Chapter 14 - THE CORNER BOOTH
Leo proposed at Frankie's Diner.
Not because the place was beautiful.
It wasn't.
The upholstery was still cracked.
The coffee was still terrible.
The neon sign still flickered whenever it rained.
But it was where their lives had changed.
Sadi arrived expecting breakfast.
Instead, she found Leo sitting in the corner booth.
Two eggs over easy.
Black coffee.
A folded newspaper.
Exactly as he had been the morning they met.
She laughed.
"You're recreating the crime scene?"
Leo smiled.
"Something like that."
She sat across from him.
"Where's Frankie?"
"Retired."
"Finally."
Leo took a breath.
"Sadi, there's something I want to ask."
She noticed his nervous expression.
Her smile faded.
"Leo?"
He reached into his coat.
For a moment, she remembered the dangerous man who had once controlled the city's docks.
Then he placed a small velvet box on the table.
Her breath caught.
"I met you when you were hurting," he said.
Sadi's eyes filled.
"And I spent a long time thinking I needed to save you."
She looked at him.
"But you saved yourself. You went to the hospital. You told the truth. You testified. You built a life that belongs to you."
He opened the box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
"I don't want to own any part of that life."
He paused.
"I want to share it, if you'll let me."
Sadi covered her mouth.
Leo stood.
Then lowered himself onto one knee beside the booth.
"Sadi Bennett, will you marry me?"
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
She laughed.
Then nodded.
"Yes."
Leo closed his eyes.
For a moment, the man who had once frightened half the city looked completely overwhelmed.
He stood.
May you like
Sadi wrapped her arms around him.
And somewhere behind the counter, a waitress began applauding.
