Being with Ashtine wasn't loud. It was peaceful. Certain.
Like finally arriving somewhere you didn't even realize you were searching for.
Andres didn't have to pretend around her. He could be quiet.
He could be silly. He could show her the clumsy, goofy, unpolished sides that
the world never got to see. And Ashtine? She adored all of it. The way his nose
scrunched when he laughed, how he nervously fiddled with the hem of his shirt
when he was excited, the way he listened — really listened — when she talked
about her dreams.
They grew together in the most natural way. They didn't
rush. They didn't play games. They took their time — learning how to argue
without hurting, how to love without losing themselves, how to be together
without needing to be perfect.
Their late nights became full of shared plans. They'd lie in
bed, legs tangled, phones forgotten, whispering about future homes, dream
vacations, baby names. It wasn't just talk — they meant every word.
Andres would sometimes stare at her mid-conversation and
say, "You know I'm gonna marry you, right?"
And she'd smile, resting her head on his chest. "I'm
counting on it."
It happened on an ordinary evening. The kind that didn't
need drama to feel magical. Just them, barefoot in their small apartment,
eating takeout straight from the containers, music playing softly in the
background.
He asked her to go up to the rooftop. She hesitated — "But
I'm wearing pajamas"— and he just smiled, tugging her hand. "You look perfect."
The sun was setting when they stepped out. Golden light
poured over the city, bathing her in a glow that made his heart race. There, in
the center of the rooftop, was a simple setup: fairy lights strung between two
poles, a small table, a bouquet of sunflowers — her favorite — and the ring box
sitting quietly beside them.
She gasped. "Andres… what is this?"
He took both her hands in his, eyes already wet.
'I've spent my life waiting to feel sure. And then you came,
and I just knew. You've seen me at my worst. You've loved me anyway. And every
single day with you makes me better. I want that forever. So I'm asking you,
not because I need a perfect answer, but because I already found my perfect
person."
He got down on one knee.
"Ashtine Olviga… will you marry me?"
She covered her mouth, tears spilling freely, heart pounding
so loud she could barely breathe.
Then she whispered, "Yes. Of course, yes. Always yes."
He slipped the ring onto her shaking finger, stood, and
kissed her — slow and deep, with a promise wrapped in every breath.
The world blurred around them. Only they existed.
—
Wedding planning began almost immediately — not because they
were rushing, but because they were so excited to begin forever. The two
families came together like puzzle pieces fitting perfectly.
Charlene and Aga were full of tears and laughter. Atasha
cried when she saw the engagement ring and immediately started planning the
bridal shower. Andres' usually composed dad offered to take care of the band
and DJ, while Charlene insisted on baking cupcakes herself for the dessert
table.
The Olvigas were just as emotional. Ashtine's parents kept
sneaking in hugs, and her younger siblings turned into excited little helpers —
sticking Post-it notes on her dress sketches and helping her choose between
"blush" or "dusty rose" bridesmaid colors.
Even their group of close friends jumped in — some helping
design the invitations, others organizing logistics, and everyone making sure
the couple never felt alone in the chaos.
In the middle of all the planning, they still made time for
each other.
One night, surrounded by fabric swatches and a half-eaten
pizza, Andres pulled her into his lap and whispered, "Let's promise something."
She tilted her head. "What?"
"No matter how big or crazy this gets… we remember what this
is really about. You and me. Our forever."
She kissed him softly. "Deal."
—
And so, between fittings and florals, menus and music, their
love stayed quiet and steady.
They were planning a wedding. But more than that…
They were planning a life.