“I’m so excited to tell our families!” I jumped up and down as I exclaimed, trying to keep my voice down. “We’ve got to go right now!”

“Ok, ok, we can drive over to your parents right now.” Jackson laughed as he pulled open the car door for me. He always opened the car door for me. When he gets into the driver's side and starts the car, I squeeze his arm and rest my head on his shoulder, feeling the center console dig into my side. 

“I had no idea this was going to happen!!” I cannot relax my face. It feels like I will be stuck grinning from ear to ear the rest of my life.

“What do you mean you had no idea?!” Jackson laughs as we pull out of the parking lot. “You’ve been showing me pictures of rings for months! You never stop hinting at it!” His eyes roll like he’s annoyed but he’s also grinning ear to ear. 

“Yea I know, but I didn’t think you were actually going to do it any time soon. I was expecting maybe another year or so. We’re still in school after all.” I hold up my left hand and admire my new ring.

“Liv, we’ve been dating for ages. I know you couldn’t have waited much longer.”  

“You couldn’t have waited much longer.” I laugh and twist the ring around my finger. “You always remind me how much nicer it would be if we lived together. No more driving home at midnight when we have school or work the next day.” I point out.

“True, that will be one of the many benefits of being married.” Jackson agrees as he reaches his hand out and places it on my thigh. We’re both giddy and excited to tell everyone the news. 

We celebrated with my family over dinner. Everyone’s happy for us and very quickly my mom and sisters are asking me about my vision for our wedding. When do we want the wedding? What are we going to do about classes? What color do I want for the bridesmaid dresses? There are so many decisions to make! I had never put any thought into my wedding other than the fact that I wanted to get married. Marriage was always something that I knew I wanted, and now, it was happening. 

That night, Jackson and I cuddled on the couch in my parent’s basement. There was a movie playing but I don’t think either of us were really paying attention. I kept glancing at the beautiful ring on my left hand. A simple small round diamond with a thin gold band. Just perfect. 

“You’re going to be my wife.” Jackson beamed as he squeezed me closer to him.

“You’re going to be my husband.” I answered and my stomach fluttered with butterflies.