More Than Us by Renee Ericson Page B

the first time we came here, you told me about how you wanted to dive into the depths of the sea to live forever. Just like a mermaid.”
    “I said that?”
    “Yes, and that you wanted to grow fins.”
    She smiles. “Your memory is to my detriment at times, you know that?”
    “Well, not everyone can have as much charm as you. Some of us have to use other strengths,” I tease, wrapping my arm around her lower back and guiding her to the other side of the structure.
    At the northern end of the square, the urban backdrop takes on a more natural landscape with low-lying bushes and strategically planted trees.
    I point her in the direction of a grouping of arbors shadowed in darkness. “You know, I would grow fins, too, if you really wanted to live in the sea.”
    “Aw, you’re being sweet.” She lays her head on my shoulder. “A little corny but sweet.”
    When we are about twenty feet from the closest tree, twinkle lights come to life all around us. Among the branches, outlined by the soft luminescence and hung one by one, are one thousand paper cranes in pale and deep hues of blue. At the center of all of them float two larger origami birds, a shade of scarlet.
    “What is this?” Evelyn questions, stopping in her tracks.
    “They look like birds,” I state coyly.
    Tentatively, she proceeds with me at her side toward the arrangement of origami gently swaying in the soft breeze created by the nearby rush of water, and she delicately sweeps the underbellies of the paper birds.
    “One thousand cranes,” I tell her as she continues to gape at the small fantasy under the branches. “Did you know that Japanese legend states that any person who creates a thousand origami cranes will be granted one wish?”
    “I’ve heard that,” Evelyn says, cupping and lifting one of the crimson-winged creations. “Do you think that’s why these are here?”
    Closing the distance between us, I reach into my pocket, pull out the box that’s been taking up space in my jacket and my mind, and lower to one knee. “I’m sure of it.”
    “Fozzie,” she gasps, wetness immediately glossing over her eyes. “What are you doing?”
    “I’m making my wish. And I’m hoping that you can help make it come true.” Opening the box, I present to her a diamond of color because she holds too many facets for anything traditional. “I would happily drown in the depths with you, just like you dreamed as a child, but I would much rather see you free. I want you to fly, and I was hoping you’d be willing to do so with me at your side.” I take her hand in mine. “Evelyn Cunning, you bring me so much life, and I want to experience that feeling forever and always. I love you with everything I am and more.” I search into the hidden recesses of her soul as blood pumps profoundly in my chest. “Would you do me the honor of marrying me and being my wife?”
    She exhales shakily in this suspended moment of time, and my heart refuses to beat again until I hear her reply.
    “Yes,” she utters, like she’s testing her ability to speak. “Yes, I’ll fly with you anywhere. Forever.”
    I remove the ring from the velvet box, slip it onto her trembling finger, and then rise to take her into my arms, softly kissing her through the silent tears lining her cheeks.
    “I love you, Evelyn. Forever.”
    “I love you, too.” Wiping under her eye with the newly bejeweled finger, she asks, “Did you really fold all of these birds?”
    I chuckle. “I have the paper cuts to prove it.”
     

ONE YEAR LATER
     

ONE
    Foster
    The heat from the sun feels incredible on my skin, and so does having Evelyn lying next to me, half-naked in a barely there bikini in the midst of our tropical paradise, situated not far from the Hawaiian Islands. The shade of the yellow fabric is damn near perfection against her tan stomach, especially that lower area, enticing me in ways that truly aren’t meant for public knowledge.
    Before we left the room, she asked me if I