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“Need help with that?” Ben asked as he watched Rey reach up on her tiptoes to hang a string of paper pumpkins from the ceiling of their cat cafe. She looked adorable with her nose scrunched in concentration, accentuating the freckles he loved so much. Rey tried her hardest to stretch her arm towards the ceiling and sighed in defeat as she handed Ben the decorations.
It was officially “spooky” season, or at least that was what Rey, his best friend and business partner, told him. They would be serving pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin flavored treats in the cafe portion of their establishment. They had transformed the entire cat cafe into a Halloween theme complete with spiderwebs, pumpkins, skeletons, ghosts, and of course black cats.
“There,” Ben exclaimed, as he finished taping the pumpkins from the archway leading back to the cat room.
“It’s perfect!” Rey replied as she admired their work. “Oh, I almost forgot, can you grab the box of cat toys from the back of my trunk?”
Ben nodded as Rey tossed him the car keys. He quickly grabbed the large box from Rey’s car and made his way towards the cat room. He shifted the box under one arm as he opened the door. Rey was on her hands and knees with her backside sticking in the air as she called out to one of the cats. Ben almost dropped the box as he tried to avert his gaze from her peach shaped behind.
Fuck. She’s trying to kill me. Ben thought. He loved his job. He loved owning a cat cafe with his best friend. But it didn’t help him get past his immense pining. Ben had been in love with Rey for as long as he could remember. He was a romantic at heart and more than anything he wanted Rey to see him in the same light. However, Rey only saw him as a friend. A best friend. Meanwhile, Ben was head over heels in love with Rey.
She wiggled her bottom as the white cat, Kira, crawled out from her favorite hiding spot. Rey sat back on her heels and petted the cat. Ben willed his dick to behave and placed the box of cat toys on a nearby table, then he joined Rey on the ground.
“I see you got Halloween themed toys,” Ben smirked as he reached into the box and pulled out some ball shaped pumpkins with bells inside.
“Yeah, I thought they were cute,” Rey replied.
Ben grabbed a wand with a string of bats attached to the end and started to move it back and forth on the ground. Kylo, the large black cat darted out from the top of the cat tree to attack the toy. Ben played with him for a while before checking on the other cats.
Rey left him to put the coffee on and start opening up the cafe. Ben sat with his back against the wall as Kylo curled up on his lap. He let his hand run down Kylo’s sleek coat. The cat immediately started to purr.
“How’s your little girlfriend?” Ben teased the cat. Kylo and Kira were a bonded pair. They were almost always together and if one had to take a trip to the vet, the other would act distressed until they were together again. It was fitting that they were named after the star crossed lovers from the infamous Galaxy Wars Saga.
“Alright,” Ben said as he gently picked Kylo up and placed him next to Kira in the large cat bed. “I need to help Rey set up.”
He quietly exited the cat room and began walking towards the front. He heard Rey’s soft voice and realized she was on the phone.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about Rose, Ben doesn’t have feelings for me.”
She was talking about him.
“I was on my hands and knees with my ass in the air, practically begging him to fuck me and it didn’t even phase him.”
Holy shit.
“I don’t know what else to do. Yesterday I was licking a lollipop in the most obscene way. He didn’t even look me in the eyes.”
Because I was dying inside, Rey.
“Listen, I gotta go. But I think we can put this to rest.” she paused as Rose likely said something in return. “No, I’ll be fine. I’m used to being on my own. I’d rather have his friendship than nothing at all. I’ll talk to you later. Bye Rose.”
She placed her cell phone on the counter and turned to face the coffee machine.
“Ben,” she gasped when she met his gaze.
“Did you mean it?” Ben questioned. “What you said on the phone.”
“Oh my god, how much did you hear?”
“Somewhere around when you talked about being on your hands and knees.” Ben replied.
Rey’s face flamed with a blush.
“Look, can we forget this ever happened.”
Ben reached for Rey’s hand and brushed his thumb along her knuckles. She sucked in a breath as he closed the distance between them.
“Rey, did you mean everything you said?”
“Every word,” Rey admitted, never taking her eyes off of him at her confession.
Ben wrapped an arm around Rey’s waist and pulled her against him as he sought out her mouth. The press of Rey’s lips against his made his stomach swirl with butterflies. It sort of felt like an out of body experience. It was something he thought about for a long time but actually getting to kiss Rey was even better than every imagination his brain had conjured up.
