Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL WITHOUT A DIAMOND
Roman proposed on a quiet Sunday morning.
Claire was in his kitchen wearing one of his sweaters.
Her hair was messy.
She was barefoot.
And she was arguing with a stubborn espresso machine.
Roman watched from the doorway.
“You know, we could buy a new one.”
Claire glared at the machine.
“Absolutely not. This thing is challenging me personally.”
Roman laughed.
She pressed another button.
The machine hissed.
Then produced approximately three drops of coffee.
Claire stared.
“I hate you.”
Roman raised an eyebrow.
“Me or the machine?”
“The machine.”
“Good.”
She turned.
And froze.
Roman was holding a small velvet box.
Her breath caught.
“Roman?”
He stepped closer.
“I had a speech.”
Claire stared.
“A speech?”
“Yes.”
“What happened to it?”
He smiled nervously.
“I forgot.”
She laughed.
Tears filled her eyes.
Roman took her hand.
“Claire Whitmore, I love you.”
Her lips trembled.
“I love the way you fight for your people.”
He smiled.
“The way you refuse to pretend you're less than you are.”
He swallowed.
“And the way you make ordinary mornings feel like something extraordinary.”
Claire began crying.
Roman opened the box.
Inside was a simple gold ring.
No diamond.
No enormous stone.
Just a beautiful band engraved with two words.
Your choice.
Claire covered her mouth.
Roman smiled.
“I don't want you to marry me because I helped you.”
He shook his head.
“Or because you owe me anything.”
His voice trembled.
“I want you to marry me only if it's what you want.”
Claire stared at the ring.
Then at the man holding it.
And laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
Roman closed his eyes.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
He slipped the ring onto her finger.
She kissed him.
And the espresso machine chose that exact moment to explode coffee across the counter.
They burst into laughter.
Roman looked at the mess.
“I think it's jealous.”
May you like
Claire laughed harder.
And somehow, it was perfect.
