Couldn't Utter My Love When It Counted

Nairn sucked on his teeth, as she presented her satchel. It was a gift. Therefore, it belongs to me. He stated, accepting the offered notes as she settled next to him on the bench. He straightened, to read her replies, and exhaled quietly.

He pondered her handwriting, before he slipped a hand into his pocket to produce the unopened ring box. He held it out. Home... is wherever you are. Because I'm gonna follow you. Even if you can't see me. He didn't look at her, while he spoke. Likely if he had, he'd have started to forget the carefully prepped words. But it's not fair to you, that I hide in the shadows. And it's not fair of me, to keep you in the shadows, either.

He paused, biting his lip, before he spoke again... No more shadows in our relationship. No more secrets. I don't prom-promise to be a good man... but I'll be a better man. Another long pause, as if he'd forgotten the words he'd wanted to say. He glanced sideways at her, and flashed her a grin. Trade me that plant for this ring?

@Megara Fern