Her lips were petal soft and her warm tongue flicked against his own. Ben opened his mouth and deepened the kiss, pulling her in snug against his chest. She felt perfect in his arms. Like they were made for one another.
Even though it pained him, Ben pulled away, resting his forehead against Rey’s as she chased his lips.
“Wait,” he whispered.
“Oh please, don’t tell me you regret this.”
“What? Never!” Ben answered. “I just want to do right by you.”
“Always so noble,” Rey groaned.
“Let me take you out, Rey. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long.”
“Kiss me again and I’ll say yes,” Rey said with a cheeky smirk.
Ben grinned as he stole a kiss from her lips. He could really get used to kissing Rey.
***
Ben watched Rey the entire day as she interacted with the guests and the cats. Their cats loved Rey. They always chased after her and rubbed against her legs as she made her rounds in the cat room, refilling coffee and taking away dirty dishes.
When it was quiet, Rey would pull him into a corner and press her lips against his. Ben still couldn’t quite believe Rey felt the same way about him, but she was so enthusiastic with her affection. He never knew he could be this happy.
At closing, Rey turned the sign on the door and Ben made sure the cats were settled in for the night. Kylo and Kira were cuddled up together in their bed as expected.
Ben smiled to himself as he turned the lights out and left a few extra treats by their bed. He had a soft spot for the two cats.
He made his way to the front of the cafe where Rey was grabbing her keys from her purse.
“So I was thinking, since the cafe is closed tomorrow, why don’t I pick you up around 11 and I take you to brunch and then if you are up to it— we can spend the day together?” Ben suggested.
“I’d like that,” Rey replied. Then she leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
Rey locked the door behind them and then they each made their way to their cars. As he cranked the engine, Ben let his mind wander over where he could take Rey on their date. He wanted it to be special but not the cliche dinner and a movie. Rey deserved the very best.
***
Rey stood in front of her closet the next morning, wondering what she should wear to her date with Ben. He wouldn’t give any details over what they’d be doing past brunch at Maz’s Cantina. But Ben did tell her to dress comfortably and for the season. The weather was a crisp 55 degrees so Rey pulled out a soft olive-green sweater paired with dark jeans and knee high brown boots.
She put on some mascara and lipgloss and wondered if she should put on foundation to cover up her freckles, but decided against it. Ben had seen her without makeup countless times. A memory popped into her mind when Rey was sick with the flu and Ben had stopped by to bring her medicine and homemade chicken noodle soup.
“I look terrible,” Rey had said.
“No you don’t,” Ben replied. “You always look beautiful.”
How had Rey not noticed the signs all this time? Ben really did have feelings for her.
Before she could get too lost in her thoughts, her doorbell rang. Rey quickly grabbed her purse and made her way to the entrance of her apartment. She opened the door to see Ben standing in the doorframe looking as handsome as ever. He was wearing a mustard yellow sweater with denim jeans. His dark wavy locks perfectly framed his face without a single strand astray. How he kept his hair this perfect was always a mystery to Rey.
“Hey sweetheart,” Ben said with a smile. “Are you ready to go?”
Rey reached for his hand and intertwined their fingers as she planted a kiss on his lips.
***
Maz’s Cantina was a popular brunch restaurant in Chandrila. It was known best for mimosas and beignets. As they walked inside the little restaurant they were greeted by a hostess and brought back to a small table by a window. The orange, yellow, and red trees made for a beautiful view.
“Ben Solo!” the owner, Maz Kanata, called out.
Rey watched as Ben’s cheeks turned a rosy shade of red.
“Hi Maz,” he answered sheepishly.
“How’s my favorite cat, Chewie?” she questioned.
Rey giggled as she thought about their resident chunkster. Chewie was a large brown longhaired tabby cat. Maz had visited the cafe countless times and deemed Chewie her favorite. The cat had taken a liking to the older woman as well.
“He’s good, you should come see him this week. Rey decorated the cafe for Halloween and we got all the pumpkin flavored treats in stock.” Ben replied.
“Perhaps I will.” Then her smile turned devious as she continued. “Have you finally grown a pair and asked our sweet Rey out?”
