I rubbed my eyes and sat up slowly. I looked over to see an empty space beside me in bed.

He must already be awake.

I looked around to see if he had left a note for me like he usually did when he woke up before me and found a gold sticky note on my nightstand. I smiled to myself and I grabbed it.

Goldi,

Happy two year anniversary. In order to get your present, I have a scavenger hunt set up for you. Take your time getting ready. Breakfast is sitting on the table for you. When you're done, your first clue is on the front door.

Good luck!
Love,
Declan

I giggled a I thought about what my present might be as I took a shower. We had decided that our anniversary date would be when we got back together right before Christmas because we felt like that was when our relationship became stable. For our one year anniversary, he had made a big spectacle at one of his matches and gave me a dozen roses. I was thoroughly embarrassed but it was a very sweet gesture.

I hope this year isn't so public.

I went to the walk in closet that Declan and I shared to get dressed and saw a gold sweater dress with matching jewelry and a black pair of pumps sitting out. As my curiously grew I went up and saw another gold sticky note attached to the dress.

Special occasions call for special clothes.

Love,
Declan

With a smile on my face, I slipped into the clothes and headed to the kitchen. Sure enough, there was a plate sitting on the table. As I approached, I halted in my steps from surprise.

Oh my gosh, he made waffles? But he hates waffles...

I slowly ate my breakfast as I thought about what the scavenger hunt could possibly consist of. I put my plate into the sink and grabbed my keys and phone from my nightstand, stuffing them in my purse and headed to the door. I grabbed the gold sticky note and read it.

Get in your car
But don't go too far
Go to where
Our first memories are

Love,
Declan

I put the note in my purse and went out to my vehicle and got in and started it up. I sat there for a moment, trying to decide what he meant by "first memories".

The club?

I decided that must have been what his meaning was and set off towards town. Excitement bubbles inside me as I pulled into the parking lot and got out. As soon as I turned the corner, I saw Nikki standing in front of of the doors with and sticky note on her forehead. I laughed and brought her into a hug once I got close enough.

"He got you involved in this?" I asked as we pulled apart.

"Yup, he has someone set up at each place with a sticky note." She informed me and I smiled as I shook my head.

"Does he have to go over the top all the time?" I asked. She gave me a mischievous smile and I knew something was up.

"What?" I asked as I narrowed my eyes.

"Nothing!" She held her hands up defensively and I crossed my arms.

"Really?"

"Really!" I stared harder, willing her to give in. "Did you hear Kate is getting released in a few days? Just in time for Christmas! I think I might invite her to my place so she has somewhere to go." She rambled and even though I knew she was just trying to distract me, I couldn't help but have my interest perked.

"She's getting released?" I asked.

"Yeah, they said that they finally have her on a medication that has stabilized her mood swings. It's not a cure for bipolar disorder but it will help her a lot." I nodded as I took in the information.

She's been in the institution for almost a year now after Nikki convinced her to admit herself.

"Well, I'm happy for her. I hope she can finally find some new direction for her life." I said as I thought about Kate.

"Anyways, here's your next clue." She pointed to her forehead and I looked up at it.

You may not have fell for me right away
But you did fall when I was walking your way.

Love,
Declan

"What?" I stared at the note in confusion.

"If you need more hints, just ask." Nikki broke through my thoughts.

"Let me think for a minute."

Fall for him? When did I fall? At the arena when he was walking to his car!

"I got it! The arena where I watched his first fight!" I exclaimed. Nikki laughed and nodded.

"Bye! Have fun!" She said as I ran off. I waved my hand behind me to say good bye. I drove straight to the arena and as I pulled up, I could see Bridget standing on the sidewalk. As soon as I parked, I ran up to her and embraced her.

"Bridge! How are you? How was the honeymoon?!" I rushed. She giggled at my enthusiasm.

"It was beautiful but Grant complained about the heat the whole time." She answered.

"Yeah, it's usually hot in Mexico. That goofball!" I replied.

"He just likes to whine about everything." She laughed.

"Most men do." I informed her and she laughed harder.

"Just read your clue!" She said as she handed me the sticky note. I took it from her and read it.

After so much training
I was starving
I bet you are, too
After those clues

Love,
Declan

I looked up at Bridget with a huge smile across my face.

"The restaurant?" I asked and she nodded.

"I knew he made mine too easy." She pouted. I laughed and my stomach growled.

I guess he was right, I am starving.

I looked at my phone and realized it was almost noon already.

"Bye, Bridge! Talk to you later!" I yelled as I made my way back to the car. I drove to the restaurant that I worked at throughout my college career. I pulled up and looked up at the building that I had spent so many late nights at

Wow, I can't believe it's only been six months since I quit and started working at the mental health clinic.

I walked in and saw the usual scramble of waitresses as they moved quickly and efficiently to serve their customers.

"Crystal!" I heard Cindy's voice and I immediately looked up and saw her standing in the doorway that led to the back room. I waved and made my way over to her.

"Hi." I greeted and she gave a small smile.

