Yes, everything is in motion. Are you going to tell me what you're planning now?
Kenna
Good. Our parents are having our family photos redone. They hire this crazy talented photographer, and she already agreed to take the photos. We all wear white for the photos, which is perfect for a proposal.
Me
Just to clarify, all I have to do is show up.
Kenna
Yep! Josh has already agreed to hide with Aura so Millie doesn't suspect anything.
I pull into the CFPD parking lot, park the car, and lock it. Walking into the building, I make my way to the locker room, hoping to catch Josh. He's in there, changing into his uniform.
"Hey man," he greets me, stifling a yawn.
I nod back, starting to change. "Kenna said she reached out about Saturday”
Josh grins. "Yeah. She threatened me. Said if I messed anything up, I'm toast. I told her I'm Uncle Josh, and it is going to go perfectly."
I chuckle, but it dies quickly. “Do you think she’ll say yesterday?” I ask him before my mind can stop the words from escaping my mouth.
Josh zips up his vest and gives me a look. “Honestly? Yeah. She’s in love with you, man. She’s just scared. I mean, hell, youboth are. But if anyone can get through a rocky patch, it’s the two of you.”
I nod, but doubt still churns in my gut. “I don’t know. It’s like lately every time I get close to her, something I do scares her away.”
Josh claps a hand on my shoulder. “Then don’t scare her. Just show up and be honest. Let her come to you.”
I try to hold on to his words like armor.
I wish I had his confidence. My mind is consumed with the tiniest details. What if it doesn't go the way I planned? What if Millie says no? We're not even together right now, and everything hinges on that moment.
I finish changing and head to my car, but the restless tension in me won't ease. I need a distraction.
I lead myself to Beanstalk, as Millie is my comfort spot. The moment I step inside, the rich smell of coffee and baked goods hits me like a wave.
It's familiar, calming.
When I approach the counter, she's busy, so I wait. The sound of her voice drifts toward me, and I can't help but watch her. She hasn't noticed me yet, and I can't decide whether I'm nervous or excited about what to say when she turns around.
Finally, she does, and I give her a smile, throwing a wink for good measure.
"Gabriel," she says, setting down the coffee in the pick-up area. "Your usual?"
I nod, but my words seem stuck. All the things I've been meaning to say vanish. I watch her as she works.
She looks…stunning, like always.
She catches me staring. "What? Do I have something on my face?" she asks, turning to the back to check in the mirror.
Before she can, I follow her into the back room. I step close, caging her in with my hands on either side of her. Her breath hitches, and I can't help but smirk.
"Come home, Bumper."
"I can't," she whispers, avoiding my gaze.
I step back, frustrated. "What are you afraid of? Is it me? Us?"