“Yes,” Rey answered for Ben, grabbing his hand beneath the table and giving it a tender squeeze. “He has the whole day planned.”
Maz smiled at them from behind her glasses and nodded in satisfaction.
“Good, now don’t be an idiot like your father.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Ben replied. “Although, my mom still puts up with him. So he must be doing something right.”
“The usual?” Maz asked, changing the subject.
“Please,” Ben answered.
Once they were left alone, Rey released Ben’s hand and brushed the loose strands of hair behind her ears. Then she laced her fingers together as she rested her elbows on the table and gazed at Ben.
“So what do you have planned for us today?” Rey questioned.
Ben ran a hand through his tostled hair— a nervous tell of his.
“I can’t tell you yet, that would ruin the surprise.”
Before Rey could ruminate over Ben’s statement, Maz had returned with two mimosas and a plate full of beignets.
“The pumpkin pancakes will be out shortly,” Maz said. “In the meantime, enjoy some beignets on me.”
They both thanked the older woman as she disappeared back in the kitchen.
Rey bit into a beignet and moaned out loud at the taste. Ben hissed as if he was in pain and he swallowed a big gulp of his mimosa. She’d been told before that she ate like a savage. She would normally feel somewhat embarrassed but this was Ben, and he would never make fun of Rey for her eating habits.
“Sorry,” Rey blushed. “These are just so good.”
“Don’t apologize,” Ben replied. “You are just… so sexy when you make those noises.”
Only Ben would be attracted to her gremlin like table manners.
“You have some powdered sugar on your lip,” Ben started. Then he leaned in, clutching her face as he continued. “Allow me.”
Then he kissed her. His tongue licked at the seam of her mouth, effectively cleaning the sugar from her lips. Rey’s stomach fluttered as he deepened the kiss. She sank her fingers into his dark hair and sighed against his lips.
A throat cleared at a nearby table, reminding them that they weren’t alone. They broke apart and whispered apologies to the family seated across from them. Once Rey turned her attention back to Ben, they both burst into a fit of laughter.
Before long, Maz had dropped off their pumpkin pancakes. They spent the rest of the brunch in comfortable conversation. At some point, Ben had reached across the table and laced their fingers together as they finished their food and mimosas. He rummaged through his jeans pocket and pulled out a folded note, sliding it across the table.
“What’s this?” Rey questioned.
“Read it,” Ben urged.
She unfolded the paper and smoothed it out on the table. Her eyes scanned over the soft swooping words written in Ben’s familiar handwriting.
“A scavenger hunt for my sweet scavenger. Your prizes await. The first clue is in the food we just ate.”
Rey grinned and shook her head in astonishment. She bit her lip and thought about what they had just eaten. Beignets and pumpkin pancakes. But the beignets were from Maz so that hadn’t been part of Ben’s plan.
“Pumpkin pancakes,” Rey whispered. “Maybe a pumpkin patch?”
Ben stood from the table and grabbed Rey’s hand. He left a wad of cash on the table for Maz before they exited the restaurant.
“Did I get it right?” Rey questioned as the chilly air kissed her cheeks.
“You tell me,” Ben answered as he led her around the corner to a stand filled with rows and rows of orange pumpkins. “Now find the next clue,” he said with a smirk.
Rey immediately started analyzing the pumpkins. She looked for hidden notes or anything that stood out. But it was only rows of plain orange pumpkins. She peered around the next row and let her gaze fall on a wheelbarrow filled with hay and two small pie pumpkins. One was painted black and the other white. Both had cat faces painted on the front of the pumpkins.
“There!” Rey exclaimed. “It’s Kylo and Kira!”
Ben picked up the pumpkins and handed Rey the white kitty pumpkin.
“Good job, Rey.” Ben praised. “This is only the first of many surprises.”
Then he handed Rey another slip of paper. She put the ‘Kira’ pumpkin down as she unfolded the paper and read the next clue.
“I think you’re a-maize-ing.”
“This one is easy,” Rey smirked. “It’s a corn maze.”
“You truly are amazing,” Ben said as he stole a kiss. “Let’s take these pumpkins to the car and I’ll drive you to the corn maze.”
***
The farm was devoid of people, which seemed odd during the peak of the spooky season. Rey glanced at Ben with curiosity. He shuffled his feet in the dirt outside of the corn maze as he ran a hand through his hair.
