Birthday Hearts

Gradually, Japan began to heal. Syaoran and Sakura went back to building life together. Four months in and Sakura was really starting to show. But another thought was on her mind.

“What do you want for your birthday?” Syaoran asked. Sakura looked up from her book.

“My birthday?” she asked. Sakura took a moment to think.

“I don’t know,” she said. “I haven’t really thought about it.” Her hand rested on her stomach. Syaoran kind of frowned.

“Oh,” he said. This would not do. Syaoran decided to do something special for her.

But first, he needed a little help.

Syaoran stood up. “I need to step out for a moment.”

“Okay,” she said. He walked out of the living room. Syaoran stood on the porch and looked behind him. Sakura was still ready her book inside. He took a breath and pulled out his phone.

“Hello?” he asked.

“Syaoran?” Tomoyo asked on the other line. He stood up straight.

“Hi, Sakura’s birthday is coming up and I need help with getting her a gift,” he admitted. “Do you have any ideas?”

“Do you want to do a romantic gesture or something small?” Tomoyo asked. Syaoran’s cheeks turned bright red. His answer came out without much thought.

“Yes!” he said.

“To what?” Tomoyo asked. Syaoran gulped.

“Romantic,” he admitted. Tomoyo giggled.

“Sure, I’ll help you,” she said. He let out a breath.

“Thank you,” Syaoran said. “Can you meet up with me somewhere?”

“Sure,” she said. “Where to?”

“Near the park?” Syaoran offered.

“Alright,” she said. “See you in.”

“Right,” he said.

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-April 1st, 2011-

Everything had to be perfect today. Looking at the weather made it a challenge. Cherry blossoms looked better in the sun. Syaoran looked at the sky. Come on. Please don’t rain. Please don’t rain. He turned when he heard the door open. Sakura stood in the doorway. She looked so cute in her black and white sundress. Her baby bump even looked adorable. Right then, Syaoran knew that today had to go right. He cleared his throat.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes,” Sakura said. Syaoran held out his hand. Sakura took it and walked with him to the car.

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Little drops began to hit the windshield. Syaoran held his breath during the whole drive. Sakura looked out the window, lost in her thoughts. He looked over and smiled.

“Happy birthday, Sakura-chan,” he said.

“Thank you,” she said. Syaoran prayed it wouldn’t rain. Tomoyo helped him with everything. The location and all. He would have to make this work.

“Sakura-chan, could you close your eyes for me?” he asked.

“Okay…” the mother of his child said. Sakura closed her eyes. Syaoran pulled into the parking lot. He stepped out of the car and helped Sakura out. The man led her down a grassy path.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“You’ll see in a minute,” Syaoran said. His pulse began to race. A drop hit his left cheek. He tried to ignore the sky. All that mattered was the birthday girl.

The pair made it to a clear spot surrounded by four blooming cherry trees. More little drops started to fall. Syaoran would have to make this quick. He let go of her hand.

“Okay,” Syaoran said. “You can open your eyes.” Sakura opened her eyes. Her jaw dropped. Two little bears sat in the middle of a picnic blanket. One pink and one white. Sakura couldn’t come up with anything to say. Both had little boxes in their laps.

“Open them,” Syaoran said. Sakura walked over and picked up the little pink bear and opened the box. A confused look washed over her face. Sakura picked up the little sapphire dragonfly brooch.

“What is this?” she asked. “It’s not my birthstone.”

“I know,” Syaoran said. “It’s the baby’s.” He put his hand on her stomach. Sakura’s cheeks turned light pink.

“Oh…” she murmured. “Wow.” Syaoran held up the white bear.

“Open this one,” he said.

“Aw, thank you,” Sakura said. She took the bear and opened its little black box. Even in the dim afternoon, the small pearl and diamond ring shined. Sakura gasped and turned her head. Syaoran stared at her, heart racing.

“Marry me, Sakura-chan,” he said.