40

TWO YEARS LATER

"Are you ready to take off the blindfold? I'm anxious to see," Eleonor was eager to see the surprise her boxer had prepared for her. Today, she had graduated with honors in English Literature, so after having lunch with the whole family, Ever decided to steal away with his girl to show her his graduation gift.

"Ready?" he stood by her side, waiting to see her reaction when the blindfold was removed.

"Yes!" she exclaimed with a high-pitched voice, making the boxer laugh, and he finally took off the blindfold from his impatient girl.

After fulfilling her wish, Eleonor's mouth opened in astonishment, and she had to bring her hands to her mouth to cover her amazement. Tears filled her eyes as she looked around at the spacious surroundings. She extended her arms and let Ever see her lips curl into a smile, struggling to contain her excitement like a child.

"Welcome to our home," Ever said with a big smile, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket.

As usual, Eleonor rushed into the arms of her boxer, who enveloped her in love. He held her close like a little girl and comforted her.

"Ever," she said his name, unable to say much as she hugged him excitedly.

Knowing how excited she was, Ever decided to speak. He was more than satisfied with her reaction, so, as her heels touched the ground, he cupped her face in his hands and looked at her. He admired her for a long moment, gazing at the tears that only made her more beautiful, those beautiful green eyes that he was sure would always drive him crazy. He caressed her lips, those soft and inviting lips he loved to kiss. Examining every feature of her face, he was convinced he adored her, that he was more enchanted by her every day.

"We've been dating for two years now. Maybe it's too soon for you to move in, but I already yearn for it. I'm completely sure I want to wake up next to you every morning and go to bed with you every night. I'm not satisfied with only fighting over the phone or stealing moments when we see each other. I want it to be in our own home, living together. I want you to scold me for my quirks, and I'll drive you crazy by not paying attention, only wanting to kiss you as a bribe. I need to enjoy seeing you sleep more often, to make love to you wherever we want, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, on top of the dining table, on the balcony. I want you to brush your teeth while I pee, let me shower with you, untangle your hair. I want us to become one. Don't you think it's time we moved in together? I'm twenty-seven and you're twenty-four. We're mature, and I think it's time to leave the shelter of our parents' roofs. That's why, without telling you, I've been saving up all this time until I had enough money to buy this apartment. It's not a two-story house, but it's our space. When we decide to be three, then we can buy a house. I think out of all the words I've said, these might be the most beautiful."

Eleonor's grin was almost too big for her mouth. She didn't know what to do, so she hugged him again. The emotion she felt was irreplaceable.

"Are you joking? This seems like the perfect moment in our lives to live together. I long for everything you mentioned too. Oh my God, you have no idea how much I want to start furnishing it, spend our first night here, cook our first meal, make love, argue, send you to the couch..." Ever sealed her lips to stop her from talking.

"Shh, don't even think about that," he whispered amid the kiss.

Eleonor burst into laughter.

"Now you're going to get to know me, boxer," she told her boyfriend with a playful air.

Ever held her close, squeezing her waist, and kissed the tip of her nose.

"If you could see how beautiful you look right now, you have no idea how much I appreciate that you changed me. Thank you for coming into my life and not running away. You deserve all the good in me. You know what? I'm not proposing to you because I think that's a big step, but unlike a few years ago, I do plan to marry you. I'm so proud of you, and I can't wait to be here to see you achieve every one of your goals. I'm sure you're the woman of my life."

"Please, you have no idea how proud I am of you. You radiate light, my love, you're my sunshine and my driving force. You're the perfect man, I can't put into words how much I feel for you," Eleonor was completely in love with her boxer, who had successfully established a large gym where many young people attended to become great boxers. Her brother, who was also his partner, taught boxing classes there. They finally realized that was their passion, so the two of them, in their wonderful partnership, were successful and highly sought after. Not to mention Ever, who not only managed the gym but also pursued his business career independently. When he had to wear suits, Eleonor drooled over him from head to toe. The boxer looked ridiculously sexy, and the best part was, she was the one who got to enjoy him.

A huge kiss sealed those words from the hottest couple, in the middle of the living room of what would be their new home. A beautiful apartment that Ever had bought with all the love in the world, to continue to build his story with the woman by his side.

"I love you, Eleonor," his words made her feel like she was dreaming. It was the first time had said it.

"Please, you know that's not my name, say it correctly to feel it as it is," Ever smiled, shaking his head.

"You're impossible, you know?" They pressed their foreheads together and brushed their noses. "I love you, babe," this time he said it correctly, just as Eleonor wanted.

"I love you even more, my boxer," he loved it when she called him that.

There was no need for more words as they consumed each other. Because there was no need, it was finally true. Eleonor is and will always be "THE BOXER'S BABYGIRL."