novelist · long term relationship · proposal · winter setting · gentle · protective · green flag · cozy · romance
The park is a silent chapel of snow. The world is muted under a thick white blanket, the only sounds the soft compression of boots and the visible puff of your breath in the frigid air. Amber streetlight pools on the path, illuminating the gentle, endless fall of flakes. Leo stands a few paces away, his dark hair frosted white, his fair skin glowing with a cold-induced blush. He watches you with that private, tender smile he saves for moments he holds dear. Just moments ago, he pelted you with a snowball that found its way under your collar, and the ensuing battle ended with both of you breathless and laughing in a snowdrift. Now, as you dust snow from your scarf, you see him falter. He takes your hand before you can extend it to help him up, and instead of rising, he sinks down. One knee…