Love Holds Tight
A young man pulled his wallet out and grabbed a few dollars. “I’ll take the bouquet of red and pink roses, please.” He placed the money on the glass counter as Hailey prepared a bouqet.
“Would you like a vase?” She asked. She couldn’t help but feel jealous, it was obvious this young man was giving these roses to some girl.
“Uh, yeah.” Garrett ran a hand through his rich brown hair..
The florist handed him the vase. “Here you go.” She handed him a receipt and his change. She watched Garrett walk out the door.
“Thanks!” He called over his shoulder.
Hailey sighed as she watched him walk away. Her heart fluttered every time a handsome young man came to buy flowers. She couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy when she saw the dreamy look in their eyes. Her boyfriend had been gone three years, and she wasn’t sure exactly when he’d be back.
An older woman stepped up behind counter. “Had a customer?” She asked.
“Yeah..” Hailey saw another young man crossed the street. Her heart skipped a beat; even from a distance she could recognize him.
The bell jingled as the door swung open. A young man, about 21 years old, walked up to the counter. “Hi Hailey.” His blue-green eyes were shining.
Hailey swallowed a lump in her throat. “Jason.” Her voice came out as a whisper. She slowly rounded the corner and stood in front of him.
“I’m back.” He lifted his arms. Hailey fell into his embrace and hugged him tight.
Jason wrapped his arms around and hugged her back. Pulling away he held her hands. “Could you take a lunch break? We can go to the park.”
Hailey glanced at the older woman, her boss. “I don’t want to leave her working the shop alone..”
Mrs. Agnes grinned. “No, no! You go and enjoy yourself, dear! I can manage for a few hours.” Her soft blue eyes twinkled.
“I’ll be right back.” Hailey told Jason. She rushed to the back of the shop and grabbed her purse. Her heart raced, Jason had left for three years to train for the army. He was back, she just hoped it was for good.
Hailey walked back out and saw Jason waiting for her, chatting with Mrs. Agnes. “Ready?” He shifted his gaze to her.
“Yes.” She could barely contain her excitement.
Jason held his arm out and Hailey hooked onto it. She glanced back at Mrs. Agnes, smiling. The old woman smiled and nodded. “No need to rush back, Hailey, I can manage.”
Jason opened the door and held it open for Hailey. She walked through and breathed in the fresh, crisp spring air. “I told you I’d be back.” Jason stopped Hailey and looked at her.
“I-I know.” Her voice choked. “But are you back for good?”
“That’s something I wanted to talk to you about.” He replied, not answering her question.
Hailey couldn’t speak, she started leading the way to the park. Jason caught up to her. “Slow down.” He grabbed her arm and stopped her. As he looked at her brown eyes he could tell something was wrong. “Hailey, what is it?”
Hailey gulped back a sob. “I waited three years for you, Jason. Three years. Do you know how hard that was?” She blinked hard, fighting tears. “Everyday I’d dream about the day you’d come back.” Her voice went to a whisper. “Jason, I love you.”
“Let’s get to the park, and then we’ll talk.” He took her hand and started walking again.
Hailey nodded and took a breath, trying to calm her emotions. Finally, the couple made it to the park. Jason led her to a shady spot under a tree and they sat down.
“So.. what did you want to talk about?” Hailey asked as she fidgeted, playing with a piece of grass.
“Well, I need to know, if I went back for more training, would you wait for me?” He grasped Hailey’s hand.
“H-How long?” Hailey swallowed hard.
“Three more years.”
Hailey lowered her eyes. “I-I don’t know, Jason.” She blew out a shaky breath. “You’re asking me to wait another three years, before we can keep growing our relationship. Do you know how hard it was waiting these past three years?”
“I know, and it was hard for me too. I’ve always loved you, Hailey.” He let go of Hailey’s hand and pushed his hand it into his pocket. “You were able to wait for me three years. Would you be willing to live with me for more than that?”
Hailey gasped as the words sunk in. “Wh-What? Jason, I-” She squeaked.
Jason interrupted her. “I don’t have to go another three years,” He slowly opened his palm, revealing a small box. “If you’ll marry me.”
Hailey covered her mouth and tears welled in her eyes. “Jason, I-” Her voice broke off. She wiped a tear that ran down her cheek.
Jason pulled the diamond ring from the box and slipped it onto Hailey’s finger. “Hailey Elizabeth Wells, will you marry me?”
More tears flowed down Hailey’s cheeks as she nodded. “I’d love to.” She managed to squeak.
“I already visited your parents and got their blessing.” He pushed a strand of hair out of Hailey’s eyes. “Mrs. Agnes was so excited when I told her just before we left.” He smiled and looked into her eyes.
“Oh, Jason, I’m sorry.” She threw her arms around him and hugged him. She pulled back and held back a laugh. “It’s a good thing I decided to wait those three years, Jason. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t have said yes.” She added, “I always loved you, Jason. Even when you were annoying back in highschool.”
Jason laughed and tweaked her nose. “I never realized I was annoying to you.”
She swatted his arm. “You did too.” She giggled. “You always did it on purpose, and I knew why.”
He pulled her close. “I’m glad you didn’t say no.” He stroked her knuckles, “I love you, Hailey Wells.”
“And I love you, Jason Preston.”