“Yeah, I may have rented the farm out for us.”
“You shouldn’t have gone through all the trouble,” Rey chastised.
Ben shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, “you’re worth it, Rey.”
Then he handed her a printed out paper with a title reading “Cat Facts.”
“So there are 10 spots within the maze to help us navigate. Once we reach each number, we answer the cat fact and it will tell us whether to go left or right.” Ben stated.
Rey led the way, holding the paper as they maneuvered through the tall stalks of corn. Before long, she could see a post with a number one in the distance. Rey ran up to it and turned to smile at Ben. She held up the paper and read off the first cat fact questions.
“True or false. Cats meow to communicate with people, not other cats. For true, turn left. For false, turn right.”
That one was easy, Rey turned left and began walking through the maze of corn. They weaved in and out of the paths throughout the maze, answering cat fact after cat fact. The path led to a raised platform overlooking the maze where they paused to admire the view.
“Do you want a snack?” Ben questioned, he then pointed to a scarecrow on the corner of the flatform holding a bucket of halloween candy. Rey rifled through the bucket and pulled out a small package of candy corn.
“That candy is disgusting,” Ben teased. Rey huffed and shoved the entire handful of candy corn into her mouth.
He closed the distance between them and nuzzled at her neck. Rey shivered from the cold and leaned into Ben. His body was like a furnace. It was starting to get cloudy overhead and Rey didn’t want to get caught in a rainstorm in the middle of a corn maze. She grabbed Ben’s hand and pulled him along as they continued on their journey.
Once they reached the number 10 marker, Rey read the final question.
“Which cat at the cat cafe is Ben’s favorite?” There were no multiple choice answers to choose from with directions on which way to go. But Rey knew the answer to the question. “It’s Kylo. You have a soft spot for that big grump.”
“He’s not grumpy,” Ben said with exasperation.
He then directed Rey to turn right and they continued through the maze until they reached the exit. Ben grabbed Rey’s hand and quickly slipped a bracelet on her wrist. Rey admired the delicate band. It was a charm bracelet themed for Halloween. There was a black cat, a white cat, a ghost, a pumpkin, and a witch hat. It was absolutely adorable and Rey loved it. She felt her eyes sting with unshed tears.
“So you made it through the maze and earned your second prize. Are you ready for the final clue.” Ben asked.
Rey held her hand out, ready for the note he had tucked away in his pocket. Ben handed it to her with a little grin on his face. He was absolutely adorable.
“Rest in peace reads the markers of the graves. Can you brave the cemetery at nightfall?”
“The Chandrila cemetery.” Rey stated. “Why are we going there?”
“You’ll see,” Ben answered, reaching for her hand and tugging her towards his car.
***
Ben parked his car on the street outside of the gates to the cemetery. A small crowd was starting to gather. Ben wondered if Rey had figured out that he had booked them on a ghost tour of downtown Chandrila. He remembered Rey telling him that she’d always wanted to go on a ghost tour. After they closed the cafe the night prior, Ben had booked the tickets straight away. The bracelet had been ordered months in advance. He knew Rey loved the Halloween season and he wanted to get her something special— as friends. Luckily enough, he was able to give her the gift for its true meaning. He’d been in love with her from the very beginning.
They exited the car and walked towards the group. The tour guide welcomed them and introduced herself as Kaydel. The sun started to set and Rey curled up against Ben’s side. It made his heart skip a beat as he pulled her in close, letting his hand rest on her hip.
“Ben!” Rey whispered. “I can’t believe you remembered. I told you I wanted to do this… like a year ago!”
Ben kissed her temple and squeezed her tightly.
Their guide, Kaydel, walked them through the cemetery gates and recounted ghost stories from Chandrila’s history. The tour continued in downtown Chandrila where they learned about vampire lore and the legends from long ago. Kaydel pointed out different buildings and homes and told the ghost stories that went along with those locations.
Before too long, they were back at the cemetery gates. Rey had the brightest smile on her face as they walked back to Ben’s car. He held the door open for her and then made his way around to the driver's side.
“Ben, I can’t believe you planned all of this out.” Rey mentioned.