"Hey, you're cute boyfriend has a plan for you so go ahead and take a seat. I will be your waitress since he asked me personally to do this all for you." I blushed as I thought about my former supervised serving me.

"Y-you don't have to do that." I stumbled over my words.

"Well, I'm not allowed to give you your next clue until you eat so go sit and enjoy." She said as she pushed me lightly towards the seating area. I reluctantly found a table and sat down, getting comfy in the booth. After a few minutes, Cindy brought out a glass of cherry limeade and I bubbled with excitement.

My favorite!

I immediately took a sip and sighed with happiness. Cindy came back a while later with a plate full of food. Grilled Salmon, sautéed mushrooms, a glazed sauce and cheesy grits. My mouth watered at the smell and sight. I immediately dug in and savored the sweet and salty taste.

Oh my god. So good.

When I finished, Cindy brought out their signature chocolate lava cake. I grinned widely and couldn't help but let out a small giggle of excitement.

Best day ever.

I ate the whole thing despite my stomach's protests. It just tasted so good, I couldn't help but overindulge. When I was finished, I grabbed my cash out of my pocket and started to fish out what I thought it would cost when Cindy shook her head at me.

"He already paid, Crystal. Here's your clue, though." She said and handed me a gold sticky note. I smiled as I read it.

Now that your full
It's time to bowl

Love,
Declan

I stood up and thanked silently thanked him for the easy clue.

"Thanks, Cindy. I'll come visit soon." I called as I made my way towards the front door. She smiled and waved at me as I walked out. I drove to the bowling alley and parked in the same spot where I had so long ago. I got out and immediately recognized Bailey. I brought her into a hug immediately and she giggled

"How are you?!" I asked excitedly and she smiled.

"I'm good. Ray says hi." She told me. Her confidence in speaking had come such a long way, I almost couldn't believe it. She held out the sticky note to me and I took it. "He said to tell you to text him before you leave here." She explained before I looked down at the note.

"Ok." I replied and then read the writing.

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Go back to where
I first brought you

Love,
Declan

I pondered the question, trying to understand what he was talking about. Suddenly, I remembered our first day and I smiled excitedly.

"The meadow?" I asked and she nodded with a small smile.

"Don't forget to text him." She reminded me and started heading to her car. I took out my phone and started typing.

To: Declicious

Hey, I'm leaving the bowling alley now. I'm excited to see what my present is. I love you so much. See you soon.

I pressed send and then headed to my car as I realized Bailey had already left. I got in my car and started driving to the meadow, letting my mind wander to Bailey.

I wonder why she left without saying good bye? Maybe Ray needed something. All well, I guess. I'm sure I'll talk to her soon.

As I pulled up to the edge of the road, I noticed a few other vehicles parked there also. I frowned as confusion consumed me.

No one ever came here, so why so many cars?

As I got out, I realized I recognized some of the vehicles as Bailey's, Nikki's and Bridget's. I also noticed Declan's motorcycle but I expected that. I started walking out to the field and saw a group of people standing there as my heart picked up into an abnormal speed.

What the hell is going on?

I smiled and waved awkwardly at them as I recognized everyone.

Nikki, Bridget, Grant, Lewis, Bailey, Ray, and...

Declan.

My heart skipped a beat as my eyes grazed over my boyfriend. His light brown hair that I loved to runs my fingers through. His mismatched eyes that always captivated me. His perfectly shaped pink lips that knew exactly where my sweet spots were. Everything about him made my body ache for his touch.

"What's going on?" I asked once I was close enough. Declan grinned and grabbed my hands in his.

"Goldi, I wanted to do something really special for our anniversary. I know it's cold and it looks like it's going to snow but I couldn't think of a better place to do this." I furrowed my eyebrows at him as he slid down onto one knee. I inhaled sharply as realization came over me.

Oh. My. God.

"Crystal Olivia Hatfield, you're stubborn, sarcastic and the most infuriating woman I know." I smirked at digs and he chuckled. "But you're also smart, loyal, and have a heart of gold. I have never and will never meet another person like you in my entire life. I don't want to spend one another day, no, not even one more minute as your boyfriend. Goldi...my Goldi, will you marry me?" My heart kept from my chest and my eyes watered.

"Of course, you asshole." I said with laughter bubbling out of me. Everyone around us burst into laughter and squeals as Declan slid a gold ring onto my finger. I inspected it for a moment and saw that it had a gold stone in the middle surrounded by white diamonds. I fell to my knees and wrapped my arms around his neck. He grabbed a hold of my waist and kissed me. The kiss was more passionate, sweet and filled with love than any of our other kisses combined.

Declan.

You are and always will be my own personal star; keeping me in the light and showing me all of the good this world has to offer.

💖 The End 💖

*~*~*~*

A/N: I'm going to go grieve now because I'm going to miss writing Crystal so much! She has come such a long ways and yet she's still a bad ass. I love her and, can I just say, Declan is a freaking hottie. Anyways! Haha I hope you all enjoyed the epilogue as much as I enjoyed writing it. I'm glad y'all encouraged me to write this because I'm in love with it.

Next up, HAPPY HEART!!! Yay!!! See you there in February!!!