Work Text:
The little cottage by the water was illuminated by the warm glow of the fire pit, keeping away the chill of the night air. The couple sat, entwined, on one of the large Adirondack chairs, a quilt draped over their laps.
“You look so relaxed.” Charlie brushed a stray hair off of Sarah’s cheek.
“Mmm.” She shifted, pulling the blanket up a little higher. “It’s so peaceful here.”
Charlie pressed a kiss to her temple. “It is. It’s nice to get away from the city for a while.”
“And we got lucky. Work didn’t follow us this time,” Sarah said with a soft chuckle.
“We still have three days left. Don’t jinx it.”
Sarah laughed. “Okay. I won’t tempt fate.”
Charlie ran his hands up her arms, pulled her closer. “I’ve been thinking a lot about fate lately.” His voice was serious.
Sarah lifted her head. “What do you mean?”
“I remember something you said to me once.”
“What’s that?”
“That when you meet the right person,” Charlie continued, “you let fate take over.”
“I remember,” Sarah replied with a soft smile, mentally replaying their conversation from so many years ago.
Charlie shifted, pulled something out of his pocket. “Anyway, speaking of fate…”
“Charlie…” Sarah caught the glint of the delicate silver band, the twinkle of the firelight in the single diamond. “Are you…”
“Yes. I’m asking.” Charlie drew in a long breath. “Sarah Truong, will you marry me?”
“Of course I will.” She threw her arms around him, drew him in for a long kiss. “Wow,” she breathed as he slid the ring onto her finger. “Can I just say, you have excellent taste.”
“I had a little help.”
Sarah raised her eyebrows. “Oh?”
“Well, that last trip we took to Toronto…I may have asked your dad for some advice.”
Sarah grinned. “Remind me to thank him.” She shivered slightly.
“It’s getting cooler,” Charlie mused. “You want to head inside?”
“And warm up?” Sarah’s grin had turned mischievous.
“I’m sure we can find a way.”
Draping the quilt over her shoulders, Sarah took his hand, laughing as he tugged her towards the door of the cottage.
***
“I brought dinner,” Sarah called as she entered the front door of Charlie’s house. Making her way to the kitchen, she set the takeout boxes down on the counter.
“I’m almost done here. Just finishing up the last of this shelf,” Charlie replied, putting the last few books into the open moving box. “There. Okay, break time.” Taking his fiancée in his arms, he kissed her softly. “Hey, you.”
“Hey.” Sarah rose to meet his lips again.
“Why is moving such a chore?”
“It’ll be worth it.” Sarah surveyed the mountain of boxes that filled the living room. “But I’m glad we hired movers. We have so much stuff.”
Charlie went to the kitchen. “I got some paper plates, everything else is packed.” He opened the takeout containers, fixed himself a plate. “So how long are you planning on messing with Jesse?” he asked, eyeing the bandage she was peeling off her finger, the ring once again visible
“I’ll stop soon,” Sarah laughed. “Let’s just keep this ours for a bit longer.”
Charlie took her hand, pressed it to his lips. “Deal.”