Chapter Fifteen
That evening, when Roger Smith returned, he paused for a moment in the golden alcove before letting himself into the apartment. He checked his handsome reflection in the great framed mirror, pulling out his comb and running it through his already perfectly smooth black hair.
Roger smiled at himself, thinking of the first time he had stood in this spot, how nervous he had been. So much had happened these last six months. Rowan had been at least partially right in her prediction. She had indeed changed his life. He hoped she would let him do the same for her.
The young man entered the apartment. He sniffed appreciatively...the delicious aroma of cooking food wafted through the air. Smith entered the kitchen, but Rowan was nowhere to be seen. He checked the oven timer. It still had time to go before it shut itself off.
"Ro?" he called out. There was no answer. That meant she was probably in the greenhouse. The thick glass muffled sound very effectively. He pushed open the heavy transparent door by the fridge; it closed slowly behind him. Ro's cooking herbs were in this section. He plucked a peppermint leaf, chewed and swallowed it, enjoying its bright taste.
Smith never tired of this place. It had quickly become a favorite refuge from Paradigm for him as well. Roger often wondered, if Old Earth had really been this lovely, what could have possibly possessed humanity to destroy it.
The negotiator strolled the aisles of lush greenery, enjoying the peacefulness and the rich air. As his ears grew accustomed to the quiet, he could hear Daestar humming to herself up ahead.
Walking softly, he sneaked behind several pots of bamboo, dwarfed by their 12-foot tall stalks. He peeked 'round the green-gold stems, watching his sweetheart busy at a potting table. She was trimming dead and excess growth from several small plants. She had knotted her braided hair on top of her head to keep it out of the way, using a twig to secure it. Rowan seemed completely absorbed in her task, oblivious to his presence.
The young man relished the rare chance to watch his lover unobserved. She was utterly unselfconscious, too intensely alive in the moment to care about appearance. He sometimes wished he could be more like that. He'd certainly never stick a twig in his hair - he caught himself smoothing it down again out of habit.
Roger lightly coughed to get her attention. He knew better than to startle her when she was holding pruning shears.
Surprised, Ro turned towards him. Roger noticed she'd also tucked some violet-colored flowers behind her ear. Her face was smudged with dirt. He smiled broadly, softening the angles of his handsome face.
She put down the shears and hugged his neck. "I missed you," she murmured in his ear. Roger crushed her gently against his chest.
"Sorry I took so long," he said, wiping a smudge off her cheek. "You look as though you've been busy."
Rowan glanced at the pile of trimmings. "Yeah," she shrugged. "I caught up on my paperwork and decided I needed a change of pace." She took the violet sprig from behind her ear and slipped it into the lapel buttonhole of his elegant grey suit. "And how did you spend your day today, Mr. Roger Smith?" she teased, her crooked smile begging for a kiss.
Roger obliged before answering. "Oh, just running errands." He smirked; he couldn't help it.
"Anything important?" She leaned against the table, still smiling.
"No," he shrugged, "just the usual. Handed Dastun my letter of resignation, bought a car, put a deposit on a building not far from here..." Rowan interrupted him, her green eyes wide with surprise. "You did what?"
Patiently, Smith repeated himself. "I resigned because I know what I want to do and it's not being a cop. Dan took it very well, so don't worry about him being annoyed with you. He's not." Ro nodded, relieved. She had felt a little uncomfortable about swiping one of Dan's best officers.
"I bought a car because I needed one. I can't borrow yours all the time. Besides, I think you'll like it. It's a very classy piece of equipment." And all the better to keep you safe in, Roger thought to himself.
"Uhmm, what's this about a building?" she asked.
"Remember that big place on the corner I pointed out to you a while ago?" he asked. Ro nodded...it had a dark elegance that was hard to forget.
Roger continued: "I saw it was for sale a week ago and arranged to see it today. Since it's not a fashionable part of town, the price was right and I put down a deposit. We can afford it. I know you'll like it."
"But Roger," Rowan looked dismayed, "what's wrong with this place?"
Roger smirked. "Look Rowan, this place is perfect for one person. It's a little cramped for two, and you never know what the future might bring."
What is he talking about? wondered Rowan. What does he mean, 'what the future might bring?'
Roger continued: "We'd have the entire building...plenty of space for your research, you could easily double your greenhouse, I could have a studio, we could both have offices, there'd be room to grow...you know what I mean."
Rowan was confused. "Roger, I'm sure we could buy more space in this building. I don't understand."
Roger smirked again despite himself. He took off his black leather gloves. He reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a tiny red velvet box, which he set down next to the pruning shears. Rowan looked at it, startled. She started to speak, but Smith shushed her with a finger to her lips.
He got down on one knee before her and took her left hand in his. Although Roger had mentally rehearsed this moment hundreds of times, he suddenly felt nervous. His heart was pounding in his ears. He hoped she couldn't hear it. It's now or never, he thought. You'll never know if you don't ask.
"Rowan." He paused. He looked at her white hand in his, kissed it, then interlaced his fingers with hers.
"Rowan," he said again, softly, "I know this must seem awfully sudden, but I've been thinking about this a lot. I've never felt this way about anyone before. Having you in my life feels as if some missing part of me was restored, that there was a space in me I didn't know was empty til you filled it." I'm babbling, he thought. Her hand began to tremble in his. He held it a little tighter. Now or never, Roger, said his inner voice again.
