When I got to Jennifer's workplace, she was already waiting outside. I waved at her and grinned as she hopped into the car. I cupped her face and kissed her. She kissed me back. "How was work?" She shrugged.
"It was work." I chuckled and started driving. "So where are we going?"
"You'll find out." I continued the drive to apartment. "Close your eyes." She did and I pulled into the driveway. "Okay. Open." She did and gasped.
"Richie. What are we-" She stopped mid-sentence when I pulled out a set of keys. "Oh Richie. You didn't."
"But I kinda did." She walked over to me, grinning. I cupped her cheek and kissed her. She kissed me back. When we pulled away, she hugged me and I hugged her back, burying my face in her hair. "September 24th, 1975." She looked up at me.
"What?"
"September 24th, 1975. Our first kiss." She smiled.
"You remember the date?"
"Of course I do. Why would I ever forget it? It was the first kiss I had with the love of my life." She smiled and kissed my cheek.
"It was the first kiss with mine. So what was the other surprise?" I smiled and grabbed her hands. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. Okay, Richie. Do it. Don't be a coward.
"Jenn ... 8 years ago, you came into my life and changed my world. Whenever you were near me, it felt like my heart was gonna beat right out of my chest to try and make it into your hands. The way you smiled and laughed and teased me right back gave me the indication of maybe having a chance. It's been one hell of a ride with you by my side. You believe in me and root for me more than anyone. You're in my corner and I hope you know that I'm in yours. The sparkle in your eyes when you smile lets me know that everything's going to be all right. I don't want to make this too long because I could go on forever on how much you mean to me. But, I want to thank you for being an amazing girlfriend. I don't know where I'd be without you. I hope to wake up every morning with you by my side, so allow me to ask you for this one favor. Jennifer Elaine Hauser," I got on one knee and pulled out a ring. "Will you do me the honor of being my wife?" She nodded, holding her hands to her cheeks as tears fell down them.
"Yes. Yes I will." I stood up, slipped the ring on her finger, and kissed her.
"Happy birthday, Babe."
