Watching his face flush a deep shade of red, beads of sweat adorning his nose, I couldn't help but let a smile dance across my lips., Ernest turned his face away, and I decided not to push my luck further, getting serious about driving instead., A particularly 'tough' question had plunged us into silence for what felt like ages., Remembering his mention of spending time together, just the two of us, I was the one to break the silence.

"So, where were you thinking of going?

",

"Do you have time this afternoon?

" Ernest asked.,

"Yes!

" I blurted out a bit too eagerly, as if I couldn't wait., A hint of a smile cracked Ernest's stoic expression.

"I'll take you to a place.

", This time, I kept my mouth shut, trying to appear more composed.,

"I'll set up the GPS. You just follow it,

" Ernest said, taking my agreement for granted., Following his directions, we ended up in a secluded suburban area, surrounded by nothing but wilderness and weeds. The only thing that caught my eye was a river., It was crystal clear, sparkling in the distance.,

"What's the plan here, trying to make us pioneers?

" I joked., Ernest surveyed our surroundings and actually responded with a

"Hmm.

", I laughed.

"Maybe you should stick to tinkering with electronics and earning your million-dollar salary, Mr. Collins.

", He walked ahead, and I followed. Suddenly, something darted through the grass, and I screamed., Ernest, who was only a few steps away, rushed back immediately., In a moment of panic, I leaped towards him, clinging to his neck and waist with a grip so tight, it was like suction cups that wouldn't let go., Back in school, my high jump skills were laughable, but this time, I executed it perfectly., Ernest immediately supported my lower back.

"What's wrong?

",

"A snake! I saw a snake!

" My voice trembled with fear., Even though I wasn't sure it was a snake, the deep, grassy wilderness made it a likely suspect., I've always been terrified of such creatures, even a caterpillar could scare me senseless., Ernest, holding me, moved us away from the tall grass and towards the lakeshore., Yet, I was still in a state of shock, not realizing I should let go until he suggested trying to wade in the water., That's when I noticed how tightly I was clinging to him, even leaving red marks on his neck., Sheepishly, I let go and rushed to the water's edge., Ernest followed as he said,

"Susie told me you dreamed of a haven like hers, with mountains, water, and a garden...

",

"Yes, exactly...

" I trailed off, then turned to look back at the desolate land.

"Ernest, don't tell me you're planning to... to...

", Before I could finish, Ernest nodded.

"Someday, when we're married, I'll build you that haven here.

", I was stunned, never having imagined he had such a plan.,

"Really?

" I asked, without a second thought.,

"Yes,

" Ernest smiled, his gaze returning to the barren land, already envisioning our future home., Future home? The words echoed in my mind, making me realize something., Wait, was that... was that his way of proposing?, And did I just unknowingly accept?,

"Ernest, you're quite the strategist,

" I called out to him., He simply smiled and continued walking., I chased after him, and he started to run., He didn't get far before stopping, and before I could catch up to reprimand him, he lifted me into the air., The world spun around.,

"Mrs. Collins,

" Ernest whispered, his arms around my waist, spinning me around. His voice was a soft caress in my ear., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.