One Week Later

  Author POV

  The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the vilge as Aric made his way to Annabelle’s home. He had spent the entire day rehearsing his words, his heart pounding with both excitement and apprehension. This was the moment he had promised her, and he intended to honor it with every ounce of his being. Annabelle was waiting by the door for him, her face looking around expectantly. She hadn’t quite seen him yet. When their eyes nded on each other’s, Aric felt as though he was floating. He just knew that this was the woman he was willing to risk it all for. This was his fairytale, and he was sure as hell not going to let it finish. Annabelle gives him a firm nod before disappearing into her home.

  He approached the simple wooden door, its surface worn by years of weather and use. Taking a deep breath, he knocked firmly, each rap echoing his resolve. The door creaked open, and Annabelle’s father, a man of few words and kind eyes, stood before him. Beside him, Annabelle’s mother offered a warm but curious smile.

  “Good evening, Aric,” her father greeted, stepping aside to let him in.

  “Good evening,” Aric replied, his voice steady. He stepped into the cozy living room, the air filled with the scent of freshly baked bread. “I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me.”

  They all took seats, and Aric could feel the weight of their expectant gazes upon him. He cleared his throat, trying to steady his racing heart. “I have come here today because I have grown to love your daughter, Annabelle, with all my heart,” he began, his voice full of sincerity. “I wish to ask for your blessing to marry her.”

  Annabelle’s parents exchanged gnces, their faces softening with understanding. Her father leaned forward, his eyes meeting Aric’s. “You must know that our Annabelle is precious to us,” he said slowly. “We only want what is best for her.”

  “I understand, sir,” Aric nodded earnestly. “I vow to cherish her, to protect her, and to provide her with a life filled with love and respect. She means more than the world to me, and I would be honored to have your blessing.”

  There was a pause, filled only with the crackling of the hearth. Annabelle’s mother pced a gentle hand on her husband’s arm. “We have seen how much you care for her, Aric,” she said softly. “And we trust that you will keep your promises. I have seen her looking happier than she’s ever been...since you’ve arrived.”

  Her father nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “You have our blessing,” he said, his voice warm. “Take good care of our Annabelle.”

  Relief and joy flooded Aric’s heart. He bowed deeply, his gratitude evident. “Thank you. I promise to make her happiness my highest priority.”

  As he left their home, the sky now painted with twilight, Aric felt a profound sense of fulfillment. He had taken the first step towards a future with Annabelle, and their shared dreams were now one step closer to becoming reality. The love they had nurtured in the quiet woods was now blessed by those who mattered most, and for that, he was eternally grateful.

  ----------

  After Aric had left, my parents turned to me, their expressions soft. My mother’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she reached out to gently cup my face.

  “Honey...you’re getting married soon, hm? Never thought this day would come so fast,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. Her gaze lingered on me as though she could never get enough of my face. “My little girl, growing up so fast.”

  My dad stood beside me, his usually stoic expression softened by the same tender emotions. He nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Darling, I’ve seen how happy you’ve been every time you’ve come home. Happier than you’ve ever been. That’s why I gave him my blessing. He made you happy when everything else was pulling you down.”

  I felt a warmth spread through me, a mixture of love and gratitude for my parents’ understanding and support. I knew that their blessing was not given lightly, and their words filled me with a profound sense of assurance and joy.

  My mother pulled me into a tight embrace, her tears now flowing freely. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, my love. We only want the best for you.”

  “And if Aric makes you this happy,” my father added, his voice steady but warm, “then we are more than pleased to welcome him into our family. And you tell me, okay? You tell me if he ever treats you anything less than the princess you are.