28. Will
As I sat on her couch, my anxiety still in full force, I poured out my feelings to Elizabeth, hoping she would at least consider us being friends again. For now, that seemed manageable before working my way into being her partner for real.
“I believe you,” she said.
“You do?” I asked.
“Yes, I do, and I forgive you.”
“Oh my, thank you so much, Liz. Thank you! I promise you’ll never regret this choice,” I said with joy.
“I hope I don’t,” Elizabeth whispered to herself, though I could still overhear her slightly.
I watched her look at her fingers as I thought of how I could best reassure her. I dipped my hands in my pocket to take out her engagement ring. Holding it in my hand, I thought well about what I was about to do before standing up from my seat and proceeding to kneel in front of her.
“What are you doing?” Elizabeth asked.
I could see the look of confusion on her face. She was clearly wondering why and what I was doing. I wasn’t sure myself what it was that I was doing, but one thing was certain—I could not imagine life without Elizabeth. It just didn’t make sense.
“I . . . umm . . . I know you might have your reservations, and you’re probably worried that I might not be the kind of man you want, especially emotionally. You’re probably worried I might hurt you again, but I want to reassure you right now, right here, Elizabeth. You’re the one I want. It is you my heart beats for. And trust me, I’m not saying these words because they sound nice. I’m saying them because that is how I feel.”
My heart raced once again, picking up where it left off. “I . . .” I paused to take a deep breath as I looked at Liz and tried to put my words together. “I don’t want to do this life without you. I want it to be you and me together—this time, not as a fake couple or contract-based. But . . . but this time for real.”
I saw the surprise on her face as she sat up, looking at me. I needed her to know how serious I was, and right now, this was the only way I could do it.
“Will . . .”
“I know, I know that we are just resolving our issues and sorting things out, and I’m not putting any pressure on you. So if you reject me right now, I would not take it.”
“Will!”
I paused as her hands touched my face, sending jolts of electricity down my body. I never knew a single touch could make me react in this manner. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before reopening them to see her beautiful face, her bright and shiny eyes filled with warmth and love. Her warmth seemed to be the perfect balance for my coldness. Elizabeth was just what I needed.
“I love you too, Will,” I heard her say, and I could barely believe it.
“Are you sure? Are you . . . I mean, I don’t want to pressure you into saying it back or anything.”
“Shh . . . listen to me, Will.”
I kept quiet as I followed her lead, watching her as tears began to gather around her eyes.
“I love you too, Will, and sometimes it hurts, but then I guess that’s what makes it love. And I know you might not believe it, but I meant it when I said I forgive you. I want you too. I want to be by your side at your parties, warding off all of those ladies and telling them to back off my man.”
I burst out laughing at her knack for cracking jokes even while expressing her love for me.
“I want you to be the first person I run to when my potential clients become my actual clients. When I make sales, I want to run to you. I want to go fabric shopping with you, and yes, that’s one of my favorite things to do.” She paused as she looked at me more intensely. “I want to grow with you, heal with you, and love you so much!”
The moment a tear escaped, running down her cheek, I immediately felt a pang in my chest.
“Oh, Elizabeth.” That was all I could mutter as I struggled to hold back my emotions, but I couldn’t contain them any longer.
Judging by our proximity, I pulled her in a little closer and planted my lips on hers, allowing a mix of tears and kisses. I loved this woman so much! And based on how I felt inside, there was no doubt anymore.
After a few minutes, we pulled away, still gazing at each other.
“So, what do you say? Will you be my fiancée? This time for real, not as part of a contract or business.”
“Are you asking me to marry you?” Elizabeth asked in disbelief.
“Well, isn’t that what we were working toward?”
“Well, on paper, yes. But, Will, marrying you is a huge step. Are you sure you’re ready for such a commitment?”
“I want you to be mine, and that is all that matters. Besides, I don’t want any young man coming to sway you away from me. I want you all for myself.”
“Easy there, Mr. Will.”
I smiled as I looked at her, expecting a response.
“So what do you say? You know it hurts to remain on one knee.” I chuckled slightly as I anxiously awaited her response to my proposal.
“I . . .”
“Elizabeth . . .”
“All right, yes, I will be your fiancée for real this time.”
“Yes!” I exclaimed as I quickly slipped her ring onto her finger, reminding myself that I needed to get her a new one that fit her properly.
“Thank you, Will.”
“I should be thanking you because you’ve just made me the happiest man on earth!” I said, standing up and pulling her into a warm embrace filled with immense joy.
I planted a kiss on her forehead while holding her close to my heart. I had hoped for a favorable outcome, but I never imagined I would end up engaged before the end of the day. But all that mattered was that I had my girl. Elizabeth was mine, and I planned to keep it that way for a long time.
“You’re not going to work anymore, are you?”
“Why do you ask?” I responded, curious about her plans for us.
“Well, nothing much. I was just hoping we could spend the rest of the day together. But if you’re busy, then it’s not a problem.”
“Come on, you know I could clear my entire schedule for you, right? So don’t worry, you’ve got me for the rest of the day,” I said, smiling.
“Great then!”