Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL WITHOUT A CONTRACT
Two years later, Gabriel proposed.
Not in a ballroom.
Not in front of politicians or wealthy investors.
Not as part of a family alliance.
He proposed in Clara's favorite bookstore.
The one in Wisconsin.
They'd returned for a weekend.
The owner had closed early.
Candles glowed between the shelves.
Clara stared.
“Gabriel.”
He smiled nervously.
“Yes?”
“What is this?”
He took her hands.
“Something I've been thinking about for a long time.”
Her eyes filled.
He continued.
“Four years ago, you walked into my office and gave me everything you had.”
“Your time.”
“Your intelligence.”
“Your loyalty.”
He swallowed.
“And I treated those things like they belonged to me.”
Clara began crying.
Gabriel smiled sadly.
“They didn't.”
He lowered himself onto one knee.
“I don't want a wife who manages my life.”
“I want a partner who builds one with me.”
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
“Clara Bennett, will you marry me?”
She covered her mouth.
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then she laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
Gabriel's eyes filled.
“Really?”
She nodded.
“Yes, Gabriel.”
He stood.
She threw her arms around him.
May you like
And kissed him.
For the first time, their future belonged to both of them.
