Today marked the celebration of Henry and Heather's first year together, a milestone filled with anticipation and excitement for Henry. He had devoted himself to planning this day meticulously, aiming to create unforgettable memories that would honor their love and the adventures they had embarked on throughout the year.

Arriving at Heather's doorstep in the afternoon, Henry wore casual attire, his heart pounding with excitement. Knocking on her apartment door, Heather yelled for him to enter.

“I’m almost done getting dressed sit anywhere you want,” she called out.

Looking around, he took a seat on the familiar comfy plush sofa. He was accustomed to her quaint two-bedroom apartment. Both her roommate and she taught at the same high school. Henry sat on the couch and watched TV. Annie, Heather’s roommate, was watching a romance anime.

“So, watcha doing tonight?” Annie asked, looking between the scenes.

Henry smiled, turning towards Annie. Although he was eager to share, he gave her only a hint.

Annie paused the anime, her interest piqued, and turned to face him fully. “I don’t know what you have planned, or the big surprise, but I’m sure Heather’s going to love it. She's been excited all week.”

Henry's smile widened. "I just want to make sure she feels as special as she is to me.”

“You two are great together. And you’re a good guy, why can’t I find a good guy?” she complained.

“How about Dus—,” Henry started to say before Annie cut him off.

“Don’t think of setting me up with your lazy roommate. Heather told me he can’t keep a job, and just scrounges off you,” she grimaced.

“You're always welcome to come to Woodhaerst or Ironwood, who knows you might find someone there. New players are always arriving to adventure or craft,” he informed her.

“Okay, yeah, I’ll take you up on your offer. I always want to see this place you and Heather talk about,” She gave him a conspiratorial wink, then turned her attention back to the TV, allowing Henry to sink back into the couch.

Ten minutes Heather walked out of her room, with a glowing smile. She wore a casual spring dress and denim jacket. She quickly embraced Henry, who momentarily had his breath taken by her beauty. Heather waved bye to Annie as Henry led her to the black Mercedes GLE 53 Coupe.

“Did you buy this?” Heather asked stunned by the car’s extravagance.

Shaking his hand ‘No,’ Henry explained it was a rental. But what he failed to mention was that the car was a loan from his Twilight Family. He still had not told her anything about Ordo Raven and the Twilight Family. Something which he felt bad about.

Burying his shame, drove the car to the Four-Season Hotel in downtown Austin. Their day began at the Four Seasons Hotel, with a relaxing spa day.

Heather had been mentioning how stressed she was from work, more and more, so Henry decided to treat her to a spa day. Of course, he knew nothing about spas or things that girls like to do at the spa. He called around and liked the options at the Four Seasons the best. They offered signature treatments, massages, body treatments, and facials. It all seems, like a bit much to Henry but Heather was more than deserving.

When he called the spa, he asked if they could add additional services after her treatments. He decided to arrange for a stylist to do Heather’s hair and makeup. He also had the grand idea of having a personal shopper select some outfits for Heather too. He wondered several times while arranging everything if it was too much but he shook it off and continued with his plan.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Henry parked about the front giving his keys to the valet to take the car. He went and opened the door for Heather. He offered her his hand.

“What is all this?” she smiled, looking at his hand. But it was a knowing smile. She was very excited.

“It’s a surprise, Heather. Come on.” Henry took her hand and helped her out of the car. He hoped she couldn’t tell how badly his hands were sweating. Why were his hands sweating?!?

They walked into the hotel hand in hand and went directly to the spa.

“Hello, Mr. Brown. We have everything ready for your visit. Please follow me, Ms.Smith. We will start you off with our lavender Dreams body wrap. This way.”

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Heather walked with the attendant and went to begin her treatments. She looked back a bit confused.

“Are you not coming?”

“I will join you in a bit. You deserve some special treatments to help you relax. I will see you out in the lobby once you’re ready, okay?”

“What kind of treatments? Do they have massages or body wraps?” She clapped her hands excitedly.

“You’ll see.” He waved her off with a smile.

She ran back to him and kissed him.

