Hailey's POV
"How are you feeling?" Liv asked as I got my treatment beside her. Apparently, one treatment is usually enough to get rid of this form of cancer. I felt stupid for making a big deal out of it, especially when Liv was going through her own battle.
"Me? How are you feeling?" She was on her last dose. This was it for her. After this, they will scan her again and hopefully, everything will look the way it should.
"So ready for this to be over." She smiled, closing her eyes as she always did. I did the same, keeping hold of her hand between our seats.
"I bet. We are all ready to see you healthy and happy once again, especially in time for my wedding." I smiled, still not having told her about Ian and me. I was waiting, but I couldn't wait any longer. Ian said he was still going to propose, but he hadn't yet, and I was growing inpatient.
"I'm sorry. What now?" I felt her sit up, pulling on my hand. Opening my eyes, I found her staring at me with the biggest shit-eating grin.
"I asked him to marry me, and he called me an impatient woman. He was going to propose."
"Oh my gosh, Hails! Why didn't you tell me?" She was giddy with excitement, gaining a few hushes from those around us.
"I wanted to wait until he did his thing, but he still hasn't. He said he was still going to propose to me, but he hasn't yet." I rolled my eyes.
"Sounds like him." Liv smiled knowingly. "Knowing him, it will be well worth the wait."
"If it's anything like the way he has sex with me, working me up so that I explode when he does it," Liv and I both laughed at that. We hadn't really talked much about my and Ian's sexual exploits. It felt odd to me at first with their history, but I realize now that Liv didn't care about that.
"Wait, where's the ring?"
"He had it sized and then picked it up and refused to give it back to me until he actually proposed." I rolled my eyes again.
"That's cute."
"I guess, but I really want my ring." I pouted, ready to feel the weight of it on my ring finger for the rest of my life.
"You'll get it soon. I am sure."
"I better."
*Song Suggestion: Free Love (Dream edit) by Honne**
"So she's all clear, and so are you?" Ian asked me, confirming the status of my and Liv's health.
"All clear." I nodded in confirmation, beaming a smile. My HCG levels dropped significantly and they are continuing to do so. They still have to draw my blood every week until I am low enough; they feel I can switch to monthly. I am almost there, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It was really Liv's news that excited us all the most. She was gaining her strength back slowly and starting her workouts as she used to. She somehow convinced me to join her on a jog early in the morning. My lungs can't take that. I am not a running kind of gal.
"That's fantastic news, Mi Luz." He squeezed my hand as he held it, leading us further into the park. He didn't tell me where we were going and knowing him, it was yet another wonderful surprise. Hopefully this time the surprise involved my engagement ring.
I could feel the crisp autumn air as Ian guided us through the park. The leaves were all ablaze with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our day. We arrived at a secluded spot, where Ian, to my surprise, had set up a cozy picnic. It was complete with a soft blanket and a basket filled with mouthwatering Cuban treats. The aroma of Cuban coffee flooded my senses as Ian opened a thermos, handing me a cup as we sat.
As we indulged in the delicious foods that I am certain Christin provided, Ian presented me with a beautifully wrapped gift box. My heart skipped a beat with anticipation as I unwrapped it, hoping maybe this was the ring. Only when I finally got the wrapping paper off did I see a customized pair of AirPods. Engraved on the case were the words "Our Melodies."
"What's this?" I asked him, smiling so brightly as I traced the engraving with my fingers.
"I wanted to get you something. I know how much you love your music, and I have noticed that you misplaced one of your AirPods again." He teased me, reciprocating my smile. "So I got you these in hopes maybe you'll feel more pressure to keep up with them. I also made a playlist."
"You did? I want to hear it!"
"I thought you might. Here." He held his hand out for me to hand him my gift. He paired them with my phone and pulled up the playlist he had created. He handed me one of the earbuds and took the other, having us lay back on the blanket and stare at the sky as music played. The infectious beats of Chino and Nacho, along with the timeless melodies of Dean Martin and many more, played for a while as we enjoyed our time together. Hands held tightly and heads leaning against each other.
After a while, Ian sat up, looking back at me over his shoulder. "Come on. I have more planned."
We packed up the picnic, placing it in Ian's car, before we headed to a nearby art studio. My curiosity rose as we stepped inside. I was greeted with canvas and colorful balloons filled with paint. Memories of the 24 hours I had "bought" Ian on our very first fake date flooded my mind. The AirPods continued to play our music as we approached the canvas.
"I am not losing this time," he said, grabbing the red darts and leaving the black ones to me.
I laughed alongside him as we tried to mess each other up. We played around, but eventually every balloon popped, leaving a scattered mess of colors all over the canvas. The colors blended and swirled, forming a hidden message that slowly emerged before my eyes. My heart raced as I read the words, "Will you marry me?" Tears of joy welled up in my eyes, and I turned to find Ian on one knee, holding the ring I had been longing for.
At that moment, surrounded by the music that had become the soundtrack of our love story, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this incredible man. With tears streaming down my face, I said "about time," causing him to laugh. We embraced passionately, our souls intertwining in a moment of pure bliss. The flash of a camera told me there was someone here capturing this moment, but I didn't bother to look too enthralled by my fiancé.
"You impatient woman." He smirked at me, holding my face gently in his hands.
"You torturous man."
He kissed me tenderly, pouring all his love- his whole soul- into it. I reciprocated, holding onto his wrists as he held my face. This moment was well worth the wait, and I wanted to slap myself for not being patient and letting him ask first. Even so, it felt right. It felt like us because of the way things played out. I gave him a radiant smile as he pulled back, gazing at me longingly.
"I love you, Hailey Medina."
"I love you, Ian Daniels."
Even though we had eaten delicious Cuban treats less than two hours ago, my stomach began to rumble. Ian laughed at me, shaking his head in amusement. "Always hungry."
"I can't help it." I blushed.
"I love it. How about some dinner? I have a place in mind."
"Yes, please."
Ian led me out of the art studio and back to his car. He asked me to blindfold myself with the tie he had lying around in his car. The things he has just lying about in his car are so random, I swear. I heard the drift of cars as Ian drove us to his undisclosed location. All I can say is that I know I won't be disappointed- not once have I ever been disappointed by one of his surprises.
Ian parked, telling me we had arrived. The urge to sneak a peek was killing me, but I stayed strong, not wanting to ruin whatever Ian had planned. My door opened, and Ian took my hand, helping me out and slowly guiding me.
"Watch your step," he cautioned me, prompting me to lift my leg and step up. Where are we? Suddenly, the floor began to move under me, alerting me that we were on an elevator. We stepped out again, with Ian slowly leading the way. I could hear the creek of a door before I felt the crisp autumn air once more. We were outside again. "Surprise," Ian said as he removed the tie from my eyes.
I blinked, letting my eyes adjust, seeing our friends and family all here. We were on the roof of our apartment building, greeted with yet another surprise party. I was kissed and congratulated by many as Ian guided me to the buffet-style table. Papi had cooked, making his one non-traditional Cuban dish that I absolutely love- paella.
Ian had ended our perfect day in a perfect way. Our engagement led straight to our engagement party. Clever man, my future husband.