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“Living away from you is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Funny, because I would’ve bet that I’d be a bachelor for many more years, but I don’t want to wait that long. I want a family. I want children. I want to spend the rest of my life showing my wife how much I love her.” Sliding off the couch and only to one knee, I took her hand into mine and added, “Meri, I know you love Tabiq, but I am hoping that you can love me just as much and become my wife.”
“Ryker, you’re asking me to marry you?”
“I am. I can’t picture my life without you. And if I have to move to Tabiq to prove my love, then I will do so. I’ll do whatever it takes for you to believe in us.”
A tear rolled down her cheek. “You don’t have to prove anything to me. I already know. And I love you so much. And to answer your question, I love Tabiq and always will. But I...I must follow my heart, and that is with you. I...I am willing to go to the US with you if you will have me.”
I stood up and pulled her into my arms. “Yes, I want you with me. Today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives. I love you, Meri.” I kissed her, and as it grew deeper, it hit me. I’d forgotten something very important. I never gave her the ring.
Pulling away from her, I dropped back down on one knee. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the ring I’d purchased a week ago. Holding it up to her, I said, “Let me try this one more time. The short version. Meri, I love you and want to know if you’ll do me the honor of becoming my wife and my partner in life. Meri, will you marry me?”
She nodded. “Yes, I’ll marry you. And I’ll grow old with you. I love you, Ryker.”
Slipping the ring on her finger, I got up, lifted her into my arms, and swung her around, kissing her.
She giggled as I carried her toward the bedroom. But I stopped. “Meri, there is something you wanted to talk to me about.”
“Oh, yeah. That.” I loosened my hold and let her feet drop to the floor. “Maybe we can talk after?”
“No. It was important to you before, so it is important to me now. Besides, we have the rest of our lives to celebrate.”
“That is true. Well, they offered me a job in the States. Boston to be exact. They want me to help with the transition and schooling of young Tabiqians who want to become nurses. So many start the training but drop out because America is so different from Tabiq, and being there alone is too much. We need more medical staff, and they would like me to be in Boston to help them adjust. Help with their studies. But...but I guess I’m not the right person for the job,” she said.
“The hell you're not. I know how much you love Tabiq. Helping others fulfill their dreams is perfect for you. And I think, no, I know you’re the right person.”
“But it is in Boston,” she said.
“And I can work there as well.”
“It’s like the stars have all aligned and we are meant to be,” she said.
I nodded. “Love always finds a way. So, are you going to take the job?” I asked.
“I would like to.”
“Then I guess Boston is about to get two more residents,” I smiled looking down into her eyes. “What are you thinking?” I asked.
“That I’m glad you didn’t give up on me, on us.”
“Never, my love. You can count on that.” I pulled her close and asked, “Is there anything else we need to talk about right now?” Meri shook her head. “Good, then if you don’t mind, I’d really love to take a hot shower and make love to my fiancée.”
“I love the way that sounds.”
“Don’t get too used to it, because I can’t wait to make you my wife,” I said.
“Hmm. I think I like that even better,” she smiled as we headed towards the shower. “What about your meeting with Reesa?” she asked.
I laughed. “Had it on the plane during the flight here.
“You really are here just because of me.”
“And I would fly across the world every day if that meant I get to kiss your sweet lips.”
She tugged at the collar of my shirt. “I hope you’re going to do a lot more than just kiss me.”
“Oh, I plan on kissing you. Every lovely inch of you,” I said before claiming her lip.
This wasn’t going to be my last trip to Tabiq, but this is one that would forever change my life. Change it in an exciting wholesome way… that I never knew I even needed.
