Stuck
Chapter 11
It took Mike a hot minute before he could manage to be out, and thankfully; David was a willing assistant in finding Christine the 'perfect ring.' Mike knew Christine didn't expect a perfect ring, but he wanted her to have one. And after visiting three stores; they finally found one. It was a simple gold band with a diamond solitaire stone; but it was what he wanted for Christine. For his trouble; Mike offered to take David out for lunch, which he knew was a treat for him.
"So, what's the big plan for the proposal?" David asked as he savored the steak Mike had insisted he order.
"No plan. I already have proposed." Mike answered.
"Uh…Mike; you proposed from your hospital bed. You need to make it nice for her." David insisted.
"What'd you do for Cynthia?" Mike asked.
"Well, we were young and poor, but I had my grandma's engagement ring and a bouquet of her favorite flowers that I had picked out of my mom's front yard." David said.
"Get down on one knee?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. But then Cynthia got mad because she was afraid the stain would ruin my jeans." David answered.
"I have no idea what to do. Didn't give it a lot of thought." Mike admitted.
"Mike; nothing about this relationship has been typical. You didn't have a first date. You didn't have a typical story of falling in love. You probably won't have a typical marriage. Give the girl a good proposal." David said.
"I guess you're right. I just am not romantic." Mike remarked.
"I would guess that doesn't bother Christine. She's never known anything any different, but give her one night." David instructed.
"She hates going out to eat. Doesn't mind eating in. I may cook something nice and just go that route. She likes privacy." Mike said.
"Up to you. Or order in. Just make it nice. Good dinner, wine, candles." David said.
"She's nineteen." Mike told him.
"Okay, maybe contributing to the delinquency of a minor would not be wise." David remarked with a laugh.
"My mom isn't happy." Mike admitted.
"My mom wasn't either when I got involved with Cynthia. Thought we were too young. Now she loves her. They go out to breakfast on my day off. It took time, but eventually it happened. I think grandchildren did it." David said.
"Yeah, but I bet your mom never forced Cynthia to stay away from you when you injured." Mike remarked.
"No, but I never was. I just have no doubt that your mom will come around. Just be patient." David said. Mike nodded but didn't completely agree. He just didn't see how it would ever happen. Up until then he would try to be a bridge between the two women. Maybe they would find a middle ground before the first baby was born.