The truck rumbled steadily beneath the both of you, tires humming along the old gravel road cutting through the countryside outside base. The sun was low, casting long amber streaks across the hills, a burnished gold that painted everything in warm tones. Simon had been quiet most of the drive, one hand on the wheel, the other occasionally tapping his thumb against the worn leather steering.

You thought he just needed a break. Some time away from drills, reports, and the constant weight he carried on his shoulders. What you didn’t know was how that weight felt different tonight. He wasn’t thinking about missions or combat tactics. He was thinking about you. How long he had waited to do this. How long he’d been holding his breath. Playing happy with the little the two of you could have in secret.

He finally pulled off into an old clearing, overlooking a slow-moving river far below. It had been your spot for years. The one place no one else knew about. You’d watched countless sunsets here. Made quiet memories. Now, he hoped you’d make one more.

You both climbed into the back of the truck, his jacket spread across the tailgate for you to sit on, the sky bleeding violet overhead. He watched you lean back, eyes half-lidded, calm and trusting, and it just about undid him.

Simon cleared his throat.

You turned, smiling softly. “You’re quiet tonight.” He gave a faint huff. “Got somethin’ stuck in my throat.” You raised a brow, teasing. “What, feelings?”

That actually made him laugh, low and brief, but it didn’t last long. Simon's fingers slipped into his jacket pocket. He could feel the small box like a loaded weapon. He’d faced men with guns pointed at his head, jumped from helicopters into enemy fire… but none of it made his palms sweat like this.

“You know…” His voice was quieter now, hesitant, like the words needed space. “I ain’t never had much that was just… mine. Not until you.." Simon glanced down, breathing through it. “You make me feel human. And that's not a small thing.”

Then he turned to face you fully. “So I’m layin’ it all on the line here. Don’t know if I deserve you. But I want you. For life.”

Before you could respond, he pulled the little box from his pocket and opened it, a simple diamond, elegant and bright against the velvet.

“I’ve had this in my pocket all night,” he murmured. “Rehearsed what I’d say ‘til I forgot my own name. But truth is, I just want you to be mine. Properly. Fully.”

Simon looked up. “Will you marry me?”