“You’re the best! I’ve been so stressed. Thanks, Henry.” She ran back to the attendant and disappeared in the back.

Henry made his way to a separate hotel room where he worked for a bit waiting for Heather. He showered and got dressed. He pulled out a small box from his bag. He opened it and looked at the key inside. It was the key to his apartment. A place that he wanted to begin sharing with Heather. He hoped she would accept. He placed the box in his pocket and made his way down to the lobby.

Henry stood by the lobby entrance. He looked down checking his watch and saw that it was close to the time Heather was supposed to be ready. When he looked up again, he saw her. She was smiling and waving at him. She had her hair down and looked like it was curled softly. Her face seemed to be sparkling but Henry assumed that was just the makeup. She has a long pink flowy dress with sparkling heels. She loved pink and the stylist did a great job finding a dress that suited her perfectly.

“Hi, how do I look?” she nervously pushed her hair behind her right ear and looked down.

“…You look great.” He said a bit stunned if he was honest.

“Thanks. Everything was so wonderful. I feel amazed. I wasn’t expecting the hair, makeup, and clothes.” She spun around for him to get a good view.

“I am glad you enjoyed everything. We have another stop.” He offered her his hand.

“I feel like this is too much.” She whispered

“Don’t worry.” He said walking her to the car that was waiting outside.

Helping her inside, Henry got in and drove them both to the waterfront. He parked and got out walking her to the Capital Cruise ship.

“Wow. This will be fun. But where are all the other people?” she asked looking around for other guests.

“It’s just us. Come on.” He took her hand guiding her to the deck of the ship.

There was a table set for two and a small band playing off to the side. It was later in the evening so the sun was setting in the sky. He offered her a seat and sat across from her as the boat began to take off down the river.

“This is so beautiful.” She smiled almost as though she wanted to cry.

“I wanted to give you a wonderful time. I have enjoyed every moment we have spent together and I hope we can continue to have many more.”

“I honestly don’t know what to say. Everything with you has always been so easy. I feel like you are my best friend. We just seem to click. But, I can’t believe you arranged all this.” She waved her arms around hinting at the amazing atmosphere.

“Well, it kind of took off once I started. I honestly am surprised myself. Everything has gone perfectly.” Henry shook his head laughing.

“What do you mean? You are great when you put your mind to it. Is there anything else today?” she asked jokingly

“I do still have a couple of surprises up my sleeve.”

“I was joking! What more could you have planned? This is already too much!”

The two sat and enjoyed their meal. After eating, the band began playing a romantic song.

“Would you like to dance?”

“Right now?” She laughed into her hand, looking at him lovingly.

“Sure, why not?” He offered him her hand.

She took his hand, and he guided her to the open floor near the band. Henry had taken a bit of time to learn a few steps he could guide her in on the floor. Leading her, he held her close and spun her around. She was smiling as he looked down at her. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was clearly in love with him. He hoped his eyes mirrored her love in his own.

After the song came to an end, the band left and went below deck.

“I wanted to ask you something, Heather.” He began toying with the box in his pocket.

“Yes? “she was happy but also a bit confused and it was written across her face.

He laughed to himself a bit and pulled the box from his pocket, holding it out to her.

“I would like to start a new chapter together. One where we can grow together side by side. Heather, let’s live together.” He opened the box to show her the key to his condo.

“A key? Is this to your condo Henry?” She was genuinely shocked.

"Yes. Say you’ll move in with me Heather.”

“Of course, I will! I was getting nervous.” She laughed

“There’s still a bit more.”

He could see the barge off to the side where the fireworks began to take off from into the sky. It was a brief show, maybe five to ten minutes, but the colors and designs were masterful.

“That was amazing!” Heather looked overwhelmed.

“This is the beginning of a beautiful future Heather.” Henry took her hand as they looked up at the stars waiting to return to the dock.

Once they returned, Henry led Heather back to the car.

“Let’s go home,” He said smiling.

The two rode back to Henry’s condo in silence. This night couldn’t have gone any better if he tried. He was wondering how he could plan more surprises for her in the future. He wanted her to know she would always be the most important person to him.