Page 138 of For the Love of Art

“New job, divorce, a new relationship, moving in together,” I continued.

“It’s been busy.”

“I’d like to add one more thing to the list.”

I slowly sunk onto one knee and pulled a small velvet box from my coat pocket.

“Isla.”

She did a double take, her eyes widening as she looked at me.

“Oh my God.”

“Isla–”

“Oh my God!”

“You are the love of my life. The woman I’ve been waiting for.” I opened the box to reveal a large diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller ones.

Tears filled her beautiful eyes. “Nathan,” she breathed.

My heart pounded as I said the five words that would change my life, “Will you be my wife?”

Isla took a shuddering breath, and I felt worry as a second, then two went by with no answer.

“I’m sorry, I’m trying to figure out if this is real,” she said, a tear falling down her cheek. “If you’re being serious right now.”

I laughed. “Baby, I bought a ring. I don’t think you can get more serious than this.”

“Yes!” Isla exclaimed. “Of course I’ll be your wife.”

I placed the ring on her finger then stood up and kissed her deeply.

“This is supposed to be your birthday,” she said through happy tears.

“There is nothing I want more on my birthday than knowing you’re mine forever.”

Isla looked at me, her arms wrapped around my neck.

“You didn’t have to propose to me for that to be the case,” she said, then looked over her shoulder at her ring. “For the love of art, did you have to get such a huge diamond?”

“You know that saying is never going to catch on, right?”

Isla’s eyes met mine and she smiled. “That’s okay. I like it being our thing.”

I chuckled as I leaned down and kissed her again.

This moment was perfect– worthy of being a piece of art.