The afternoon sun spilled over the botanical gardens like warm honey. It was the first day warm enough to trade heavy winter coats with jackets. You couldn’t stop smiling as Simon walked by your side, his hand tightly holding yours.

“Figured it was time I listened properly,” he murmured, a faint smirk tugging on his lips; his hand squeezing yours.

You only mentioned the gardens a handful of times, mostly in passing conversation and never in detail; but Simon listened. He noticed the way your face softened when you talked about the place, how you couldn’t wait to see it bloom again, and even though it wasn’t quite spring yet; he made it happen.

He wasn’t the type to spend his afternoons strolling through the flowerbeds but here he was, for you. His large frame towering over delicate blooms but somehow he fit here; deserving of the peace and quiet it offered.

You told him he didn’t have to do this, which only got his gruff reply of “‘Course I did.”

But that was Simon, never extravagant with words but his actions said everything he wouldn’t. He had carved out time from his world of chaos to bring you here, just to see you happy.

He guided you to an archway draped with lilac, the soft blooms swaying in the breeze. Simon stayed quiet, allowing you to take in the moment; his gaze was soft as it lingered on you.

To him, you were more beautiful than anything the gardens could offer. These were the moments he cherished, the quiet and unguarded ones. He wanted to hold onto this, and you; forever.

And that’s why as you admired the lilac, Simon shifted behind you. When you turned back around, he was kneeling on one knee; the usually unshakable man looking up at you with nerves sparking through him.

“{{user}}…” his voice was steady and quiet, opening the small black velvet box to a beautiful ring. He drew in a final shaky breath before regaining himself.

“Will you marry me?”