He smiled as he drove down the tree lined streets. A soft rain started to fall, misting the windshield. Ben turned the wipers on and then reached over to grab Rey’s hand and brought her knuckles to his lips, pressing soft kisses along the bony ridges.
I love you. He wanted to say. But it was far too early to make that confession. Instead, he glanced at Rey from out of the corner of his eye and enjoyed her bright smile.
***
“Why are we at the cat cafe?” Rey questioned.
Ben led her through the front door and turned on the lights.
“Your final surprise,” Ben announced.
Rey furrowed her brows when she heard the high pitched mewing from the cat room. It sounded like…
“Are those kittens?” Rey squealed.
Ben opened the door and amongst their cats were three tiny kittens. One black, one gray tabby, and one orange and white fluff ball.
“How? When?” Rey babbled as she crouched down and picked up the little orange and white kitten. She held it to her chest and cooed.
“Someone contacted me yesterday morning to let me know they found these three babies behind a grocery store. They couldn’t keep them and wanted to know if we could adopt them. I was more than eager to take them in. The plan was always to surprise you with them. So when I started planning our date, I knew this was how I would finish it.”
Rey’s eyes welled with tears. He was unbelievable. Incredible, compassionate, and so damn sexy. She kissed the kitten on its soft, furry head and gently placed it down on the ground. Once she stood up, Rey threw herself into Ben’s arms and kissed him passionately. He made a surprised grunt and then returned the kiss. He picked her up like she weighed nothing and spun her around in a circle. They separated to catch their respective breaths.
“I fucking love you,” Rey blurted out.
Ben’s eyes widened in surprise and Rey just smiled. She clutched his cheek and rubbed her nose against his.
“You don’t have to say it back. I just really wanted you to know.” Rey replied.
“Rey,” Ben whimpered. “I’ve been in love with you since the day we met.”
Rey kissed him again, through watery tears.
“Come home with me?” Ben asked.
“Please.”
***
Ben carried the three kittens inside his home and placed them in the living room where their food and water was set up along with a bed and a cat tree for them to play on. He turned to Rey and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her in to steal a kiss.
He walked her backwards towards his bedroom without separating from the kiss. Ben kicked the bedroom door closed behind them and then tossed Rey on the bed. She lifted a booted leg and rested it on his chest. Ben reached for the zipper and slowly pulled it down. He repeated the action on her other boot and then put them on the floor beside his bed.
“How do you make taking off my boots so sensual?” Rey questioned.
Ben chuckled as he removed her socks, then her sweater, and finally her jeans.
“You’re beautiful,” Ben said, gazing at Rey’s stunning body in nothing but her bra and panties.
She blushed and rose up to her knees. She grabbed the end of his sweater and pulled it over his head. Ben stood up to remove his shoes and pants, and then met her on the bed once again.
“You’re gorgeous,” Rey whispered, trailing her fingers across his chest.
Ben caught her wrist and pressed a kiss to her pulse point. Then he trailed kisses from her lips to her neck. Ben snuck a hand behind her back and touched the clasp of her bra.
“May I?”
Rey nodded and lifted her back to give him better access. Ben unclipped her bra and swiftly pulled it from her body, revealing her perky breasts.
“Fuck,” Ben groaned as he cupped her soft flesh. He brushed his thumb over her nipple. “Can I taste?”
“Please,” Rey said, sinking her fingers into his hair and guiding his mouth to her breast.
Ben closed his lips around a pert nipple and sucked. She moaned and arched her back. Ben flicked his tongue against the tight little bud and then suckled it again. He moved from one breast to the other, giving them equal attention.
“More,” Rey moaned, as Ben laved at her nipple.
She grabbed his hand and pushed it beneath her panties. Ben teased a finger through her folds and groaned at how warm and wet she already was. He nipped at her breast and then sank his finger inside. Her cunt clenched around his digit and then she rocked against him, seeking more friction.
“That’s it baby,” Ben praised.
Suddenly, he pulled his finger out, much to Rey’s displeasure. He sucked his fingers clean and then quickly pulled her panties off. Ben settled himself between her thighs.
“Can I eat you out?”
“Fuck,” Rey moaned. “Put that mouth to work,” she continued, grabbing a fist full of her hair and lowering him towards her cunt.
