It wasn't as if he wasn't trying. He really was. It was just –every time he worked up the courage to ask her, something got in the way!
The first time, he'd made a romantic dinner –only for her to run late with Emma and not return home until after the food had become cold. She'd apologized profusely with tears in her eyes. He wasn't going to propose unless the occasion was absolutely perfect, so he kept his mouth shut on the subject.
The second time, he was going to take her out to eat at the same restaurant where they'd had their first date. He'd had to cancel their reservation when he found out that it was Henry's birthday and they were expected at the party.
All of his plans had been frustrated, and it was extremely upsetting. He wasn't sure how to propose –hell, he wasn't sure he would even have the chance!
XX
He got home earlier than usual, exhausted and dejected. All he wanted was to hold his favorite princess and forget about his problems. Unfortunately, he couldn't find said princess. She wasn't in the library or kitchen –her usual haunts- and she wasn't in the living room or taking a bubble bath.
Maybe she's hanging out with Emma today. He trudged upstairs and stopped when he saw the bedroom door open. His heart leapt with anticipation. She was here? He pushed the door open with his cane, and his breath caught in his throat. There, outlined in the evening sun and sitting on their bed was Jenna. He recognized the black velvet box cradled in her hand and he felt as if his world was crashing down around him. He saw a pile of socks and boxers on the bed. His underwear drawer was hanging open.
She looked up at him, and he noticed with an almost detached pain that there were tears on her cheeks. She stood and stepped toward him. His heart palpitated. This was where she told him that things were moving too fast for her, where she'd move out and break off their ties – He was startled out of his panicked state when she cupped his cheek.
"Is this why you've been acting so strange lately? Why you've been trying to give me romantic dinners?" He didn't answer her immediately, instead scrutinizing her face for tell –tale signs of rejection. He looked away after a moment. "I –" She turned his head, forcing his eyes to meet hers. She searched his expression.
XX Jenna's POV
I'd been ecstatic to find the ring while putting away his laundry. Now though… There was guilt in his eyes. Panic. What if I'd misread the situation? What if… What if the ring wasn't meant for me? Oh, god –"Are you cheating on me?" The words had spilled out of my mouth without the permission of my brain. My mouth worked overtime to try and rectify the situation, to salvage the relationship. "You can tell me, Rumple. I won't be happy but we can work things out –" My hurried babble was cut short by a desperate kiss. His hands gripped tightly to my upper arms and I grasped his suit lapels. My back hit the door and he broke off the kiss, molding me to him. I rested my cheek on his chest.
"Of course I'm not cheating on you, dearest." I listened to his heart. "I didn't want you to find out this way. About the ring, I mean. It was supposed to be…" He trailed off, stroking my hair. "Romantic?" I supplied. I felt him smile. "It was supposed to be perfect."
I pulled away to look up at him with a smile. "I could've never imagined a more perfect way to become engaged." He smiled then, lifting my hands and pressing a kiss on my knuckles. "I'm happy I've not disappointed –wait. Was that a yes?" I responded with a kiss.