Darren pats me on the back before heading off to the kitchen. I take my phone out of my pocket, connect it to the Bluetooth speaker, and play party music.
As soon as I see Stella stride into the living room in her classic Catwoman costume, which I requested she wear, I slip my Batman mask over my head. I wanted to dance with her last year but never had the chance.
I extend my hand to take hers and without thinking twice, we dance to the blaring music.
After several songs, swirls, and twirls, I lower the volume. Everyone in the room turns their attention toward me and Stella. With open ears, they listen intensely as I prepare to speak.
I adjust my Batman costume and move to the middle of the living room.
“Ace?” Stella raises a brow. “These people want to dance, turn that music back up,” she smiles.
“Not yet,” I reply softly. “I need to say something.”
Radiant as ever, Stella gazes up at me and bats her long lashes under her eye mask. I want to wrap her up in my arms right now, hold her tight, and never let her go. But there’s one thing I need to do first.
Taking her hands in mine, I look deeply into her eyes and whisper, “I have to ask you something.”
She gives me a curious questioning look as I lower myself down to one knee, prompting happy gasps from all of our friends and family at the party. Everyone we care about is here with us to witness this moment.
“Ace,” Stella gasps, putting her hand over her mouth as tears already well up in her eyes.
I continue, “Stella, from the first night we met, I knew you were special. No other woman has ever made me feel so happy and loved before. I don’t want to be without you. You’re my heart, my soul, my dream woman. I promise to always love and cherish you,” I tell her, pouring my heart out.
A tear slips down Stella’s cheek from under her mask as she gazes at me.
I reach into my pocket and pull out a little black box. Opening it slowly, a beautiful diamond ring sparkles in the light.
“Stella Gold, when I imagine my future, I see you. So, the question is, will you let me be your hero for life?” I pause to keep myself from getting choked up in my Batman costume. “Will you marry me?”
Without any hesitation, Stella shrieks her response. “Yes!”
A burst of happiness and relief rushes through me and I slip the ring onto her finger. She takes a moment to stare, wide-eyed at the ring before throwing her arms around me and hugging me tightly. Our friends and family cheer, some with tears of happiness in their eyes.
Smiling as I rest my cheek against her head, thoughts whirl through my mind.
I get the honor of being with you for the rest of my life. I feel like my heart is about to explode. You are the woman for me. I’ve never had a doubt in my mind about that.
Kissing her sweetly on the forehead, I whisper, “I love you.”
Stella blinks her happy tears away as she looks up at me. “I love you so much.”
Closing my eyes and sinking into the feeling as people clap around us, I embrace the moment of pure bliss. At this moment, everything is perfect. I only break away when I hear a happy woof and paws thudding against the wooden floor of the living room.
“Aw, Robin,” Stella laughs as she leans down to scoop up the pup. She holds him in her arms, kissing him on the head. “I think your Daddy owes me another dance.”
“Say no more,” I hold my hands up playfully to surrender before turning up the volume.
The crowd of guests laugh and dance along with the music and Stella and I don’t miss a beat. This year, we get to enjoy the party together. Stella leans against me, playfully swaying Robin as we all move together to the song.
Her laughter rings out, and it’s the only sound I want to hear.
Paradise bloomed from the chaos where we met. She’s my sanctuary, my promise of happiness.
She is my everything.
