Chapter 14 - THE QUESTION BENEATH THE LAKE LIGHTS
Two years after Emma first met Adrian, he invited her to dinner beside Lake Michigan.
Not at the restaurant where Luca had screamed for six hours.
Not beneath a chandelier.
A small lakeside restaurant with warm lights and quiet music.
Emma arrived wearing a blue dress.
Adrian stood when she approached.
“You look beautiful.”
She smiled.
“Thank you.”
He kissed her cheek.
“Ready?”
She nodded.
Dinner was peaceful.
They talked about Luca.
About Emma's work at the children's hospital.
About Adrian's foundation.
About the small, ordinary things that had become the center of their lives.
After dessert, Adrian asked if she'd like to walk outside.
Emma laughed.
“It's freezing.”
He smiled.
“Just for a minute.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“You're suspicious.”
“I've been told.”
They stepped onto the terrace.
Lake Michigan stretched dark beneath the stars.
Adrian took her hands.
Emma's smile faded.
“Adrian?”
He looked nervous.
Truly nervous.
“When I met you,” he began, “I thought I could control everything.”
Emma smiled faintly.
“You certainly tried.”
He laughed.
“I did.”
Then his expression softened.
“But I couldn't make my son stop crying.”
Emma's eyes filled.
“I remember.”
“And you walked into a room full of people who were afraid of me.”
She nodded.
“You told me something nobody else would.”
Adrian swallowed.
“That my son was afraid.”
Emma squeezed his hands.
“He needed you.”
“I know.”
Adrian took a breath.
“And somehow, while you were teaching me how to listen to him, you taught me how to listen to myself.”
Tears filled Emma's eyes.
Adrian lowered himself onto one knee.
She covered her mouth.
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a delicate diamond ring.
“Emma Carter,” he whispered, “will you marry me?”
Emma laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
Adrian closed his eyes.
She laughed harder.
“Yes, Adrian.”
He stood.
Slipped the ring onto her finger.
And kissed her.
Behind the restaurant window, Luca stood in Margaret's arms.
The little boy pressed his hands against the glass.
“Dada!”
Emma laughed.
Adrian turned.
Luca waved enthusiastically.
Adrian smiled.
“I think he approves.”
May you like
Emma leaned against him.
“He'd better. He's the reason we met.”
