Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL BESIDE THE LAKE
Two years after the night Sophie grabbed Lorenzo's coat in the pantry, he took her to a quiet restaurant overlooking Lake Michigan.
The same lake where they'd spent countless evenings walking.
The same water that had witnessed their first kiss.
Sophie wore a simple navy dress.
Lorenzo wore a dark suit.
No security entourage.
No photographers.
No extravagant spectacle.
Just dinner.
And a man who was more nervous than he'd ever been during a business negotiation.
Halfway through dessert, Sophie smiled.
"You're quiet."
He laughed softly.
"Am I?"
She nodded.
"Very."
He reached into his pocket.
Then stopped.
Sophie raised an eyebrow.
"Enzo?"
He took a slow breath.
"Sophie, two years ago, you saved my life."
Her smile faded.
He continued.
"But that isn't why I love you."
Her eyes filled.
"I love you because you're brave even when you're afraid."
He swallowed.
"Because you tell the truth even when it costs you."
"Because you treat my daughter with kindness."
"And because you never asked me to be powerful."
He smiled through tears.
"You asked me to be better."
He knelt.
Sophie covered her mouth.
Inside the small velvet box was a simple diamond ring.
Elegant.
Understated.
Nothing like the extravagant jewelry Camila had demanded.
"Sophie Bennett, will you marry me?"
She began crying.
Then laughed.
"Enzo..."
He smiled nervously.
"That sounds promising."
She nodded.
"Yes."
His eyes filled.
"Yes?"
She laughed through tears.
"Yes, Lorenzo."
He stood and kissed her.
The lake shimmered beyond the windows.
For a moment, the world seemed still.
Then a small voice shouted:
"SHE SAID YES!"
Lorenzo turned.
Isabella stood beside Rachel, Sophie's closest friend.
The little girl was grinning.
Sophie burst into laughter.
"You knew?"
Isabella nodded.
"I helped pick the ring!"
Lorenzo smiled.
"She had very strong opinions."
Isabella ran toward them.
May you like
They hugged.
And for the first time in years, Lorenzo felt as though his family was beginning again.
