Forbidden Love

“What, I mean…” She looked down then back up again.

I stepped in closer to her, my mouth grazing her ear, and she shivered at the contact.

“Lourde, I was a fool for pushing you away.”

“Yes, you were,” she said, but there was a kindness to her tone.

“I hope you can forgive me.”

“Forgive you? I’m sorry I let my parents interfere. If you’ll have me back, I promise that will never happen again.”

“Oh, I know it won’t.” Curiosity swept across her face. I smiled, wanting to put her at ease.

She gripped the chair tighter. “Barrett, you just bought a ring.” She sucked in a large influx of breath.

I stepped back just enough and bent down on one knee.

“Oh, my God, what are you doing?” She held her hands to her mouth as the audience shrieked around us.

“Lourde, I know I’m a complicated man, and you could have anyone, but I love you so much, I can’t breathe without you. I will be the husband you need me to be every damn day in this life together… so please, Lourde Diamond, will you choose me?”