Nestled behind a row of cypress trees and bathed in the late afternoon sun, the meadow was peaceful. Above, birds chirped languidly as a gentle breeze rustled through the tall grass. It was a day that pleaded for remembrance.
Michael had been organizing the family picnic all week. Just a blanket, Jason's favorite strawberry cupcakes, Lorna's favorite sandwiches, and a basket filled with small memories nestled between juice boxes and napkins—nothing fancy.
However, there was something much more fragile than all of that concealed in his pocket.
The ring.
He couldn't pinpoint the exact moment he realized it was time. It might have happened in therapy. Perhaps it was the light from their living room lamp as Lorna read to Jason. Or perhaps it was in the quiet in between those moments, when peace instead of distance was felt.
He was determined to do this correctly. And he needed Jason for that.
Lorna unpacked her lunch on the nearby blanket as they stood close to the edge of the pond.
Michael knelt next to Jason, who was observing a line of ants walking across a stone, and said, "Hey, buddy." "May I ask you an important question?"
Curious, Jason looked up. "What is it?"
After hesitating, Michael took the tiny box out of his pocket, but he didn't open it.
"I'm considering proposing to your mother. I want us to move forward, not because I want things to return to how they were. Together. I know, grown-up stuff. But I wanted to know if that would be alright with you because you are the most significant person in both her and my lives.
Jason blinked. He just looked at Michael for a moment. Then he became bright-eyed.
"Really?"
Michael spoke softly as he nodded. "Actually."
Jason threw his arms around him and hugged him tightly, panting. "If I get to be the ring guard, that is!"
Michael gave him a hug in return and laughed. "Agree."
They later lay under a tree's shade after stories and sandwiches. Jason was leaning against Lorna's side, half asleep from the sugar and the sun.
Michael's heart pounded as he sat up. In his hand, the velvet box felt warm.
Gently, he said, "Lorna."
She grinned softly as she looked up. "Yes?"
His knees brushed hers as he turned to face her. Jason woke up next to her and sat up as well, watching with an unmistakable smile.
After inhaling deeply, Michael opened the box.
He remarked, "I didn't think we'd get here." "Not after everything." However, we discovered something better rather than merely finding our way back. Something more powerful. I now know what love looks like when it chooses, rather than just feels, thanks to you. And I want to continue picking you. Each day. If you don't mind,
With her hand over her mouth and tears in her eyes, Lorna's breath caught.
Michael made contact. "Lorna, will you marry me?"
She was so overwhelmed that she could only nod for a moment. Then she said in a whisper, "Yes."
On her finger, he placed the ring. Jason yelled, "I KNEW IT!" and threw himself into their embrace.
Tangled in an embrace that seemed to last forever, the three of them laughed through their tears.
It was more than just a suggestion.
It was a pledge.
of redefining love. A family was rebuilt.
Of a future worth every stumbling step to get there.