Two weeks later...
I released my hair from the constraining bun I had messily put it in. There was nothing like taking your hair down after it was up so long. I stretched my arms as I walked up the hill to my house from the schoolhouse where I had just finished teaching.
I still lived with my family for multiple reasons. It made the most sense for my situation as I work at the village school and love my family. There's no reason to move out for now. Of course, Kuzco and I have talked about our living situations after we eventually get married. He has to propose first though, I'm starting to think he never will but patience was never my strong virtue.
Anyways, I finally reached our home at the top of the hill and went straight to my room to change into fresh clothes and clean my face. One of the younger students was sick today and sneezed all over me. It's lovely when you can see the mist of snot go everywhere, including on your clothes.
"Mom? Dad?" I called as I walked through the house. I mumbled to myself about their strange absence as I searched different rooms. "This better not be another prank...I will not be held accountable for my actions if someone scares me..." I paused to see if a sound would be heard or if someone would step out but despite my loud words, no one made an appearance.
Maybe they simply decided to go on a spontaneous adventure with the kids. Figuring it must be so, I walked towards the pantry to find a snack. Opening it up, my hand automatically went towards the chips but I paused after noticing something attached to the bag.
"Huh." Stuck to the bag was a folded piece of paper tied to a red string that led somewhere beyond my sight. I waited a moment, for anyone to say it wasn't for me, then shrugged and flipped open the paper.
I knew the best way to ensure you saw this was to put it by the food. Remember when we went to Mudka's Meat Hut and your dad and I pretended to be newlyweds? Anyway, follow the string to lead you to our date tonight.
- Your dashing llama
I laughed recalling that hilarious moment when Kuzco was a llama. I can't believe I forgot that it was our date night tonight! It was our second anniversary today so it made sense why he was going a little over the top but we both agreed to keep it casual.
I quickly grabbed my poncho and the gift I got him for our anniversary before returning to the note to follow the string. It led out the kitchen window, somewhere outside.
The next note ended up tied to a tree at the base of the hill. I smiled, excited to see what he wrote in this one.
I love looking like a complete idiot with you. Remember when we were dancing in the village square and tripped into the fountain? Or when you pretended to be a palace guard by painting yourself like one? You've never been more attractive. Follow the string!
- Your best friend
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the giggles as I pictured those two days. As I followed the string, it led me into the jungle, the same path that went to the palace. I guessed Kuzco was taking me to our spot that we found in the jungle. It was a small creek that was fed by a channel of the main river. The pool of water was full of lily pads and the trickle of water running down the rocks replaced the silence.
This place was like a sanctuary as the large trees surrounding it covered the area like a roof. We had a lot of our dates there where we would talk or play games.
The next note hung in the air across the path between two trees, impossible to miss. I had to jump a bit to reach it.
Hey, shorty. Remember when we ate that pie your mom made and then found out it was for the orphan fundraiser. Yeah, not our proudest moment, but it was a really good pie. Keep going.
- Your partner in crime
My mom was so mad when she caught us hunched over the empty tin but it really was a good pie. Kuzco and I made a new one to replace it, of course, but it definitely wasn't as good.
The string made a turn off the path and into the untreated area of the jungle. I wasn't worried though since this proved it was going in the direction of our creek. My hand glided over the bright red string which slowly descended towards the ground.
Along with the note, the string tied around a few purple, orange, and pink dahlias. These flowers happened to be native to the area and my personal favorite.
Hello beautiful, remember when we first said I love you? That was the first time I had ever said that to anyone. I'm so thankful that I can now say to you every day. I love you.
P.S. you're almost there.
- Your man who loves you
I quickly wiped away the single tear that escaped and then carefully folded up the note, safely placing it with the rest in my pocket. I was only a couple of turns away from the creek so there was probably only one note left or maybe Kuzco would be there.
With the flowers in my hand, I followed the remaining string to come before the glistening creek. There were multiple lit candles placed around the water. Their dancing flames reflected in the water as the sky grew darker.
The string disappeared into the canopy of trees and then hung down with a final note dangling from it. I looked around to see if Kuzco was anywhere but there was nothing but jungle.
My dear Amara, as you know, I love you very much. You have made me a better man but... I'm getting ahead of myself. Turn around.
- Your fiancé
My brain went haywire as I finished reading the note. Slowly turning around as asked, I looked down to find Kuzco smiling at me, on one knee. Tears immediately clouded my eyes and my struggle to breathe only intensified when I noticed my family and friends behind him.
"Kuzco," I gasped.
At the same time, he said, "Amara."
We both laughed but I stayed silent so he could continue with what he was going to say.
He cleared his throat and then looked back at me. "Amara, where do I start?" He took a deep breath, "I could start when we first met or when we first said 'I love you'. I could start when we both realized that there was no one else we wanted but each other, but I'm going to start when I finally understood what an amazing woman you are. You trusted, cared for, and stood up for me despite my numerous flaws. You showed me what love is."
My hands were constantly wiping away the tears that fell from my eyes as I listened. He took a second to smile at me before continuing, his serious expressions returning in concentration.
"Every day I'm only growing to love you more and I can't wait to see how much I love you years from now. You are remarkable, intelligent, and so beautiful, inside and out, and I only hope that you'll choose to accept this undeserving man to hold your heart for the rest of our days. So, Amara, will you marry me?"
I took a moment to clear my congested nose and throat from all the crying. Eagerly nodding my head, I gave a final sniff. Kuzco remained on one knee, eyebrows raised in question. Whoops.
"Yes. Of course, I'll marry you."
A grand smile jumped onto his face and shouts of excitement rang through everyone behind him. I jumped into his arms while he stood up from kneeling on the ground causing us to stumble a little bit.
I could hear our friends and family talking, asking questions about the wedding, but all my attention and care was consumed by being in Kuzco's arms.
"I was so nervous, Mara," he said into my ear. Suddenly, he pulled away from me. "I almost forgot!" His hands frantically patted his clothing until he pulled out a red string tied to another note, "Here, it's the last one, I promise."
"Everything was so thoughtful, Kuzco. It was perfect, thank you." I gave him a quick kiss and then opened the note.
I really hope you said yes but why wouldn't you, I'm a great catch. You just rolled your eyes, didn't you? Don't worry, I still love you.
Remember when I gave you your ring, oh wait.
- Your future husband
My eyes shot up to his in excitement. Tied to a red string, dangling from his outstretched hand, was a gorgeous ring. I gasped. He united the string and then softly slid the ring onto my finger.
It was a delicately twisted, golden band with the center stone being a ruby. Smaller jewels were woven in the band. It was simple but absolutely beautiful, exactly what I wanted.
"Kuzco, it's absolutely... beautiful, perfect. All of this went beyond what I ever imagined."
"I'm glad you like it...but it's going to cost you something."
I lifted an eyebrow, "Oh? And what's that?"
He smirked. "A kiss." I laughed but happily obliged.