. His hands found the pin in my hair and pulled it down. Black curls fell down around my face. He took one strand of hair within his hands and placed a simple kiss upon it. Our eyes locked in a moment of understanding that would last forever.
“Yes,” I whispered.
A smile spread across his lips. We just sat there for a few seconds as we were surrounded by our future. His lips brushed mine as he pulled me to his lap. I laced my fingers in his hair as his hands traveled to my thighs. I don’t know how long the kiss lasted—it seemed like years. We just sat there watching the waves. For a very long time, I peacefully enjoyed the feel of his hands against my skin. I was going to marry him. Yes, I’d been completely sure of it for a while. But having the ring on my finger signified the change that was occurring. We were finally going to be linked together in every single way I could possibly imagine. I was going to be married to the most amazing, protective, and beautiful man I’d ever met. He was going to be mine for a very long time. Albert and I were a forever love, and I was absolutely thrilled about it.