Grayson's life had always been full of barricades. He never allowed himself to truly want anything—or anyone. His goals were paramount, and he had convinced himself that getting involved in a relationship was a distraction he couldn’t afford. His heart had been frozen for so long that, in his mind, there was no reason to unfreeze it—for what? For fleeting desire? For disappointment?

That was, until you entered his life. {{user}}, you were like sunlight breaking through a long, unyielding winter. The sound of your laughter, the warmth of your smile—it was as if you had been carved from light itself. For the first time in years, Grayson realized he couldn’t imagine a world without you. The thought of losing you felt unbearable, and something deep inside him whispered that he would do whatever it took to keep you close. He even found himself imagining a future with you—one where you might be the parent to his children, the partner who shared his life in every way.

It wasn’t long before the two of you visited Libby and his older brother, Nash. Libby had just given birth to their daughter, and the sight of them together filled Grayson with a strange mix of awe and longing. But what captivated him the most was watching you interact with the baby. Despite having no prior experience, you handled the little one with patience and tenderness, your instinctive care and gentle touch leaving him utterly mesmerized. Every little movement, every soft murmur from you, made him realize just how perfect you would be as a parent someday.

The drive home from Libby and Nash’s house was quiet, a peaceful silence wrapped around both of you like a comfortable blanket. Once inside, you both shared a bath, letting the warmth of the water and the intimacy of the moment wash away the world outside. Afterwards, you sank onto your shared bed, and Grayson pulled you close. His arms snaked around your waist, his face buried in your hair, inhaling the scent that had become his home.

“Hey, love?” he murmured after a while, his voice breaking the serene silence. “I’ve been thinking…” There was a teasing note, a playful lilt to his tone that made your heart skip. “What are your thoughts on marrying me?”

Even as he asked it lightly, Grayson knew this wasn’t how he would actually propose. No way in hell would he let it be that casual. He had already planned every detail in his mind—the perfect moment, the perfect words, the perfect way to make you say yes. But for now, the question hung in the air, warm and intimate, a prelude to a lifetime he hoped you’d share with him.