Jared realized this was a stupid idea. It was not the proposal part — he was certain about marrying you — it was the timing that seemed off.

You said you hated public proposals, ranting about how embarrassing they are and the pressure they create to say yes. He made sure to take all that information into account when planning the proposal.

He wanted to do it tonight on Christmas Eve, a few minutes before the clock struck midnight. He'd bend down on one knee, hold your hand as it trembled slightly, and gaze into your eyes that were shining with unshed tears. He'd whisper that simple question that would change the entire trajectory of this relationship.

But those dreams never became a reality because you shoved his gift in the back of the car and decided to head to the Christmas party early.

Now everyone was going around in circles opening their gifts and your turn was coming up quickly.

"Maybe we should open ours separately," He whispers to you, eyeing the wrapped box you set under the Christmas tree.

He could already see you rejecting him in front of everyone and the pitiful looks he'd receive. Now he understood why you hated public proposals.

"It would only take a second," he adds attempting to kick the box discreetly further away.