Chapter 13 - THE PROPOSAL INSIDE THE OLD WORKSHOP
Marcus proposed one year later.
Not at a gala.
Not in a luxury hotel.
Not beneath a chandelier.
But inside his father's old workshop.
He invited me there on a Saturday afternoon.
The building had been restored.
The original workbench remained.
So did the wooden cabinet with the false bottom.
I looked around.
“Why are we here?”
Marcus smiled.
“Because this is where my parents built their future.”
I turned toward him.
He took my hands.
“And I want to build mine with you.”
My heart stopped.
He lowered himself onto one knee.
I covered my mouth.
Marcus opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a delicate diamond ring.
“Maya Diaz.”
Tears filled my eyes.
“I love you.”
I laughed through tears.
“I love you too.”
He smiled.
“Will you marry me?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
He stood.
Slipped the ring onto my finger.
And kissed me.
Then I heard a familiar voice from the doorway.
“About time.”
I turned.
Margaret stood beside Lucia.
Both were smiling.
“Mrs. Vance!”
Margaret laughed.
“I told him not to wait forever.”
Lucia grinned.
“And I told him you'd say yes.”
I hugged my sister.
Then Margaret.
Marcus watched us.
His eyes filled with tears.
May you like
For a man who had once believed success meant controlling everything, he had finally learned the joy of choosing something he couldn't control.
Love.
