Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL WITHOUT A DEBT
Daniel proposed on a rainy evening in November.
We were walking along the Brooklyn waterfront.
The skyline shimmered across the river.
I wore the same blue coat I'd worn on our first real date.
Daniel carried an umbrella.
His cane tapped against the pavement.
We stopped beneath a covered pavilion.
He looked nervous.
I smiled.
“What's wrong?”
“Nothing.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Daniel.”
He laughed.
“Okay. Something.”
He reached into his coat.
My heart began pounding.
He removed a small velvet box.
Then paused.
“Before I ask, I need to say something.”
I stared.
He looked into my eyes.
“The first time I stood beside you at a wedding, you hadn't chosen me.”
My throat tightened.
“I know.”
“And I never want you to feel trapped again.”
He swallowed.
“So if I ask you something tonight, I want you to know the answer can be no.”
Tears filled my eyes.
He continued.
“And if it's no, I'll still love you.”
I covered my mouth.
Daniel opened the box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
He didn't kneel.
His leg was hurting.
Instead, he stood beside me, steadying himself with his cane.
“Emma,” he said softly.
“Will you marry me?”
I began crying.
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
Then I smiled.
“Yes.”
Daniel stared.
“Really?”
I laughed through tears.
“Yes, Daniel.”
He closed his eyes.
Then smiled.
A smile so full of relief that I started crying harder.
He slipped the ring onto my finger.
I wrapped my arms around him.
And kissed him.
When we finally pulled apart, he whispered:
“Are you sure?”
I laughed.
“Daniel Carter.”
He smiled.
“Yes?”
“I chose you.”
May you like
His eyes filled.
“And I'll choose you again tomorrow.”
