The heart wants what the heart wants

Showtime, Eddie thought when Iris walked through the door.

'Honey, I'm home!' She shouted, throwing her keys on the coffee table in the living room, dumping her coat and bag on the sofa. Eddie could almost laugh at how oblivious she was sometimes. He waited patiently for her to notice.

Iris sifted through her bag to dig out her phone before looking up.

'Honey? You home?' She said, turning to see if he had snuck up behind her, like he occasionally did. Eddie wasn't standing behind her, but a surprised gasp escaped her throat nonetheless.

A wall of flowers covered the far end of their living room, going from red to pink, to yellow, to blue to green to finally merge into the perfectly ornamented Christmas tree in the right hand corner. The small lights hidden here and there in the supersized bouquet made it seem like curious fairies flickered through. She almost heard them giggle, flitting about, collecting due and powder from the flowers. The few silver ball ornaments hung from the ceiling were low enough for them to reflect the rainbow of colors underneath making it appear as if this wonderland expanded further and further into unknown dimensions. And in front of the Christmas tree, in a single pot, was an Iris.

'Eddie!' She finally managed to get out. She knew he was somewhere nearby. 'Come out!' He complied, a broad smile illuminating his features.

'You like?' He asked.

'I absolutely love it!' Iris whispered in return, pulling him closer until their bodies touched and their lips found each other for a tender kiss that lasted only a few seconds.

'I hoped it would set the mood.' Eddie admitted, casting the floral arrangement another glance.

'The mood for what? It's too early for Christmas silly.' Iris laughed still marveling at how much time it must have taken him to prepare all this.

'For this.' Eddie stepped back and got to one knee. Before Iris could say anything, he pulled out a small velvet box and popped the lid open.

'Iris West, will you do me the honor of marrying me?'

The ring was simple. It was a small silver band with a single small diamond. It was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Then why did Iris suddenly feel her stomach sinking when her boyfriend proposed to her? It took her brain a second to process the situation.

'Yes!' She suddenly burst out, laughing, giggling, and jubilating. She was thankful for this natural reaction. It wasn't that she didn't want to marry Eddie. She loved him. However a part of her had just hesitated. A part of her had been scared. As if a door had been shut in her face. As if she had been left standing, out in the cold. She threw her hands around her now fiancé, holding him close, trying to chase the feeling of unease away. She was scared. That was normal, she tried telling herself. Her old life would be gone, but a new life would begin. That's all that this was. She pressed her eyes together and heard herself murmuring sweetness into Eddie's ear. Her voice almost shook. It was normal to be scared, right? This had nothing to do with anything or anyone else. This was her future…

The door remained closed. And no one would give her an answer.

'Should we tell your Dad the news?' Eddie suddenly asked, holding her at arm's length.

'We should!' Iris agreed, nodding, smiling despite herself.

'You should call Berry too!' Her fiancé said while getting his phone.

'Yeah!' Her heart lurched.

Barry.