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W-what the hell is he doing?
My heart stops and then races as I latch on to his action.
“My sweet Rose. Since I met you, I’ve experienced so many emotions. I was curious about the girl dressed in a green flannel shirt and sleeping on the office couch—my couch girl. Your intelligence amazed me, Dr. Marlin. And your sweetness enamored me, my Rose.”
Oh my god!
He’s calling me Rose.
“These emotions grow stronger by the day. I know we’ve only known each other for a short time, but it feels like I’ve known you for a lifetime before. And I would like to spend each minute of my remaining life with you, knowing you more.”
“Zander.” I’m stunned by his declaration. There are others around us, but I can’t pull my gaze away from this man before me.
Photographic memory can go to hill; even without it, I’ll remember this moment forever. My eyes burn with happy tears as they race down my cheeks.
“I’m not asking you to marry me, or maybe I am,” he says sheepishly and nervously. “But I’m in no hurry. I’m just asking you to accept this ring in front of our friends and promise to be mine. That’s enough for me. We—”
“Yes, I promise to be yours. I’m yours.” I crouch on the ground beside him and whisper only for him, “But no hurry, right?”
“Of course, Rose.” He places the ring on my palm, and that’s when I notice the rose made with small intricate red diamonds. My tears turn into full-blown sobs.
“I love it,” I say as sunlight shines on the inscription on the inside of the band. I bring it closer to my face and read aloud. “U have Me, I have U. Forever.”
* * *
“Are you sure?” I ask Zander as we watch the dancing reflection of stars on the lake, sitting under a cherry tree.
“More than anything, Rose.” My heart trembles every time he’s said my name since he proposed to me this morning, making today the most special day of my life.
I can’t believe it.
I’m engaged. I twist my ring and remove it.
“You aren’t supposed to take it off,” he whispers in my ear, pulling me closer to his chest.
“I’m making sure it’s real,” I whisper back, grazing my fingers inside the band to feel the inscription. I can’t read it in the dark, but I can still feel the letters and see the words in my mind.
“This is as real as it gets, Rose.”
“Does it feel weird?” I turn around to face him. When he doesn’t understand, I provide, “To call me by my name.”
“No. It feels… right. I thought it would be difficult, but once I said it, I can’t stop using it.” He smiles.
“So, no bad memories?”
He shakes his head. “Only the best ones, my beautiful Rose.”
THE END… FOR NOW…
* * *
