Chapter 22
Here we are in the new year, and summer has finally arrived — which means Lola and I have officially been together for a year. Honestly? Spending a whole year with her has meant everything to me. We started out as friends, went through that awkward phase, and now we’re far past it. She struggled at first with the idea of dating someone who used to be friends with her ex, and I understood why. I did my best to reassure her that it was okay to move forward, that if she cared about someone, she shouldn’t let the past hold her back.
My last relationship was back when I was a sophomore in high school. It didn’t work out, and that’s fine — it was a long time ago and doesn’t matter anymore.
I’m downstairs talking to my parents while Mya plays in the backyard with one of her school friends. I take a breath and tell my mom:
“It’s been a year since Lola and I got together. I love her with all my heart. I’m planning on proposing this week. I want to take her back to Yosemite, hike to the waterfall, and ask her the big question.”
My mom’s face lights up. “You two are meant to be together. I can tell how in love you are. I’m excited for this.”
I smile. “And it’s only right that I ask her dad for permission.”
“He might say yes,” she says, “but you never know, darling.”
“You’re right. And Lola has no idea what’s coming.”
“That’s the whole point,” she laughs. “It’s supposed to be a surprise. Just remember — you two will have a wedding to plan.”
“I’ve heard it’s stressful,” I say, “but I’m sure we’ll handle it. There’s no rush.”
My dad asks, “How long will you be staying up there?”
“Probably three days.”
“Alright. Let us know how everything goes — and when you’re headed back.”
“I will.”
That afternoon, I call Yosemite National Park and rented a cabin for three days — Thursday through Saturday. After the call, I mark the dates on my phone and text my parents the details, so they know when we’ll be out of town.
I grab my keys, wallet, and phone. “I’m going to step out for a while. Be back soon.”
“Okay,” they say. “Be safe.”
I head out the door.
I drive to the nearest jewelry store to pick out an engagement ring. Inside, I take my time — I want the perfect one. When I finally choose it, I explain my proposal plan to the employee. They wrap the ring box and hand it to me.
“Thank you,” I say, and head back to my car.
I text her dad:
Hi, this is Finn. Is Lola home right now?
Her dad: Hi Finn. No, she’s not here. Why?
Me: I wanted to talk to you about something important.
Her dad: I’m home. You can come by.
Me: On my way. See you soon.
A little while later, I’m sitting in his living room.
“I’m planning on proposing to Lola this week,” I tell him. “I’m taking her to Yosemite and surprising her with the big question. I wanted to ask for your permission to marry her.”
He looked shocked at first — then happy.
“Oh… yes. You have my permission. Congratulations to both of you. I’m happy for her and for you. I want to see her blessed and happy — and she is, having you in her life. And now I’ll get to have a son‑in‑law,” he chuckles.
“Thank you,” I say, genuinely moved. “It means a lot. I love her with all my heart, and I want to be with her for the rest of my life.”
We talk a bit more. I tell him we’re leaving Thursday and returning Sunday. He wishes us well.
Later that evening, I text Lola:
Hey babe, how do you feel about going on a three‑day trip to Yosemite? And also… happy one‑year anniversary, my love.
Lola: Happy one‑year anniversary! I’d love to go. I have nothing planned for this week. When are we leaving?
Me: Thursday. We’ll come back on Sunday.
Lola: Perfect. I’ll be ready. It gives me time to pack.
Me: It’ll just be me and you.
Lola: Sounds great. What time are we leaving?
Me: Around 10 A.M. It’s a five‑hour drive.
Lola: Oh yeah, I forgot. I’ll bring snacks and drinks.
Me: That works. I’m excited about this trip.
Lola: So am I.
We talked for a while longer before calling it a night.
Thursday — 9 A.M.
I shower, get dressed, and double‑check everything I packed. I tuck the small decorations and the ring box safely into my duffel bag. Then I load everything into the trunk — not the back seat, because Lola would ask questions.
I tell my parents I’m heading out to pick her up. They wish me luck.
I text her:
Good morning! I’m on my way. Make sure you’re all ready.
Lola: Good morning! I’m all set. I’m excited.
Me: Be there shortly.
After six long hours of driving, we finally arrived. Lola looks out the window, excited. I park and tell her:
“Wait here for a moment while I check us in.”
“Okay,” she says.
Fifteen minutes later, we drove to our cabin. I unload our bags while she takes pictures of everything around us. Inside, she looks around.
“I like the theme. It fits the whole aesthetic.”
“It does,” I agree. “I like it too.”
Then I told her, “I have something planned tonight. Be ready around 7.”
“Okay, mister,” she laughs.
I wrap my arms around her and kiss her neck. She tilts her head back, eyes closed, enjoying the moment.
7 P.M.
“Are you ready?” I call out.
“I’m ready when you are,” she says from the bedroom.
She steps out wearing a beautiful dress, heels, her hair done perfectly. I’m stunned in silence.
She smirks. “Ahem?”
“You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you, babe. You look handsome.”
The ring is in my jacket pocket — safe.
We drove to the same waterfall we visited last year. She doesn’t ask questions; she’s too excited, too curious, and too adorable.
When we arrived, I handed her a blindfold.
“Put this on. I’ll guide you.”
“Okay! I’m trusting you. Don’t let me fall,” she laughs.
“I’ve got you. Hold my hand.”
She does.
A few minutes later, we reach the spot.
“Don’t take off the blindfold yet,” I say, heart pounding.
“Okay,” she says nervously.
I take out the ring, drop to one knee, breathe in, and say:
“Okay. You can take it off now.”
She lifts the blindfold, looks around, and gasps.
“Oh my god… this is—”
Then she sees me kneeling and goes speechless.
“Lola Ashford,” I say, holding up the ring, “will you marry me?”
She bursts out, “YES!”
Then blushes. “Oops — didn’t mean to be loud. But yes. Yes, I will marry you.”
She kisses me, and I slip the ring onto her left hand. My heart feels like it’s going to burst.
“Lola,” I say softly, “ever since last year, something inside me knew you were the one. And now… here we are. Newly engaged. I can’t wait for this new chapter.”
She smiles, emotional. “You were there for me when I needed someone. You’re kind, patient, loyal… you showed me what I’d been missing. You’re a breath of fresh air.”
“You’re one of a kind,” I tell her. “I’m lucky I found you.”
I give her a sterling silver heart necklace as a small gift. She lets me put it on her.
“Thank you,” she whispers. “This is so sweet.”
We kiss — slow, warm, full of emotion — and hold each other close as the waterfall roars behind us.
This night will never be forgotten.
We walk back to the car, drive to our cabin, and end our first night as an engaged couple.