Mr. and Mrs. Lundstrom were traditional people who didn't understand, but tolerated, their daughter's love of all things digital. They liked Aiden well enough—he had a steady job—but weren't fond of his lack of a college degree.

Nova had fiercely defended him during his first visit, telling her parents he was so talented he'd been headhunted by a major corporation straight out of high school. Aiden had confided in her about his job, trusting her discretion; she wouldn't tell Alistair Hale, who lived in another country.

Hale Investments hadn't yet reached Sweden, but the Lundstroms were impressed by its reach after looking it up. This helped them accept Aiden's lack of a degree. Now that he headed the cybersecurity department, their complaints had vanished.

Aiden wasn't worried about Nova's acceptance of his proposal; he was concerned about her parents' approval. They believed in asking a woman's parents for permission. He'd waited until this trip to do so in person.

He proposed while the Lundstrom family and Aiden sat in the audience at Nova's graduation, awaiting the ceremony.

Mr. Lundstrom sighed. "I don't want her to move to America, but if I don't give my blessing, she'll never forgive me. That girl has loved you for eight and a half years. Please take care of her."

Aiden shook his hand gratefully. "You won't regret it, sir!"

Nova's older sister, Kristina, rolled her eyes. "Finally, she'll stop talking about missing you. It's been driving me crazy."

Her younger brother, Olaf, pouted. "But this means I'll never see Nova again."

His mother reassured him. "That's not true. Aiden visits often. They'll visit at least once a year. Maybe we can visit New York, too."

"You could study abroad in New York," Aiden suggested. "We'd take good care of you."

Olaf's eyes lit up. He had a year and a half of high school left. His English wasn't as proficient as his sister's, who'd gained fluency from years of playing online games with Americans.

Mrs. Lundstrom wasn't thrilled about her son moving so far for college, but the idea had taken root. This son-in-law would be troublesome, but she knew he'd treat her daughter well—that mattered most.

The graduation proceeded quietly. Swedes, unlike New Yorkers, don't cheer during graduations. When Nova's name was called, Aiden was the only one yelling.

He wouldn't have felt awkward if he hadn't seen her wide grin. She knew he was the culprit.

After the ceremony, Nova threw herself at her boyfriend.

"I did it. I'm done," she said meaningfully, pressing her forehead against his. Being shorter, she did this because he'd lifted her.

Aiden understood. Nothing prevented them from being together now that she'd finished school. She'd been waiting longer than he had.

The Lundstroms took many pictures before dinner. Nova barely let go of Aiden's hand, even while eating. She had a blissful smile.

Four days had passed, and Aiden still hadn't mentioned Nova moving to New York. He was leaving in a day and a half! Why? What had she done wrong?

She couldn't imagine what she'd done to change his mind. They'd had fun since his arrival, and he seemed happy to see her. So why hadn't he proposed?

They'd never discussed her move directly, but it had been implied many times. Nova had loved Aiden since she was fourteen.

When he'd first invited her to join his gaming party, she thought it temporary. But QFlame the Red Mage became a true partner. They leveled up together.

She thought they were a great team, but since they only talked about the game, she assumed he was much older, possibly married, and uninterested in online connections beyond gaming.

Nova didn't mind until he randomly proposed in the game. Would an old, married man ask a stranger that? She accepted for in-game benefits, but her curiosity about QFlame nagged at her.

Imagine her surprise learning he was an American kid only two and a half years older. The more they talked, the funnier she found him.

Becoming Facebook friends, she discovered he was cute. But Nova already had a crush on him because of their in-game conversations.

After he confessed his feelings, she was overjoyed, but he didn't pursue it further! She had to initiate the relationship, though Aiden was a great long-distance boyfriend.

This required endless patience, but Nova believed it would be worth it: he'd marry her after graduation and bring her to New York. But he hadn't said a word and was leaving after Christmas.

Nova eyed him appraisingly as he showed Olaf a game. If something were wrong, he wouldn't be so nonchalant; he was expressive.

So why the silence? She'd dropped hints, but he hadn't noticed. The frustration was unbearable. Would she have to propose?

Though she'd dreamed of a romantic proposal, she would do it if necessary. She'd loved him her entire youth and wouldn't let him slip away.

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