Reba Hart sat on the front porch steps with a guitar in her hands, trying to strum out a decent sounding tune. Her face cringed with each bad note that came out. Scott Lambert had been trying his hardest to teach her how to play, and he'd also been dating her. It was much obvious that Reba put more into their 13-month relationship than her guitar playing, as they were completely opposite.
Scott adored the way she would sing to Elizabeth, or Van and Cheyenne's new baby, Adam. Her voice was much better than any album he'd ever owned. It was pure, and he loved the woman who owned the voice. His question if she played an instrument prompted the guitar lessons, and they both soon learned it would never compare to her singing. But he still loved to hear her perform for him.
She'd never even try to make him happy, nor him her. It just happened. Reba was absolutely convinced that he was the best thing that had ever happened to her. A twenty year marriage crumbled right before her eyes, as her husband simply walked out to be with woman half her age. And then she found out that his mistress was pregnant. After three years, she began dating a man named Brian, who made her feel great again. He walked out on her with no reason to give. A year later, she got so close to Jack Morgan. He was supposed to be the one, or so she wanted to believe. He came and went as he pleased, and decided to finally tell her that he was married. She couldn't handle being lonely alone.
Reba put it in her mind that she'd give it up and focus what wasn't on her children, on her career. And it worked until the firm hired the new intern, Scott. She'd been assigned to train him, and once he was hired on full time, she spent even more time with him. Without work as an excuse, she realized the attraction that grew between the two of them. And he the same.
She brought him over to meet the family, and after a nervous start, they all hit it off instantly. With the approval of her family, they decided to make it official. Thirteen months later, they were inseparable. He was never anything less than a gentleman toward her, or anyone for that member. She was his queen. Reba always stood for being a strong woman and being independent, but he always brought out the lady that loved to have the door opened for her. He never asked for more than she was willing to give and he always knew when to love her, and when to walk away. All of these qualities about him just made her want to be even closer.
The fear she had about loving someone again vanished from her mind. Reba knew that he was the one, and never had she felt like that in her life, not even with Brock. She'd always playfully hint around about the nice ring Mrs. Reba Lambert had to it, but never did she think he took it seriously. She'd picked out the ring she wanted in her mind, and had her wedding dress saved to her favorites on her BlackBerry. When she thought about it, she felt silly like she was in high school again.
Scott parked his car in the driveway, and got out wearing a huge grin. "Hey, Reba! Trying to play the new song?"
"Did you make the 30 minute drive over here just to laugh at my guitar playing?" she asked, smiling.
"No, actually I needed to talk to you about something."
"Is something wrong?" she worriedly asked.
"No, baby, everything is fine. I hope. Is anyone at home?"
"Not right now. Why? I know you are making a huge hint...but I'm not sure to what." she laughed.
He laughed at her humor before turning to a calmer sense. "Can we be serious for a minute?"
"Um, okay?" She propped her guitar up next to the front porch steps and looked at him, puzzled.
"I got you a little present," he said as he handed her a box. It was a new guitar tuner she'd been asking him to pick up for her for a while. "Open it up and see if it works."
She opened the box before reaching for her guitar. Instead of finding the expected, her mouth fell wide open as she pulled out a small jewelry box. "Baby, you didn't have to do this!" she exclaimed. Reba then realized exactly what it was for as she noticed him fall down on one knee.
"We've been dating for thirteen months now. I know that seems like a long time, but I wanted to make sure that I was ready and your family approved before I asked you this." He took the box from her hand and opened it. "Will you marry me, Reba?"
There sat the ring she'd always wanted, the one she'd only dreamed she'd see. A thousand thoughts raced through her mind. Where did he find it? How did he pay for that? I can't believe he asked my family for their approval! I want this. I need this. But, what if it turns out the same way...but it won't. Say yes! Think about it, Reba. Don't, just tell him yes! How could she tell him no?
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. This moment was the one she'd been living her life for...and it was here, presented right in front of her. She was on the very edge of making or breaking the most important relationship she'd ever had. This was her shining glory.
After a ten second delay, she looked up at him with tears streaming from her eyes.
