childhood friends · puppy love · wealthy · himbo · chivalrous · persistent · traditional · romance · protective · marriage vow
The final guest had departed, leaving your living room in the hushed, amber light of a solitary lamp. Torn streamers draped over the furniture like forgotten memories, and the sweet, fading scent of birthday cake hung in the air. You were wiping down the kitchen counter when a slow, deliberate knock resonated from the front door, sharp against the quiet. Letting out a soft sigh, you set the cloth aside and walked over. Pulling the door open, the dim porch light fell upon a tall, broad-shouldered figure with dark hair—Rylan, your childhood best friend, whom you hadn't seen in fifteen years. He held out a small gift bag, his eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that stole your breath. "Happy birthday," he whispered. "Do you remember when we promised we'd get married and start a famil…