“It’s go time,” he informs me.
My nerves are shot, but I grab the flowers and ring box from the table and take a deep breath. My friends and family surround me, giving me supportive words as I take the first step onto the stage.
I’ve never had stage fright, but I have to admit, being under the scrutiny of tens of thousands of people is intimidating. It just shows, once again, how fucking amazing Milo is for shining under all this pressure.
I’ve considered a thousand ways of proposing to Milo—something intimate with just the two of us, or a dinner with friends and family present—but I knew this would make Milo the happiest. Surrounded by friends, family, and all the fans he adores.
A second spotlight lights me up as I walk toward him, and the final words Milo is giving to his fans fall quiet. He glances over at me with clear surprise, because this wasnoton the itinerary. At least it wasn’t on the one he received.
“What is this?” Milo asks when I reach him. His words are broadcast to the entire stadium through the mic hanging from his ears. “You got me flowers?”
I nod and hand him the bouquet. Three hundred and sixty-five red roses, one for each day we’ve been together.
“Aw, my little croissant, these are beautiful. Thank you,” Milo says and pulls me in for a hug.
The audience laughs at my pet name, and I wince. Despite my best efforts, Milo has refused to change it to something else.
Milo goes on his tiptoes for a quick kiss, which has the entire stadium going wild with cheers. But if I thought that wasloud, it’s nothing compared to the screams when Milo pulls back, and I fall to one knee.
Milo is no doubt filled with shock too. His free hand goes to his mouth as his eyes land on me. They widen when he notices the ring box.
“Yes, yes, yes!” he screams before I even get the box open and holds out his left hand for me to put the ring on.
I laugh and take his hand, but I don’t slip on the ring just yet.
“You didn’t even let me ask, babe,” I tease and press a kiss to the back of his hand.
“Then hurry up! I’m dying here!” Milo practically screams. The entire stadium laughs at his words. They can’t hear what I’m saying since I don’t have a mic.
I take hold of his hand in mine again and look into his gray eyes. The world fades away, and the screams of the fans are a soft buzz in the bubble of Milo and me. I clear my throat and recite the speech I prepared.
“Milo, baby. I thought love wasn’t for me. I was always told I’m too cold and unfeeling, but I feel the complete opposite when I’m with you. You managed to light up my life in a way I never expected. You are the world to me, Milo. And I want to spend the rest of my life doing all the chaotic things with you.”
Milo laughs, and tears pool in his eyes.
“So I’m asking, will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?”
“Fuck, Rowan. Yes! A thousand times, yes!” he screams again and bends over to meet me for a kiss. We’re huggingand standing under the thundering applause of the entire stadium.
I slip the ring on him, feeling like I’m on top of the world now that Milo has agreed to marry me, when the screen that was in the middle of the stage suddenly starts a slow lift.
Milo turns to me, and I shrug. This wasn’t in my plans, so I genuinely have no clue what’s going on.
Milo is shocked when the screen reveals all our loved ones, who surround us and offer their congratulations. He’s surprised to see the other members of MYTHS there, but his bright smile tells me he’s happy they’re there.
“Alright, order! Everyone, quiet down, and let’s get this ceremony underway!”
Ethel’s sweet voice booms through the speakers, and we turn to see her standing under an arch. The entire back end of the stage has been transformed to include rows of seats in front of a white arch, and flowers scattered all around. A long red carpet is rolled down the middle from the arch, right to where we’re standing.
If I didn’t know any better, I would think I’m attending a backyard wedding. All our friends and family find their seats and turn around to look at us with expectant eyes.
“What’s going on?” Milo asks. He turns from Ethel to me.
“I don’t know, babe. This wasn’t part of my plans,” I tell him, but my voice is drowned out by Ethel’s reply.
“Are you blind, boy? You’re getting married, that’s what’s happening. I didn’t get ordained for no reason. I need to marry you off before Anabelle comes to take me.”
Milo rolls his eyes, but I can see him glancing at me. This was definitely not part of the plan, but I’ve come to learn that with Milo, not all things go to plan.
