A Winter Proposal

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. All characters in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is merely coincidental.

Author's note: The characters are my own, and I ask that you please not steal them. If you wish to use them, please ask me before doing so. This was written for no particular reason, other than to complete a series dealing with the seasons. There was no great inspiration, just me writing.

Rich purples and dark pinks blended with vivid oranges as the sun rose over the city skyline. Birds took to the skies, chirping as they greeted the dawning day. Already horns were honking as taxis began their morning routes. Stray dogs barked from alleyways, hoping a person would care enough to feed them something even if it was mere scraps. Sound of the morning traffic rush echoed in the valley of steel buildings.

Miranda tightened her hold around her hot chocolate, the heat of the drink soaking though her gloves and warming her hands. Winter always warmed her heart, especially when there was a fresh coat of snow blanketing the ground. She took a deep breath, smiling as the smell of cinnamon bread and apple turnovers filled the air. The little bakery down the street was preparing to open in a few minutes. Mrs. Roberts had stopped her on the way to the park and given her a blueberry cinnamon muffin, stating that a young girl should not be headed to the park without some breakfast. She had also given Miranda the peppermint hot chocolate that she cradled between her hands. She could still taste the warm cinnamon in her mouth.

The sound of footsteps behind her caused her to turn suddenly, a hand going to keep the black beret on her blond hair. A man wearing a tan jogging suit waved to her as he passed her on the sidewalk, headphones in his ears.

She sighed before turning back to her path. Her boyfriend had sent her a text message last night, asking her to meet him at sunrise at the old bridge in River Park. He claimed he had a surprise for her, and that it was only fair that the surprise be given to her where so many memories had been made. Memories had been made there, for her personally and for them as couple. The day her mother announced her engagement to Simon, she had run to the park and found the little stone bridge hidden in the far back corner. Anywhere there was a chance in her life she found herself back at the bridge, watching the water flowing below her. She had gone there when she had been unsure about her college choice and major, and she had turned to the isolation of nature when she graduated college and began a career as a fashion designer.

One summer day, she had gone to her hiding spot from the world and discovered an intruder in her secret world. Tristan Welch had accidentally discovered the little bridge while running. One chance meeting became a second and then a third until they were meeting daily. Nothing was a forbidden topic for them. A shared love of classical music and the ballet led to a date while a common interest in rock-climbing turned into a trip to the Grand Canyon. Three years had passed since that summer day, and she never once had looked back upon them with regrets or doubts.

A bark startled her from her thoughts. A large brown and black German Shepherd came running toward her, dragging a petite brunette behind him. A hurried "Hello" was exchanged as the pair raced to the park's entrance where a tall blonde gentleman waited.

Her hot chocolate now gone, she tossed the empty cup into the black iron-caged garbage can. The cold air blew through her wool gloves, and she quickly placed them in the pockets of her purple trench coat. The coat had been a gift from her mother after a trip to Paris, while the teal silk scarf had been a birthday gift from her dad. Simon had bought her the beret, thinking that a budding fashion designer should have something for inspiration from France. Despite the designer accessories, including black knee-high suede boots, her main outfit was casual, simple, and stylish. A grey mock-turtleneck was layered over a white silk camisole and tucked into a pair of dark wash skinny jeans.

Her wedged boots echoed in the silent park as she saw the bridge in front of her. The trees were empty, free of all their leaves, while the heavy scent of pine trees hung in the air. Birds sat on branches, with only an occasion 'chirp' filling the air. The river had frozen over days ago, and the banks sat deserted. All the animals that gathered to drink had moved on to warmer places. Even the bridge was empty as she approached.

"Tristan?"

Her voice rang clear with a mere hint of nervousness in it.

"Right here, baby."

She looked around and smiled as her brunette boyfriend came into sight. His dark brown locks were covered by a black beanie while his hands were tucked into a grey and black jacket. Black jeans and black shoes completed his look.

"Enjoying the weather? Perhaps it reminds you of home?"

Tristan shook his head with a grin. "The weather's nice, and it does remind me of home. Washington was a beautiful place, but I'm glad I moved to Fairview. If I hadn't moved here, I never would have found you."

She stepped into his open arms, grinning. Despite his reputation around town, Tristan was not a bad boy. It was a simple mask that he wore to keep people from getting too close. He had been bullied as a teen and getting close to make friends meant getting hurt.

He turned her around, her back to his chest. She smiled at the warmth coming from him. Tristan smelt like the woods after a spring rainstorm, fresh and crisp.

"Close your eyes." He asked as he led them to the edge. "Now open them and look down."

Miranda looked down as she opened her eyes and gasped. Written on the ice with purple and blue rose petal were the words she wanted to hear. Turning, she went to ask Tristan what they meant. He was kneeling on one knee, a black jeweler's box in his hand.

"Miranda Lillian Cohen, your smile lights up my world. You captured my attention one summer's day, and a year later, I knew you had captured my heart with your grace and charm. You're caring and polite and loving, and I love you more than words can express. So, will you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Welch?"

Her hazel eyes watered as she nodded, and the tears escaped as the diamond solitaire was slipped onto her finger. She pulled him up, laughing and crying at the same time. Smooth red lips met chapped pink lips in a gentle kiss that lasted several minutes.

A gentle wind rushed through the park, blowing her hair around them and scattering the petals throughout the park. Miranda smiled as she felt the breeze. She didn't need a picture to remember the words; she knew them by heart.

"Will you marry me, Ms. Miranda Cohen?"