Free A Little Too Not Over You by Lauren Pacaccio Page B

more." I smiled, and said, "To many more," and we clinked glasses. I sipped the champagne.
     
    Suddenly, Braden's fork flew off of the table. He blushed and looked very embarrassed. He got on the floor to pick up the fork, but when he put the fork on the table, he didn't get up. Instead, he was on one knee, with a little box in his hand.
     
    I gasped. This was it. He really was doing it.
     
    "Paisley Rose Johnson, I love you more than anything. We've been together for three years now and I have honestly never been happier. When I picture my future, no matter what, you are always in it."
     
    I was crying now, with a huge smile on my face. I was nodding, but I didn't think he noticed it. He was looking into my eyes, holding my hands, smiling along with me. People in the place were watching with anxious anticipation.
     
    He was still talking. "From the moment I saw you, studying your ass off in the library sophomore year, I fell in love. And I just knew. I knew you would be the biggest, most important part of my life. I knew I wanted to be your friend, your lover, and soul mate. Forever and always. Now, Paise…"
     
    I nodded at him, happy tears rolling down my face, smiling like crazy, "Now, Bray?" I said, laughing.
     
    "Will you marry me?"
     
    I made a face, pretending to think about it. I looked down at the ring he had just presented to me. It was beautiful. Simple, but elegant.
     
    "Braden Alexander Abernathy, of course I will."
     

CHAPTER 4:
     

  YOU AND I
     
    After that night, I was so excited, I could barely sleep.
     
    I had to tell everyone I knew. But, for my family, I had to tell them in person. So, Bray and I would go down for the Christmas holiday. The holidays were only a few days away. I had talked to my parents and asked if we could stay with them for two weeks. I rarely get to see them, so me wanting to stay with them wouldn't give anything away.
     
    I called work for the fifth time that day. Double, well fifth-checking that I was indeed off for the two weeks I had requested.
     
    "Honey," Nancy, the desk assistant said, chuckling under her breath, "yes. You are all set. You can go and visit your parents for Christmas."
     
    I laughed and blushed, looking down at my ring, "Nance, wanna hear a secret?"
     
    I could practically see her looking around before replying, "Oh, honey," she said, "you know I'm always here to…well hear some gossip. What is it?!"
     
    I laughed, "Well, it's nothing like bad, Nancy. It's just that…"
     
    I paused, trying to torture her a little bit.
     
    "Well, get on with it, girl!" She said, whispering.
     
    "Braden and I are engaged."
     
    There was silence for a second, but then some sort of noise came through the receiver. "CONGRATULATIONS, baby doll! Oh my gosh, well good gracious. I got so excited for a second. I had to put the phone down so I wouldn't scream. Oh, that Braden is such a good man, Paisley. Good, good choice."
     
    "I was thinking the same thing," I said, laughing. "Nancy, you're totally invited to the wedding by the way."
     
    She laughed, "Well, that's great! Have a great vacation, and tell Braden I said, 'Congrats!'"
     
    We hung up and I got so much more excited, I couldn't even sit down.
     
    I went into my room, where Daisy was taking a nap. I got my suitcases out and started to pack. I didn't know what we would be doing during the vacation. We could be going to dinners, church, or hell - we could be going in the hot tub one night. You never know with my family. I had to pack everything. And packed everything I did.
     
    Braden came over that night. He wanted to tell me about his day and we would have dinner at my place.
     
    "Babe," he started, his serious tone caught my attention. I looked over at him, making sauce for the noodles.
     
    "What is it? Did something happen today?" I was boiling the noodles. They could wait. I walked towards him, and put my arms around him.
     
    He exhaled slowly, "I have some good news and bad news."
     
    Oh,