A week had passed since the drama with Emma. The day unfolded like any other until I began noticing secretive glances and hushed conversations among my colleagues. Tyler approached me in the late afternoon, his expression a blend of mystery and excitement. "Ann, could you step out with me for a bit? I need to meet a client, and I think your perspective might be helpful," he said, his tone casual but his eyes hinting at something more.
Intrigued, I followed him into the crisp evening air. The tantalising scent of roasted coffee from the café lingered, mixing with the cool breeze. Tyler's car sped through the city streets, and soon we arrived at an elegant boutique. The boutique assistant greeted us warmly before handing me a light blue dress and a pair of black heels.
"What's this?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at Tyler.
"Just go with it," he replied with a mischievous grin.
Curiosity bubbling, I let the assistant guide me to a fitting room. As I slipped into the dress, the soft fabric hugged my frame perfectly, and I couldn't help but smile at my reflection. The light blue hue complemented my skin tone, and the heels added just the right touch of elegance. When I stepped out, Tyler's reaction took my breath away.
His eyes lit up with admiration as he said, "You look absolutely stunning, love." He took my hand, his touch warm and reassuring.
We left the boutique and drove to a rooftop restaurant. The view of the city skyline took my breath away—twinkling lights stretched as far as the eye could see. As we stepped onto the rooftop, the soft glow of fairy lights and the gentle hum of a violin created a magical ambiance.
"Your client has great taste," I remarked, trying to hide my growing suspicion.
Tyler chuckled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Actually, this isn't a meeting with a client," he confessed, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "Happy Birthday, my dear Ann."
Before I could respond, a chorus of voices shouted, "SURPRISE!" I turned to see my parents and my colleagues, their faces alight with smiles, stepping out from behind a decorated table. Streamers, balloons, and a stunning bouquet of flowers adorned the space. Tears welled in my eyes as I took in the thoughtful effort they had put into making this day special.
"Happy Birthday, Ann!" they chorused, their voices brimming with genuine warmth.
Emotion overwhelmed me as I hugged each of them, feeling their love and camaraderie. The room erupted in laughter as I made a wish and blew out the candles on a decadent birthday cake. Every bite was pure bliss, and my heart swelled with gratitude.
As the festivities continued, Tyler handed me a beautifully wrapped box. Inside was a delicate necklace with a sparkling pendant. "It's beautiful," I gasped, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Tyler."
He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. "Happy birthday, my dear," he whispered.
Shawn stepped forward with a small, colourful box. Inside were alcohol-infused chocolates, each flavour carefully chosen. "I know how much you love these," he said, his eyes reflecting sincerity.
I embraced him tightly, touched by his thoughtful gesture. "You both spoil me," I said, my voice trembling with joy.
Just when I thought the surprises were over, Tyler stood and clinked his glass for attention. "From the moment we met, every day has been an adventure," he began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "You've brought so much joy into our lives. Today, on your birthday, I want to ask if you'd be willing to continue this journey with us in a more profound way."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Shawn mirrored his movement, producing an identical box. Together, they opened them, revealing two sets of stunning rings.
"Will you be our girlfriend, if you're ready?" Shawn asked, his eyes filled with vulnerability and hope.
Time seemed to freeze as the weight of their words settled over me. My heart swelled with emotion, and a laugh bubbled up through my tears. "Wait," I said, reaching into my handbag.
Both Tyler and Shawn looked at me in surprise as I produced a white gold box of my own. Inside were two rings, simple yet elegant. "I was going to ask you both," I confessed, my voice trembling with love and excitement. "Would you be willing to walk this path with me?"
Their eyes widened in astonishment before they burst into joyful laughter. "You beat us to it!" Shawn exclaimed.
We exchanged rings, our hands trembling with the gravity of the moment. The room erupted in applause from my colleagues and a few onlookers who had witnessed our intimate declaration of love.
"This is perfect," Tyler said, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't believe we all had the same idea."
"It's a sign," Shawn added, his eyes glistening. "We truly belong together."
As we stood there, gazing at the rings on our fingers, symbols of our love and commitment, I whispered, "I love you both so much."
They each took one of my hands, and in that moment, the world around us seemed to fade away. The challenges and uncertainties ahead felt surmountable in the glow of our shared connection.
"We'll face everything together," Tyler said softly.
"No matter what," Shawn agreed.
And as the night unfolded, surrounded by love and laughter, I knew this was just the beginning of our extraordinary journey together.
Shawn was called away to the hospital due to an emergency, leaving the celebration bittersweet but still full of warmth. Before departing, he wrapped me in a tender hug, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "I'll make it up to you, Jaan," he whispered, his eyes lingering on mine before he disappeared into the night.
The party carried on, filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and the camaraderie of friends and colleagues who had come together to celebrate this milestone. Tyler remained by my side, his hand steady in mine, a quiet anchor amidst the evening's whirlwind.
As the night began to wane, Tyler leaned in and whispered, "Let's get some air." His suggestion brought a welcome reprieve from the lively crowd.
We strolled through the city streets, the cool night air carrying the faint scent of jasmine and pavement. The city lights cast a kaleidoscope of colours on the wet asphalt, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike backdrop.
"I still can't believe today," I confessed, glancing at Tyler. His features softened in the glow of the streetlamps, his smile warm and reassuring.
"It's just the beginning, Ann," he said, his voice low and full of promise. "This path we've chosen, unconventional as it is, feels right. And as long as we're honest and supportive of one another, I know we can make it work."
I nodded, squeezing his hand. "You're right. It's just... sometimes, it feels overwhelming. But then I see you and Shawn, and it all makes sense."
Tyler paused mid-step, turning to face me. Gently, he cupped my face, his thumb brushing my cheek. "We're in this together. Never doubt that."
His words dissolved my lingering doubts, and when his lips met mine, the kiss was slow and deliberate, carrying an unspoken depth of love and commitment. For a moment, the world around us seemed to fade, leaving only the rhythm of our hearts and the glow of the city as witnesses.
When the kiss ended, he pulled me into his arms, resting his chin atop my head. "Happy birthday, love," he murmured.
The walk back was quiet but filled with a comforting sense of unity. When Tyler dropped me off at my door, I turned to him, unable to suppress my smile. "Thank you for everything, Tyler—for the surprise, for today, for just… being you."
"It's easy when it's for you," he replied, his grin playful yet earnest. "Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, I'm taking you to meet my parents."
My stomach flipped at the thought, but Tyler's steady gaze reassured me. With a final wave, I watched him drive off into the night.
Inside, I leaned against the door, letting the weight of the day settle over me. The joy, the surprise, the love—it all felt like a dream I didn't want to wake from. The scent of the bouquet Tyler had gifted me lingered in the air, a gentle reminder of his thoughtfulness.
As I climbed into bed, a mixture of nervous anticipation and excitement stirred within me. Meeting Tyler's parents was a significant step, one that carried the weight of our unconventional relationship. But as I drifted off to sleep, I held on to the certainty that no matter what lay ahead, I wasn't walking this path alone.