Work Text:
Groaning, you lean your head against the steering wheel. Work this week had been exhausting. You had already worked over 50 hours and then you received an email from your bosses that no overtime would be approved without prior authorization.
Deadlines kept creeping up and clients would just refuse to cooperate. The other associates and partners kept adding more work to your pile. They expected immediate attention and responses but they refused to hire anyone else for your understaffed department.
You had managed to leave work a few hours earlier today. But not for vacation. You had to go home and finish packing up your old apartment before taking boxes to your new shared apartment with your boyfriend.
Your phone alerts you to a new incoming text from Brigham, to which you reply.
As you laughed and unpacked with Brigham, you can feel the stress melt away.
“Love… Come. I have a surprise. I know that we promised no secrets but I've been hiding something from you.”
“Was this a crime scene once!?” You ask a bit too excited.
“What!? No!” He replies cracking up. He takes your hand and start leading you up the stairs. “When I bought the apartment I made note of any renovations to be done… And so I went to to get the blueprints… And I found a secret room.”
He opens a small door that was covered by an antique bookcase left by the previous owner. He gently leads you in and covers your eyes before leading you further into the room.
“I remember how you once told me your favorite moment in any movie was when the Beast gave Belle a library.”
You can feel you heart start to race. Ever since you first saw that movie, your love for books and reading multiplied.
“So… This is my version of that,” he says removing his hands from your eyes.
You take in the small room perfectly decorated with shelves filled with books. You step closer and recognize some of the books you already had and some that had been on your wishlist.
You turn to ask Brigham if he got you new books when you see him down on one knee, holding open a red velvet box.
“I am making this vow to you that this is the only secret I’ll keep from you. I always want to make you happy. I want us to always be honest with each other and help the other in stressful days. I want every day of the rest of our lives to be a party for two. I love you. So, take this as a clear sign, I'll be yours if you'll be mine. Will you marry me?”
You can only nod as happy tears fill your eyes. “Yes! I’ll marry you! I love you Harvard.”
He smiles widely as he slides the ring on your finger. “Future Mrs. Lennox… Mrs. Harvard.” He stands and twirls you before dipping and kissing you. “Let’s go celebrate with champagne.”