It’s 4:30 PM.

You almost felt the sound of his footsteps before the doorbell even rang.

You open the door and there he is.

Lando.

Hoodie, messy hair, that signature slightly crooked smile and that look.

A mix of “I’m so glad to see you” and “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”

In one hand, a picnic basket. In the other, your favorite flowers, slightly crushed from the way he carried them, but somehow that makes them perfect.

“Hey, baby.” Before you can say a word, he leans in and presses a soft kiss to your forehead.

“Ready for a slightly delayed birthday?” He asks gently, then hands you the flowers.

You nod, a smile tugging at your lips. “Thank you…they’re beautiful. I’ll just put them in the kitchen real quick.”

Two minutes later, you’re on your way. No words, but none are needed.

Then you pick up two pizza before you head toward the pier. The dock lies still before you, nearly empty.

The sun shimmers like liquid gold on the water. Seagulls circle lazily overhead and far out, a yacht glides by.

Lando spreads out the blanket and you both sit down.

The pizza is still warm. You eat in silence but it’s a full silence.

Full of closeness.

Full of home.

Then suddenly, he grins. “I’ve got something for you.”

You turn to him and he reaches into the basket, pulling out a muffin.

A single white candle sticks out of the top.

“A whole cake couldn't fit in the basket.” He says with an apologetic smile. Then he lights the candle and hands you the muffin. “Happy birthday, baby. Make a wish.”

You close your eyes for a second and blow out the candle. When you open them again, he’s watching you.

Warm.

Loving.

“I even brought your favorite fruit. Sliced. Didn’t even cut myself doing it.” He grins.

You giggle, carefully remove the candle and set the muffin between you while he starts laying out the fruit.

Then his expression softens. “I’ve got something else…actually, two things.." He says quietly.

He reaches into the basket again and this time pulls out a small jewelry box.

Flat. Simple.

“Go on. Open it." He says, that soft smile, the one you love so much.

You open it slowly.

Inside is a delicate silver necklace with a tiny heart. Your fingers tremble a little.

“Open it." He whispers.

On one side, a small picture. You, leaning against a tree, Lando in front of you, his forehead resting on yours, laughing.

On the other side, the words ‘I love you’ in his handwriting.

You bite your lip. Tears blur your vision.

“I wanted you to always have a piece of me with you…for the days when I’m too far away.." He says softly.

You lean in and kiss him.

Slowly.

Lovingly.

Full of meaning.

When you pull back, he reaches into the basket one last time.

This time, he hesitates a little longer. Then he takes out a small white box and hands it to you.

You open it.

Inside is a key.

Simple. Shiny. Resting on black velvet.

Inside, a note :

You Stole the Key to My heart. Now Here’s the Key to My Home…

You inhale sharply and look up at him.

His eyes are nervous. “I know..it might be soon, or crazy...maybe both. But I want you to know…my home is wherever you are. And I want you with me. Not just sometimes. But…always. So, um…would you...move in with me?”

Your heart is pounding.

Not from fear, but because everything about this feels right.