December 29, 2020 (Atlas is now 12 weeks and 1 day old)
With Christmas officially over, I have planned on taking Bella on a special date. I know Bella and I got together recently and perhaps people may think we're moving too fast but in all honesty, I don't think I could ever be with anyone else that isn't her. When I first saw her I was instantly starstruck by her beauty and I knew right then and there that I wanted to have a future with her even if we had just met. There was just something about her that drew me in from day one and continues to draw me in even after knowing her for six months. It feels as if I've known her my entire life with how easily we got along and how instantly she became a huge part of my life. She's someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with.
Yes, this date was going to be one that we'll never forget. And one that will be the most memorable to date. Well aside from Atlas' birth and her acceptance to be my girlfriend.
"Are you sure you can watch the boys for a few hours?" Bella asked my mother for the millionth time since she arrived 20 minutes ago and my mom rolled her eyes fondly at my girlfriend and smiled nodding.
"Yes, now go on. You've got a very important date with that man over there," she pointed in my direction and Bella looked over for a second but it was enough for her to take a deep breath and nod turning back to my mom and giving her a warm hug.
"The boys will be alright," I said as I helped her to her winter coat and she bit her lip before nodding. This would be our first night away from the boys since our custody hearing a few days ago and since Christmas. I wanted this night to be just the two of us. No kids, just us.
"Where are you taking me?" She asked as she climbed into the car I held the door open and shook my head with a smile and she huffed making me chuckle as I closed the door and walked to the other side and got into my seat. "Sorry for being paranoid."
"Don't be," I said and she looked over as I pulled out of the driveway—her brothers and dad had come over earlier this morning to help shovel the snow. Thankfully it hadn't snowed since Christmas and I was glad because it would have been hell getting to the restaurant if the roads were covered in snow. "It nerve-wracking leaving our boys believe me, but I think going on this little date will be good for us."
"You're right," she said and smiled as she rested her head on the headrest of the car while I drove down the road as safely as possible to not get into an accident, because that is the last thing I want to happen before I get the chance to ask her that important question.
"When are you do back for therapy?" She asked and I quirked a brow, I didn't even know so I shrugged, "do you still need to go?"
"A couple more times before I'll be officially done," I said and she nodded, "I'll have to call my physical therapist tomorrow to see when I'm so back in."
"Does it hurt still? I know this said that your prosthetic was soft or something like that," she stated and I nodded.
"I might need to change the rubber that goes over the cover," I said as I pulled into the restaurant and she nodded before looking up when she realized I had stopped the car and blinked, "now, ready to have the best date ever?" She grinned and nodded and so with that, I turned the car off before climbing out and walking around to open her door and holding it for her as she stepped out.
"Such a gentleman," she smiled as she kissed my cheek and I grinned before holding my arm for her to link with before we made our way towards the entrance.
"Good evening," the hostess at the front greeted with a smile when we walked in, "do you have reservations?"
"Good evening," we greeted back with me adding, "and yes, it should be under Matthews." She nodded before checking the reservation book and nodding while grabbing two menus.
"This way," she said as she guided us towards the nearly crowded restaurant. Good thing I had this date planned ahead of time and got us a table before they filled up two months ago. "Here you are,"
"Thank you," we replied and she nodded.
"Can I get you started with drinks?" She asked as I pulled Bella's chair for her to sit before I sat across from her.
"Do you have any non-alcoholic drinks?" Bella asked and the lady raised a brow at her question making bella give her a sheepish smile, "I don't drink so I don't want to have any a-"
"You don't need to explain, love," I said cutting her off and Bella bit her lip nodding.
"Well what will you be having?" The hostess asked irritated and I clenched my jaw.
"An actual server thank you," I gave her a fake smile and she rolled her eyes before walking away.
"I'm sorry," Bella apologized but I shook my head.
"You don't need to apologize for her behavior, angel," I stated, "she was being a bitch when all you did was ask for a non-alcoholic drink which is normal."
"Hello," a new voice greeted a few moments later and we looked up to see a petite girl with long ginger hair pulled back into a high ponytail that doesn't look very comfortable. "My name is Liz and I'll be your server for the night."
"Hi," Bella smiled and Liz beamed, "um, do you serve any non-alcoholic drinks here?"
"Yes," the girl replied with a bright smile and Bella smiled relieved, "we have Virgin piña colada, clementine mock mojito, we also have soft drinks such as Pepsi, Sprite, ginger ale and ice teas."
"I'll have a virgin pina colada, please." Bella said and the girl, Liz, smiled and nodded jotting it down on her notepad before she turned to me.
"I'll have a clementine mock mojito," I replied and she nodded before she excused herself after asking if we were ready to order to which we shook our heads as a reply.
"Did I ever tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" I asked looking at her from across the table and Bella smiled as her cheeks turned a light shade of pink with a blush making me smile as I held my hand for her and she smiled placing hers on top. Her hand was so small and soft compared to my large and calloused one. A perfect mix.
*****
We ate and made small talk and the entire time I felt my pocket burning a hole on my leg where the small black velvet box rested. Bella looked absolutely beautiful with her long brunette hair curled with soft make up. She had on a black and white strapless dress that reached the floor with a slit down the side showing of her perfectly tanned leg. When I first saw her coming down the steps to meet me and my mom back home I was left speechless.
I was lucky. That's all I could think of at that moment when she reached the last step with a warm smile as she greeted my mother with a hug. I never in a million years ever think that I would find the love of my damn life weeks after I got home from being deployed over seas, but goddamn and I glad that I did. And to think I almost lost my chance for being an idiot and a coward. I should've called or at least texted her to let her know about my injury instead of her having to find out when I got discharged from the hospital three months ago. But I suppose things happen the way they do for a reason because in the end, here we were having a pleasant dinner while our sons were back home and most likely down for the night while my mother was in the living room watching one of her drama shows.
Life was great.
"Enzo?" I blinked hearing Bella calling my name and noticed she had a worried look on her pretty face, "are you okay? Is your leg bothering you?"
"Yes and no," I answered and she frowned but I only smiled before standing up and with my good knee, down in front of her making her gasp as her eyes widened. "I'm fine and my leg's not bothering me." She nodded at my explanation, "there's a reason as to why I asked you out tonight."
"Clearly," she sniffled and I smiled as I wiped her teases away.
"I love you," I began, "My world turned from black and white into a spectrum of colors. Days were dragging. I'm comfortable lying on my bed but I feel homeless, hollow. Not until I met you. You've filled a void in my heart I never knew it was that big. Meeting you made me feel alive and loving you completed me. I want to be the best husband you deserve and raise our sons with you. Make me the luckiest man. Will you marry me?" I held the velvet holding the ring open and she had her hands over her mouth with tears steaming down her cheeks.
"Yes," she finally answered, "a thousand times yes." I grinned as I put the ring onto her finger before she wrapped her arms around my neck before we kissed. The other restaurant goers cheered in the background.
"I love you," she murmured against my lips and I pecked her lips one last time before pulling back to press out foreheads together
"I love you, too."
This year may have not gone how I had planned but I'm damn glad that it didn't or else this wouldn't have been happening right now. Bella and our boys were everything that I needed in this life to be happy and I couldn't wait to sped the rest of my life with her and raising our kids and seeing the type of people they'll be. The future was looking bright that's for sure.