God. She tasted wonderful. He licked through her folds and then circled his tongue around her clit. Rey rocked against his mouth as he used his thumbs to spread her pussy. He sucked at her clit and gazed at her writhing body as he pleasured her.
Rey was absolutely gorgeous. He could tell she was on the brink of her orgasm so he gave her clit a final suck and then reared back, licking his lips of her juices.
“Why’d you stop?”
“I want to feel it when you come,” Ben admitted.
He reached for her hand and guided it to his clothed cock.
“You see how hard you made me.”
Rey rubbed him through the thin barrier and then reached beneath the band and grasped his cock. Ben bit his lip and closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her tiny hand wrapped around his dick.
“Need you inside me,” Rey cooed as she yanked his underwear down.
Ben kicked off the offending article of clothing and then lowered himself on top of her. She looped her arms around his neck and brought him down for a kiss. Ben reached between them and grabbed his erection. He teased her folds with the head and then started to press inside.
He bottomed out in one smooth stroke and they both gasped at the feeling of coming together in the most intimate of ways. Rey was so tight and warm. Her little cunt hugged his cock like it was made for him.
“Big,” Rey groaned against his neck. He felt his cheeks heat up. “It’s okay, you can move,” Rey insisted.
He pulled out and then pushed back in, loving the way her breasts jiggled with every thrust. Ben couldn’t help but to touch her everywhere. Cupping a breast, squeezing her beautiful ass, or just holding her hand as she met him thrust for thrust.
Ben was so pent up and he knew he wouldn’t last long, so he pressed his thumb against Rey’s clit and moved it in swift circles as he continued to drive into her.
“So close,” Rey whispered.
Ben leaned forward and captured her nipple between his lips. She came with her breast in his mouth, her walls rippling around his cock. Ben growled as her release triggered his own, spilling inside in warm spurts.
He collapsed on top of her, breathing heavy as they both came down from the aftershocks.
“You’re perfect,” Ben praised. “I love you so much, Rey.”
“I love you too, Ben.”
ONE YEAR LATER
It was the anniversary of their first date, and Rey was getting ready in their bedroom while Ben tended to their cats. Rey had moved in a few months after dating. They didn’t see the purpose of paying two rents and sharing custody of their kittens. Pumpkin, Shadow, and Phantom were the sweetest little Halloween babies. They ended up bringing Kylo and Kira home too. The bonded pair had always been special to the two of them and they fit in so well with the little kittens.
Pumpkin, the orange and white cat, was rubbing against Rey’s legs as she styled her hair in the mirror. Ben had only told her to dress for the season— the same thing he had told her on this day a year prior.
Rey put on a long sleeve plum colored sweater with jeans and black ankle boots. She reached into her jewelry box and put on the charm bracelet Ben gave her last year.
She walked into their living room and giggled at Ben covered with cats. Shadow, the black cat, was sitting on his lap while Phantom, the gray tabby was curled up like a baby in the crook of his arm. Pumpkin came skittering out of the bedroom and jumped on the couch, begging attention from Ben. Kylo and Kira were curled up together on the love seat, watching the younger cats with apt attention.
“Ready?” Ben asked as he scratched behind Pumpkin’s ears.
“Yup! Here, let me help you,” Rey laughed, grabbing Shadow and placing him on the ground.
Ben put Phantom on the couch and gave Pumpkin a final pet. Then they headed out.
The date was a recreation of their first date. They started with brunch at Maz’s, a trip to the pumpkin patch and the corn maze, a ghost tour, and Ben pulled up to the cat cafe for their final stop on their journey of remembrance.
“Okay, you know I love cats,” Rey joked. “But you better not be presenting me with a bunch of kittens again. We already have the five cats at home and the eight that live at the cafe.”
She walked inside and the lobby was decorated with twinkle lights— those hadn’t been there yesterday. Rey turned around to question Ben about the new decorations and found him down on one knee, a small velvet box held open with a sparkling diamond ring inside.
“Rey, will you make the happiest cat dad in the world and be my wife?”
Tears filled her eyes as she nodded her head and choked out a yes. He slipped the ring onto her finger and stood up, wrapping her up in his arms and spinning her around as they shared a kiss.
The Halloween season would always hold a special place in Rey’s heart. It gave them the courage to finally admit their feelings and brought them together in the most magical way. She couldn’t wait for what their life had in store for them.