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A bad feeling settled in Jake’s stomach as soon as he walked into the precinct. Everyone was extremely nosiy and huddled together, except for the very few who were isolated and silent. He knew that wasn’t a good sign.
His eyes frantically took the room in. Everyone was there. All of the except for…
“Gina” Jake called out as he huriedly walked to her desk. “Where’s Y/N?”
Her concerned expression was enough response for him. His heart began racing violently, thumping against his chest in a painful manner. His hands started shaking.
“There’s an active shooter situation…” Gina gulped. “Y/N called to tell us, but we haven’t heard from them since”
Jake felt nauseous and had to lean on her table not to falter. His hand fell over his leather jacket, touching the pocket that had seemed to burn through the fabric as soon as he put that tiny little box inside it.
Without saying another word, Jake dragged his feet to his desk and feebly plopped down on the chair. Not really caring if someone saw him, he saddly pulled the small box from his pocket. Opening with shaky fingers still, he stared at the beautiful ring that was inside it.
Jake didn’t move from there, staring at the ring. Imagining you wearing it. Expecting happy tears, fearing a rejection, hoping for a happy yes. He had prepared a beautiful proposal, chock-full of romantic details that would make that moment hard to forget.
And now… now he might not even get a chance to propose.
The detective had no idea how long he sat there for, doing nothing but stare at the ring other than try not to hyperventilate. It was hard to push that awful thought away, of the worse case scenario. It was almost impossible to stop worrying.
But then…
The elevator dinged, and all heads turned in that direction at the same time. When the doors opened, Jake’s heart jumped as fast as he did from his chair.
“Y/N!” Gina happily exclaimed, but before your sister could get there, Jake was already at the elevator.
“Jake” You tiredly smiled upon seeing him, and allowed him to meet in an urgent embrace.
“Oh my god, you’re here…” He spoke for the first time in hours, and an intense wave of relief washed through him. “You’re here, you’re alive”
“Yeah…” You hugged him too, desperately needing his comfort.
“Are you okay?!” He worriedly asked, breaking away to look into your eyes. “You’re not hurt, are you?”
“No, just a little tired”
“Um, can I… can I ask you a question?”
You stared at Jake, oblivious to the hammering of his heart against his ribcage once again. Although for a very different reason this time.
“Jake, I’m tired and I just want to lie down…”
“Just one question, and you don’t even have to answer me right away” Noticing your confussion, he added. “Then I’ll carry you to the break room myself”
“Fine” You grinned, already relieved to have returned to him. “What is it?”
Jake gulped, suddenly very aware of everyone’s eyes on the two of you. He didn’t care, he had a terrible weight on his chest that he needed to immediately get rid of.
“I was going to wait, I told myself I could wait, but…” He took a deep breath, focusing to lock eyes with you. “i spent the day thinking I wouldn’t see you again, and know that you’re back I can’t wait another second to ask you…”
“Jake…” You began, sensing where it was all leading to.
“Y/N Y/L/N…” He began, nervously smiling at you as he knelt down and pulled the little box out. “Will you marry me?”
There were gasps and cries of emotion. Jake only stared at you. Shock was written on your features. He expected hesitance, he expected a no, anything other than the surprising but wonderful answer you gave.
“Yes!” You produced a sound between a sob and a laugh, overcome with emotion yourself. Then you pulled at his jacket to force him to his feet. “Jake, I’ll marry you!”
Jake could have cried as you threw your arms around him and hugged him tight. His eyes became watery when you happily sobbed on his shoulder. He shed tears as he clumsily picked you up on his arms. But he was smiling as he carried you to the break room.
Now you had all the time in the world. To put on the rings, to rest, to talk, to celebrate. You had the rest of your lives.