Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL BENEATH THE BLUE STAR
Gideon proposed the following Christmas Eve.
Not during a lavish party.
Not before a crowd.
Just Mara, Gideon, and Thomas in the conservatory.
Snow fell softly beyond the glass.
A small Christmas tree stood beside the fireplace.
At its top hung Eleanor's blue star.
Mara was arranging flowers when Gideon approached.
“Can I ask you something?”
She smiled.
“You always ask that before saying something serious.”
He laughed.
“Then I suppose I'm predictable.”
She turned.
Gideon took her hands.
“Two years ago, I found you outside in the snow.”
Mara's expression softened.
“I remember.”
“I thought saving you would be the most important thing I ever did.”
He swallowed.
“But I was wrong.”
Mara stared.
“You saved me too.”
Her eyes filled.
“You showed me the truth about my family.”
“You taught me that power without kindness is just another form of cruelty.”
“And you gave me a reason to become better.”
He reached into his pocket.
Then knelt.
Mara covered her mouth.
Gideon opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple ring.
Not enormous.
Not ostentatious.
Just beautiful.
“Mara Whitlock,” he said softly.
“Will you marry me?”
She began crying.
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then she laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
Gideon closed his eyes.
She knelt beside him.
“Yes, Gideon.”
He kissed her.
And from the doorway, Thomas began applauding.
Mara laughed.
“Dad!”
Thomas wiped his eyes.
“I waited two years for this.”
May you like
Gideon smiled.
“So did I.”
