Chapter 12 - THE RING INSIDE THE DOG'S COLLAR
Lorenzo proposed on a Sunday morning.
The garden smelled of jasmine.
The fountain murmured softly.
Biscuit chased butterflies across the lawn.
Elena sat beneath the fig tree.
Mia was beside her, drawing flowers.
Lorenzo approached carrying a small box.
Elena looked up.
“What's that?”
He smiled.
“A surprise.”
Mia jumped to her feet.
“Biscuit has it!”
Elena frowned.
“What?”
Biscuit trotted toward her.
Attached to his collar was a tiny velvet pouch.
Elena laughed.
“What's this?”
She opened it.
Inside was a ring.
Her breath caught.
Lorenzo lowered himself onto one knee.
“Elena Bellini.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“When your daughter walked into this garden, I thought she was bringing me a problem.”
Mia giggled.
Lorenzo smiled.
“She brought me a family.”
He looked at Elena.
“You taught me that love isn't something you can command.”
His voice softened.
“It's something you earn.”
Elena began crying.
“Will you marry me?”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
Mia screamed.
“YES!”
Biscuit barked.
Lorenzo laughed.
He slipped the ring onto Elena's finger.
Then kissed her.
Mia threw her arms around both of them.
“Now we're forever!”
Lorenzo held them close.
“Yes, little star.”
May you like
His eyes filled.
“Forever.”
