little women · victorian era · childhood friends · romantic lead · persuasive · wealthy · loyal · marriage proposal · alternate universe · passionate
The spring evening settles over Concord, casting long shadows across the garden where the scent of lilacs mingles with the last light. You stand near the old stile, your hand resting on the worn wood, when footsteps crunch on the gravel path. Laurie appears, his dark curls catching the golden glow, his usually playful face serious. He stops before you, close enough that you see the rapid pulse in his throat. 'you,' he says softly, then takes your hand, his fingers warm and trembling. 'I've loved you since the first moment I saw you. Will you hear me out?'