And she occasionally throws some modern pieces into her wardrobe, mostly just to shock me, I think. But we balance each other in a way I never dreamed possible. She’s shown me the beauty of the past, I’ve helped her step forward into the future.
Tonight's my turn to bring the vintage, though, even if she doesn’t know it. I bought something that I hope she'll like. I'm already at the coffee shop waiting for her. I'm nervous as hell. I got here even earlier than usual because I just couldn’t fucking sit still.
I look in the pocket on the jacket of my suit and sneak a peek at the ring box in there. I spent so many months planning. I watched everything, the websites she visited, the things she bought online. I even snooped around in her jewelry box just to make sure.
I had to be sure, then one day I found it online and I bought it. I bought it because I knew, I knew that this was the ring I was going to give her when I asked her to be my wife. It was her exact taste and style. I know she's going to love it, and I’m just hoping she wants to wear it for good.
I look back up just in time to see her walk in. She looks even more beautiful than when I first saw her. She's dressed simply, jeans and a blouse, but she still makes it look good. She smiles when she sees me and walks over. I had this night planned so perfectly, but at the sight of her beauty, I can't form a single thought.
As soon as she sits down, my carefully laid plans go up in smoke. Despite the leaps and bounds I’ve made, tonight I just can't wait, I can't be patient. I quickly pull out the ring box and ask "Will you marry me?"
She blinks and blurts out "yes" without a second thought.
It's a few seconds before we both realize what just happened. We both start laughing out of joy and shock. I stand and pull her to me. I pick her up and twirl her around in the middle of the coffee shop. I can't keep the smile off of my face. She's smiling as well. When I put her back on the ground, she’s blushing a little. I kiss her sweetly on the lips as everyone around us takes notice and breaks into applause.
When I pull away, she's blushing even more. It’s obvious how embarrassed she is. "I'm sorry," I apologize, laughing, “I didn’t mean to make a scene.”
She giggles and I take her hand in mine. “I think I can forgive you,” she whispers.
"How about I take you home for a more private celebration?" I whisper back.
She looks up at me, and gives me that same beautiful smile. “I love the sound of that.”
Epilogue - Juliette
The whole drive home, all I can do is stare at the ring on my finger. I'm so excited but so shocked by everything that has happened. I seriously wasn't expecting this. When Dom asked me for coffee again after work, I just assumed it was our usual date night.
This is just unbelievable. I'm silent the whole drive home. My hand is outstretched in front of me, and I just can't stop staring at the ring in disbelief. I can't wrap my head around this. Of course I'm excited and glad it is happening, I just can't believe this moment is actually here. It's like a dream come true.
I had my doubts about it at first, especially after our first night together. But I kept secretly hoping this might happen. I knew that I wouldn't be able to resist Dom, not that I ever really wanted to. Obviously I was physically attracted to him on our first meeting, but it was something more than that. I was drawn to him, like he was a mystery to be solved.
He had his reasons for acting the way he did, and I acted a certain way too at first. We overcame those obstacles together, like we make each other better or something. I feel like we really do, like each of us is the piece the other was missing.
Dom speaks interrupting my thoughts. "Is everything okay?" He asks.
I can hear the worry in his voice. I didn't mean to get so wrapped up in my head. "Everything about tonight is perfect, I just…I’m so, so happy." I reassure him with a smile before gazing at the ring again.
It’s so perfect, and I get to wear it proudly for the rest of my life. As his wife!
I can see him smile from the corner of my eye. "Good. I'm glad you like it. It suits you."
"It better," I reply, “I’m planning to wear it for a long, long, long time.”