Doreen looked down at her hands wrapped around his. The trembling was spreading up her arms. “I’m nervous.”
Alonzo tightened his hold on her hand. “Could you excuse me?”
Doreen blinked. “What?”
“I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.” He released her hand and rose from the sofa.
“But—”
“I won’t be long.” He walked away.
“Where are you going?” She followed him with her gaze.
“Just upstairs. I’ll be right back. Wait for me.” His voice trailed behind him as he left the living room and hurried up the steps.
Was he kidding? Doreen watched him disappear upstairs. She was no longer shaking with nerves. She was numb with shock and outrage. At least when he’d proposed to her—thirty-five days ago—she’d acknowledged his request. She’d responded to it. It wasn’t the reply he’d hoped for, but at least she’d answered him. On the other hand, when she’d proposed, he’d walked out.
She stood from the sofa and paced the living room. Dozens of questions raced across her mind. Where was he? What was he doing? When was he coming back? Why was it taking so long? Why did he have to do . . . whatever he was doing . . . now?
Doreen peeked toward the staircase again. She could hear him moving around up there. She went back to pacing.
Maybe she shouldn’t have blurted out her proposal. Maybe this wasn’t the right time for it. After all, today had already been a very busy day for both of them. Alonzo had accompanied her to the inauguration and the luncheon as well as the inaugural ball. He was probably tired. That’s what it was. She’d chosen the wrong day to spring her proposal on him. She should have waited for the weekend.
Doreen turned toward the staircase. She stilled when she found Alonzo walking toward her. “You’re probably tired. We can talk about this in the morning or over the weekend.”
“No.” He took her hand and led her back to the sofa. “I’d rather talk about it now.” He gestured for her to sit.
Doreen studied him as she lowered herself onto the brown cushions. She took in his neatly combed hair and his recently smoothed jaw. “Did you go upstairs to freshen up?”
Alonzo blushed. “Don’t worry about that.” He tugged on his right pant leg before going down on one knee.
Doreen’s jaw dropped. “What are you doing?”
“Doreen, I understand that you’re a modern woman.” His voice was unsteady. “That’s one of the many things I love about you. And your proposal was beautiful. I’ll treasure it always.”
“I know it’s the wrong time. I should have waited.”
“No, this is the right time.” Alonzo took her hand. “It’s just that I’ve always dreamed of this moment happening in a different way.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box. He opened the box, displaying the two-carat Monarch diamond ring inside.
Doreen covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh my word, Alonzo.”
He held her teary gaze. “Doreen, I’ve loved you forever. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Tears trailed down her cheeks. “Yes, yes, Alonzo. I’ll marry you.”
Alonzo blinked rapidly as he took the ring from the box and slipped it onto the third finger of her left hand. He helped her to her feet.
“You’ve made me the happiest man on the planet.” Alonzo wiped the tears from her face.
“And I’m the happiest woman.” Doreen rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his.
“How much longer will I have to wait for you to tell me what’s on your mind?” Ms. Helen set down her teacup and pinned Darius with her sharp, dark eyes Friday evening. They were sitting at the older woman’s kitchen table.
“I’m fine, Ms. Helen.” Darius made the effort to sound normal.
“Now that’s a lie.” The elderly lady narrowed her eyes. “You’ve been here ten minutes and haven’t made one smart-aleck remark.”