Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL IN THE RAIN
Dominic proposed on a rainy Tuesday.
At 2:17 in the afternoon.
Exactly three years after Claire walked into the wrong office.
He invited her to the Marston Building.
Suite 1460.
When she arrived, the office looked almost exactly as it had the first day.
Dark wood.
Gray stone.
Enormous windows.
But the atmosphere was different.
Warmer.
Less intimidating.
Teresa stood beside Marco.
Both were smiling.
Claire looked around.
“What is this?”
Dominic stepped forward.
“An interview.”
She stared at him.
“Excuse me?”
He smiled.
“I have a position available.”
Claire folded her arms.
“Salary?”
“Negotiable.”
“Benefits?”
“Excellent.”
“Working hours?”
“Flexible.”
She laughed.
“Job description?”
Dominic took her hand.
“To be my partner.”
Her smile faded.
He knelt.
Claire covered her mouth.
“Oh my God.”
Dominic opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a beautiful diamond ring.
He looked up at her.
“Claire Bennett, three years ago, you walked into my office by mistake.”
His voice trembled.
“You insulted me, challenged me, and refused to be intimidated.”
Tears filled her eyes.
He smiled.
“And somehow, you became the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Claire began crying.
Dominic continued.
“You taught me that love isn't control. It isn't fear. It isn't power.”
He swallowed.
“It's choosing someone every day, even when they don't need saving.”
He looked into her eyes.
“Will you marry me?”
Claire laughed through her tears.
“Yes.”
Dominic closed his eyes.
Then slipped the ring onto her finger.
She kissed him.
Behind them, Teresa began applauding.
Marco grinned.
Claire laughed.
“You planned this?”
Dominic smiled.
“Carefully.”
She looked around.
Then back at him.
“You know what?”
“What?”
“This is still the strangest interview I've ever had.”
May you like
He laughed.
And kissed her again.
