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"It does. And does it lessen yours?"
Benton had given up poker to be with her. While he talked about going back to it, now wasn't the time. But there were moments when it looked like he missed his old life.
He smiled at her, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "I've never doubted this for a moment."
She felt protected in his arms and looked over the building. Everything was finally starting to fall into place.
They had been living in their house for four months now and finally felt settled. The senior living home was open and ready for everything that was thrown at it. The mothers’ center was still a work in progress, but it would be busy with people in the next few months.
By that evening, the seniors were settling in, and they had a barbeque prepared for everyone involved. Benton stood and started a speech, going on about how grateful he was and thanking everyone for their help.
She took in all the faces, watching everyone smiling. She felt like they'd kept their promise of wanting to be the best caregivers they could be.
"Opal," Benton looked at her with a smile, "is there anything you'd like to add?"
He handed her the mic, and she swallowed suddenly, nervous. "I want to thank everyone for all the hard work they put into this to make tonight possible. Without everyone helping, this wouldn't be happening. So, let's give a round of applause to everyone."
Everyone cheered, and Benton smiled proudly at her. She handed the mic back.
"Before we start eating and get ourselves into a food coma, I want to thank one more person tonight." Benton turned toward her, and she stared at him, confused.
"I want to thank Opal. She's the biggest reason tonight was possible. Without her, none of this would have happened. Let's all give her a cheer."
Everyone did, and she blushed, looking around.
He smiled at her. "A lot of you know Opal and know how strong-headed and hard-working she is. She did an amazing job tonight. And I look forward to the future we have."
She watched as he bent down on his knee and pulled a ring out of his pocket. Her eyes grew wide as the crowd all sucked in a breath. "And I would be the happiest man alive if you would do me the honors of being my wife, Opal. Will you marry me?"
Everyone started yelling, and she felt tears in her eyes as she stared at him. She loved Benton with all her heart, and the answer was clear.
"Yes!" she yelled, stepping toward him and reaching into his arms. Benton dropped the mic as he pulled her into a kiss, and everyone around them cheered.
She laughed as he slid the ring onto her finger, and she felt a tingle shiver down her spine. She and Benton were going to get married. They were going to be husband and wife.
"When did you have time to do this?" she asked, looking at the ring. It was a beautiful solid diamond with a gold band. It was simple, just how she'd want it.
"I did it months ago. Planned it out for tonight."
She looked at him, seeing how happy he was. She smiled back at him. "I love you."
He pulled her close and smiled back at her. "I know. I love you too." He pulled her into a kiss, and she felt that everything was exactly how it should be.
