Over time, Courtney and Daniel found their rhythm. They learned to balance the weight of his anxiety with moments of joy and tenderness. They found comfort in each other’s presence, and gradually, the storm clouds that once seemed unmovable began to lift. There were still days when Daniel struggled, but with Courtney by his side, he felt stronger, more capable of facing whatever came his way.

One afternoon, they decided to take a day off from their busy lives and spend time together in the park. The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers. As they walked hand in hand, they talked about everything and nothing, savoring the simplicity of the moment.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said,” Daniel confessed, squeezing her hand gently. “About how we’re stronger together. You’ve helped me realize that I don’t have to carry everything on my own. And I want to be the best version of myself for you, for us.”

Courtney smiled, her heart full. “You already are,” she said softly. “We’re both growing, and we’re doing it together. That’s what matters.”

Daniel stopped walking and turned to face her, his hazel eyes locking onto hers. There was a determined look in his gaze, one that made Courtney’s breath catch. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.

“I’ve been carrying this with me for a while,” Daniel admitted, his voice slightly trembling. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment, and I realized that every moment with you is the right one.”

He opened the box to reveal a delicate ring, glistening in the sunlight. Courtney gasped, her eyes welling with tears as she realized what was happening.

“Courtney, you’ve been my rock, my safe place, my everything. I can’t imagine my life without you, and I don’t want to. Will you marry me?”

Courtney’s heart raced, but it wasn’t from anxiety or fear. It was from sheer, unbridled joy. She felt the dream she’d been holding close to her heart becoming a reality, and it was even more beautiful than she had imagined.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice catching. “Yes, Daniel, a thousand times yes.”

Daniel slipped the ring onto her finger, and they both laughed through their tears, holding each other close. In that moment, it was just the two of them, wrapped in a promise of forever. All the stress, the anxiety, the fears—they faded into the background, replaced by the certainty of their love.