Chapter 8 - THE PROPOSAL MIA INTERRUPTED
Vincent planned the proposal for three months.
This was his first mistake.
He booked a private garden.
Flowers.
Dinner.
Musicians.
Alina realized the moment they arrived.
“No.”
Vincent stopped.
“You haven't heard the question.”
“No.”
His face became almost comical.
“Why?”
“Because Mia isn't here.”
He blinked.
“This is about us.”
“Yes.”
“And our life includes her.”
Vincent looked down.
Another assumption.
Not malicious.
Still.
“You're right.”
Alina smiled.
“I had a whole speech prepared.”
“Keep it.”
“I hate you.”
“No, you don't.”
They left.
No proposal.
Three weeks later, Mia was at the kitchen table doing first-grade homework.
Vincent burned grilled cheese.
Alina opened windows.
Mia complained:
“It smells dead.”
Vincent stared at the ruined sandwiches.
Then at Alina.
“This seems appropriate.”
“What?”
He opened a drawer.
Alina froze.
“No.”
Mia gasped.
“Is that ring?”
Vincent got down on one knee.
“Alina Ruiz.”
She covered her mouth.
Mia abandoned homework immediately.
“Wait!”
Both adults stared.
Mia ran upstairs.
Returned carrying her wooden truck.
The same one.
Paint chipped.
One wheel replaced.
She placed it beside Vincent.
“Okay.”
Alina began laughing.
“What is that for?”
“Lucky.”
Of course.
Vincent looked at Alina.
“May I continue?”
“Yes.”
He took a breath.
“Will you marry me?”
Alina looked at Mia.
Then Vincent.
“Under conditions.”
He closed his eyes.
“Obviously.”
“My name stays Ruiz professionally.”
“Yes.”
“Mia’s surname stays Ruiz unless she chooses otherwise when she's older.”
“Yes.”
“No adoption discussion unless she initiates it or we all decide after counseling.”
“Yes.”
“My money remains mine.”
“Yes.”
“Your companies remain yours.”
“Yes.”
“You don't put guards around me because you're anxious.”
“Negotiable.”
She stared.
“Yes.”
He sighed.
“Yes.”
“And if you become controlling?”
“You tell me.”
“And?”
“I listen.”
Alina smiled.
“Yes.”
Mia screamed.
“CAKE!”
They had no cake.
Vincent ordered one.
Money solved some problems very effectively.
Their wedding happened the following spring.
Forty guests.
Sofia stood beside Alina.
Dominic beside Vincent.
Frank was not invited.
Not because of revenge.
Because relationships do not automatically survive accountability.
He sent a card.
Alina read it.
Kept it.
Nothing more.
Mia wore a yellow dress and carried the rings.
Halfway down the aisle, she stopped to examine a ladybug.
Everyone waited.
Vincent laughed.
That photograph became Alina’s favorite.
Not the kiss.
Not the vows.
May you like
The feared Vincent Marchetti standing beneath white flowers patiently waiting because a six-year-old found a bug interesting.
People change in strange measurements.
