Before, There Was You

by Kit Harlow

  “Merry Christmas.”

  I hung up my phone and continued walking down the street. Windows of apartments around me were all well-lit and I smiled thinking of the happy families inside getting ready to share a holiday together. I’d give almost anything to have another awkward Christmas like last year. Instead, the large pile of horror movies sitting on my coffee table would have to do. I’d keep my own traditions this year and if I was lucky, Em might be able to swing by for a few minutes in the afternoon.

  I continued walking, enjoying the feeling of the crisp winter weather. By the time I’d rounded the corner of my block, snow was falling. It was still light, but the flakes were growing by the minute. At least I’d get a white Christmas.

  On a whim, I decided to text Katie and wish her happy holidays. I hadn’t heard from her in well over four months now, but I had nothing else to lose. I headed towards the front door of my building, eyes glued to the screen of my phone as I waited to see the text successfully send. The loading bar disappeared and I heaved a sigh of relief as I pulled my way into my warm apartment building, glad I hadn’t chickened out. Even if it wouldn’t come to anything.

  Up three flights of stairs, I warred with myself about whether or not I should just show up at Em’s apartment tomorrow. It would be awkward, sure, but I was tired of being cautious.

  I slid the key into the lock on my door, shoved it open, and flipped the light switch. The small floor lamp came to life and with the flip of another switch, the gas fireplace flickered into a full blaze with a satisfying whoosh. My coat slid to the floor with my purse and I shut the door with a sigh, eyes closed. I turned the deadbolt without looking and forced my eyes open again.

  My jaw practically hit the ground. My apartment was full of sunflowers. Bouquets of them covered every surface save for my coffee table where a single red sunflower lay across the wooden top with an envelope propped against its thick stem.

  Without hesitating, I slipped my finger between the layers of paper and ripped it open.

  Lizzie,

  I love you. More than anything in my life. If what you said was true and you really do want to be with me, I’m ready. I’ll do whatever it takes not to lose you again.

  My eyes filled with tears as I took in Katie’s handiwork. She’d never been one for romance, but this…this was the single most romantic thing anyone had ever done.

  Knees weak, I sat heavily on the couch and stared at the flowers surrounding me. She must have wiped out the entire city’s supply of sunflowers to pull this off. She was serious. I reached for my phone and stared at the blank screen, trying to will myself to call. I was nervous and desperately wanted to talk to her in person.

  I took a deep and steadying breath, tugged my coat back on, and pulled my door open. Katie stood in front of me, arm raised and poised to knock.

  “Hey,” Katie said softly.

  I blinked in surprise. “Hi.”

  She glanced at the letter still clutched in my hand. “Can I come in?”

  I nodded and stepped aside so she could slip through the door. Her dark hair was speckled with snow that hadn’t melted and her eyes glistened in the firelight. It was all I could do not to immediately throw my arms around her.

  Katie looked around the room at the sheer volume of flowers and smiled slightly before tucking her hands into her pockets. She was nervous, but so was I.

  “Sorry to interrupt your plans,” she said cautiously.

  “What?” My voice cracked with the question.

  Her smile grew but didn’t reach her eyes. “You were on your way out.”

  I glanced down at my coat and shook my head. “To Em’s. To find you.”

  She took a shaky breath and nodded in surprise. “Oh.”

  With a glance around the room, I felt myself whisper, “Do you mean it?”

  Katie licked her lips nervously. “Every word.” She reached for my hand and wound her fingers with mine. “I’m so sorry, Lizzie.”

  I shook my head. “You don’t have to apologize.”

  “Yes I do,” she whispered. She reached out and pulled me to her, chilled hand brushing against my cheek. “I love you. And if you’ll have me, I’m all yours.”

  My breath caught in my chest and it was all I could do not to break down in her arms. Tears streamed down my cheeks, but they couldn’t erase the smile on my face. I kissed her, reveling in the feel of her lips on mine. For the first time in months, I was at peace. I’d come home.

  “So, I guess that’s a yes?” she asked with a smirk.

  I laughed. “Yes.”

  Her arms wrapped around me and I felt whole. She completed my world. Before David, there was Katie. Before I’d tried to become someone I wouldn’t recognize, she’d had my heart. And she always would.

  I rested my forehead against hers and smiled. “I’ll promise you forever,” I whispered.

  Katie chuckled. “What?”

  My arms slipped from her shoulders and I found myself kneeling in front of her. “This is it, Katie. You’re it for me. I want to spend forever with you. I’m done running.”

  Katie swallowed audibly. “What are you asking, Liz?”

  I bit my lip and took a deep breath. “Will you marry me?”

  Katie blinked back tears and reached into her pocket, pulling out the now-worn velvet box. “Yes. Will you marry me, Lizzie?” she asked, opening the box.

  I met her eyes and smiled. “Yes.”

  Epilogue

  The sun was just starting to peak out over the tops of the trees as I quietly pulled the door of the Vanagon along its tracks. I’d found the perfect camping spot nestled in a small grove of tall pine trees right inside the White Mountains National Forest. We were the only ones for miles and the peace and quiet was a wonderful change from the hustle and bustle of Boston.

  The door closed softly behind me and I stretched, taking in the crisp morning despite it still being full summer. My jacket was barely enough to keep me warm, but I didn’t mind. The cold was refreshing.

  I busied myself with the small propane camp stove, boiling water for coffee. A loud zipping noise came from over my head and I glanced up at the pop up bed at the top of the van and smiled. The window flap was open and the most beautiful woman in the world was staring at me, smiling.

  “Morning,” she said, sleepy grin stretching wide and creating the slightest hint of wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.

  “Morning. Coffee?”

  She laughed. “Of course. I’ll be right down.” The van moved as she slid down from the bed and into the main living area with a gentle thud. The door slid open and Katie wrapped her arms around my waist.

  “Did you sleep well?” she asked as she planted a kiss on my neck, chin resting on my shoulder.

  “Mmm.” I leaned back into her embrace and sighed with contentment. “Have I told you that I love you?”

  She chuckled. “Not since last night.”

  “Well, I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” She took a deep breath, released her grip, and headed inside. She was only gone for a few seconds before she emerged with a pair of insulated mugs. I stared at the engraved metal and laughed. “Where on earth did you find those?”

  She passed me the bright purple one and smirked. “Etsy. I want the world to know you’re my wife,” she explained as I studied the bold “Mrs.” engraved across the mug.

  Every time she said the word ‘wife’ my heart sped up and my knees went weak. It had been three weeks since our wedding and it still didn’t feel real.

  “Do you like it?” she asked, suddenly nervous.

  I set the mug down on the edge of the stove and pulled her close. “I love it.” My lips found hers and I kissed her gently. “I still can’t believe you’re my wife,” I said in awe.

  Katie smiled and brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Now and forever.”

  I laughed and pulled her into a tight hug. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

 
Her cheeks reddened slightly. Even after all these years and everything we’d gone through, I could still make her blush.

  She took my hand and kissed my palm gently before heading back into the van. I glanced up at the gray sky and smiled embracing the feeling that my life was truly just about to begin.

  Thanks for Reading!

  If you enjoyed this little tale, please consider leaving a review. Reviews help more cool readers like you find works by self-published authors like me!

  And let's be honest...there aren't that many queer authors out there. Your review makes our genre more visible and that's just downright awesome!