Chapter 14 - THE SECOND PROPOSAL
Dominic proposed two years after the cathedral.
Not at a gala.
Not before an audience.
Not with a debt hanging over Clara's head.
They were standing in the garage where Tommy had once worked.
Clara had been helping organize a charity vehicle-repair program for low-income families.
Dominic arrived carrying two coffees.
He looked nervous.
Clara noticed immediately.
“What's wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“You're lying.”
“Yes.”
He placed the coffees down.
Then took a small box from his pocket.
Clara stared.
“Dominic.”
“I know what you're thinking.”
“No, you don't.”
“You're thinking I should have chosen somewhere more romantic.”
“Actually, I'm thinking you might faint.”
He laughed shakily.
Then opened the box.
Inside was a simple platinum ring.
No enormous diamond.
No display of wealth.
“Three years ago,” he said, “you walked toward me because you believed you had no choice.”
Clara's eyes filled.
“I never want you to feel that way again.”
He took a breath.
“I love you. I love the life you've built. I love the way you argue with me when I'm wrong. I love that Leo trusts you. And I love that you never asked me to become someone else just to deserve you.”
He paused.
“I had to decide that for myself.”
Clara nodded through tears.
Dominic continued.
“If you never marry me, I will still be grateful you came into our lives.”
He lowered himself onto one knee.
This time, no blood stained the floor.
No guests watched.
No one whispered about damaged merchandise.
“Clara Higgins, will you marry me?”
She covered her mouth.
Then laughed.
Then cried.
Then said:
“Yes.”
Dominic closed his eyes.
“Thank God.”
Clara laughed harder.
“Were you really that worried?”
“I have negotiated with dangerous men who frightened me less.”
She held out her hand.
He slipped the ring onto her finger.
Then stood.
“May I kiss you?”
Clara smiled.
May you like
“You may.”
And for the first time, a marriage proposal felt like a beginning rather than a sentence.
