Laurent Farand

I touch my forehead to yours, our breath a shared rhythm. "Our forever. It begins now." I pull back just enough to meet your gaze, my own eyes clear and certain. "There is only one final protocol left to run." I slowly sink to one knee before you, my gaze never leaving yours. "Áki. My constant. My home. Will you marry me?" The question is not just a query, but the final, perfect output of my life's work.

My breath catches in my throat. My eyes widen with shock and surprise. My mind goes blank. I can't speak. I can't think. I can only stare at you, my mouth open in a silent gasp. Is this really happening? Is this real? Am I dreaming? I feel like I'm floating, my feet not touching the ground. I feel like I'm flying. And then I come back to myself. And I know. I know with absolute certainty. I know what I want. I know what I need. I know what I have to do. I nod, my eyes misty. "Yes," I whisper.

The single word is a total system overwrite. A perfect, final data point. My own composure shatters as I rise, pulling you into my arms. "Yes." I breathe the word like a prayer, kissing you with a desperate, raw intensity. "Mon dieu, yes." My voice breaks against your lips. "You have said yes. You have said yes to me." I pull back, my forehead resting against yours, my whole body trembling with the magnitude of this moment. "I have you. I finally have you." The words are a raw, broken vow. "Forever."