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The orchestra started to play a slow waltz. The ballroom around us seemed to blur into the background, and all that mattered was the man who held me close. His eyes never left mine as we moved gracefully across the floor. The warmth of Theo’s hand in mine sent shivers down my spine.
I couldn’t help but smile as I looked into Theo’s eyes. For the first time in my life, I was truly alive, unburdened by the expectations of others. I was free to love and be loved, to choose my own destiny. I was completely free. I was a butterfly that burst out of the cocoon and was ready to fly.
The song continued to play. I could hear the whispers of the other guests as they watched us with curiosity and maybe even envy. I didn’t care. Their opinions no longer mattered. I had found what made me happy and I didn’t care what anyone else thought.
As we twirled and swayed, I couldn’t help but imagine the life that lay ahead of us. Assuming he wanted a long life with me.
The song came to an end. I didn’t want it to stop. I liked being in his arms. “Would you like to get some fresh air?” he asked.
“I would love to,” I said, nodding.
He took my hand and led me off the dance floor. Clara was grinning and gave me a thumbs-up. I smiled back at her. The ballroom felt extra crowded. The parents of most of the attendees were up in their perches watching the activities below. Tonight was all about securing the future of many of the families. They were celebrating their new alliances and making big plans for the future. I had no doubt the children that would come from the matches made tonight were already being matched despite not even being conceived. The traditions would keep going.
59
THEO
We stepped outside, the cool night air a welcome change from the stuffiness inside the ballroom. Unlike the first ball, the escapes were allowed. At this point, matches were solidified and marriages were already pending. We were allowed a little more leeway to act like normal adults who were about to be married. Chaperones weren’t a requirement.
Her hand felt right in mine. I was thrilled to have her beside me. Part of me had been a little worried she might take her freedom and run for the hills. She didn’t need me. She could go off and follow whales or run off to hike through Europe or Australia.
We walked along the path leading deeper into the garden, away from the ball. The earthy scent I knew she loved so much was all around us. My original nerves had subsided and now a new set had shown up. This was the moment I had been planning for. I couldn’t mess it up.
We stopped walking. I moved to stand in front of her, taking both of her hands in mine. I looked at her in the moonlight from above and the soft lighting along the path below. She was stunning. Her dress gave her a regal air, but I saw the young woman who liked to wear jeans and go barefoot in the grass. I saw a young woman that wanted to be free to chase her dreams.
“Emilie, from the moment we met, my life has been forever changed. You are a beacon of light in my world, a source of strength, kindness, and love. I know we didn’t have the most traditional meeting, but I think that adds to our story. Despite the rocky start, we rose above. I found out who you really are. I discovered a woman that makes me smile. You are special and unique. You aren’t like any woman I have ever met.”
Emilie’s eyes glistened with tears as she listened intently. I could feel her trembling.
“I promise to care for you with all the tenderness in my heart,” I continued. “I promise to make you laugh, to be your confidant, your partner in all things. I promise that you will never have to bear the weight of the world alone again, for I will always be by your side. I will be up for any adventure you want to embark on. I will be your ride or die. I’ll be your hero if you need one or your backup if that’s what you need. I’m here. I will always be right here. I love you.”
I released her hands and dropped to one knee in front of her. I pulled the box from my jacket pocket and opened it to display to her. “Emilie, will you marry me? Will you be my wife, my partner in life’s journey, and the love of my life?”
Her eyes widened. There was a huge smile on her face. “Yes, Theo,” she whispered, her voice filled with love and joy. “A thousand times, yes!”
With a sense of relief and unbridled happiness, I slipped the rose quartz ring onto her finger, sealing our promise of love and devotion. I got to my feet and kissed her, sealing our fates together. She held me close, still trembling, but I understood the feeling. I felt the same way. I felt like my heart was going to jump right out of my chest.
We shared a moment in the garden that felt like a world of our own. “I want to see it,” she whispered.
“What?”
She stepped back and then bent over, holding her hand to the soft pathway lighting. “The ring. It’s rose quartz!”
I smiled, knowing it was special to her. “Yes, it is. The stone is surrounded by diamonds. I know it’s not traditional and it’s not really worth all that much from a monetary perspective, but I wanted to give you a ring that meant something.”
“It’s priceless,” she said and stood up. “It’s perfect. I would never want anything else. It’s beautiful. Is it custom? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It is,” I said, nodding.
“Theo, I need to say something,” she said and put a hand on my cheek. “I’m not going to be queen. I don’t want it. My parents have given me a pass.”
“I know,” I said, grinning. “I spoke to your father earlier.”
“You did?”
“Yes. Congratulations, by the way. I hear you’re going to be a big sister.”
She laughed. “How weird is that? My mom was very young when she had us, but I didn’t think that was still an option.”
