The Honors Platform
Vol I, Issue I, Spring 2013 32 — — Binding — —
You look beautiful tonight. You’ve cut your hair short, and it frames your face in a dark halo. Your eyes shine brightly, and your smile is wide and welcoming.
I take you out in a limo—it’s New Year’s and I think, why the hell not? You sit against
my shoulder as we pull up next to your favorite restaurant: Terabloom. You grin at me, and I hold you back, waiting for the chauffeur to open the door for you. You roll your eyes and take the offered hand, pulling me out after you.
You got reservations for tonight?! You are so excited that I can’t keep myself from grabbing your waist
and twirling you about the crowded street.
Only the best for my beloved. You throw your head back and laugh, giving me a sweet kiss before we
head into the restaurant.
Your daring red dress is a beautiful contrast to the white, cream, and beige décor. Though several men set
their eyes on you as we walk to our table, you only have eyes for me. I order a bottle of Riesling, your preferred wine, and we set to a toast over smoked eel and Shabu-Shabu. We do not speak of much, but your foot bobs against my knee during the entire meal and your eyes are scrunched with your perpetual smile.
As the night progresses, the population of the little restaurant increases until there are no empty seats. We
finish our meal just as the countdown for the New Year begins.
We stand to collect our coats, never ones to pause for too long over the celebration, but as you step
towards the door, I snag my arm around your waist. You give me a surprised but pleasant smile and I hold up a finger. You raise an eyebrow, and I take a deep breath before digging in my pocket.
When I drop a knee, the blood leaves your face and you become expressionless.
Rachel, will you marry me? You are speechless, your smile so wide that I am almost concerned that it
hurts.
But then you nod, tears already streaming down your face. I rise, grinning, and slip the ring on your
finger. You launch yourself into my arms and we meet in a searing kiss, just as the clock strikes midnight.