"I love you, Rowan. I want you in my life forever. I want to have a family with you. I want to marry you. Will you be my wife?"
Rowan Daestar stood before him like a beautiful statue, stunned into silence.
Roger feared she would refuse. There were dozens of reasons to do so, and only one to say "yes." He held his breath, his dark gaze riveted to her ashen face.
Finally she spoke. "I didn't expect this," she said thickly, her accent heavy with emotion. "I didn't ask for this."
Roger's heart began to sink.
Her eyes brimmed with tears. She loved him desperately, but if her hunches were correct they would have a difficult future...and yet..."Roger Smith, you are out of your mind," she said softly.
Fighting disapointment, Roger looked down at the hard tile floor he was kneeling on. "Rowan," he sighed, "if your answer is 'no,' please just say it. My knee is staring to ache."
His remark broke through her tension. Laughing through her tears, the young woman tugged on his muscular arm to bring him to his feet. She stooped down to brush debris off his expensive pants leg.
Roger rolled his eyes skyward, leaned down and took her by the shoulders. He pulled her up with gentle firmness. He took her small chin in one hand so she couldn't look away from him.
His large black eyes searched her face intently. "You haven't answered my question." Roger could sense the conflict roiling within her. "Rowan, I know it won't be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is."
He drew her close and kissed her forehead lightly. "Do you remember that first night, when you asked me what my heart's desire was? I know what my answer is...do you?"
Rowan closed her eyes. She knew her answer too, in every part of her being. She would have to make the choice that was true to her soul and accept the consequences. She had lived her whole life that way - she could not do otherwise now.
She opened her beautiful eyes and smiled so sadly that Roger was sure she was about to refuse him. She took his hand from her chin, kissed the broad palm, then pressed it aganst her cheek. "I would be honored to be your wife," she said.
Roger's eyes widened in surprise. It took a moment for her words to register. "Did you say 'yes'?" I must have misheard her, he thought.
She nodded, smiling her sweetly crooked smile again. She knew she had made the right decision. She could tease him now: "Yes, I accept your proposal...uh, unless you've changed your mind."
"Changed my mind? Why you..." He smirked. "Rowan, as one negotiatior to another you know darn well accepting a proposal is binding to both parties..." he wrapped his strong arms around her slender body "...so don't go looking for an escape clause..." he kissed her hard on the mouth "...because there isn't any."
He reached over to the potting table to pick up the red velvet box. He opened it and removed the engagement ring. Roger took Rowan's left hand in his right. "This," he said smiling, "will seal our contract." He slipped the band of gleaming metal and stone on her ring finger. It fit perfectly. The seaish opal glowed against her pale skin.
They spent the rest of the evening making plans for their shared future. At one point Rowan removed the ring to admire it more closely. She noticed the delicate engraving inside the band. Surprised, she glanced at Roger, who merely smiled. She read the words, recognising them from their time at the cave. She turned the band and saw the tiny infinity symbol with its two "R's."
Roger watched her turn the ring. He wondered what her reacton would be. He hoped she'd be pleased.
Rowan gasped, then looked up at him. The day had been one of such emotional extremes for her. This tiny note was so full of love that she was truly overwhelmed. "I, I don't know what to say," she stammered.
Roger put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. He returned the ring to her finger, then pressed the back of her hand to his mouth.
"You don't have to say anythng," he answered. "Just stay here with me."
That evening, when Roger Smith returned, he paused for a moment in the golden alcove before letting himself into the apartment. He checked his handsome reflection in the great framed mirror, pulling out his comb and running it through his already perfectly smooth black hair.
Roger smiled at himself, thinking of the first time he had stood in this spot, how nervous he had been. So much had happened these last six months. Rowan had been at least partially right in her prediction. She had indeed changed his life. He hoped she would let him do the same for her.
The young man entered the apartment. He sniffed appreciatively...the delicious aroma of cooking food wafted through the air. Smith entered the kitchen, but Rowan was nowhere to be seen. He checked the oven timer. It still had time to go before it shut itself off.
"Ro?" he called out. There was no answer. That meant she was probably in the greenhouse. The thick glass muffled sound very effectively. He pushed open the heavy transparent door by the fridge; it closed slowly behind him. Ro's cooking herbs were in this section. He plucked a peppermint leaf, chewed and swallowed it, enjoying its bright taste.
Smith never tired of this place. It had quickly become a favorite refuge from Paradigm for him as well. Roger often wondered, if Old Earth had really been this lovely, what could have possibly possessed humanity to destroy it.
The negotiator strolled the aisles of lush greenery, enjoying the peacefulness and the rich air. As his ears grew accustomed to the quiet, he could hear Daestar humming to herself up ahead.
Walking softly, he sneaked behind several pots of bamboo, dwarfed by their 12-foot tall stalks. He peeked 'round the green-gold stems, watching his sweetheart busy at a potting table. She was trimming dead and excess growth from several small plants. She had knotted her braided hair on top of her head to keep it out of the way, using a twig to secure it. Rowan seemed completely absorbed in her task, oblivious to his presence.
The young man relished the rare chance to watch his lover unobserved. She was utterly unselfconscious, too intensely alive in the moment to care about appearance. He sometimes wished he could be more like that. He'd certainly never stick a twig in his hair - he caught himself smoothing it down again out of habit.
Roger lightly coughed to get her attention. He knew better than to startle her when she was holding pruning shears.
Surprised, Ro turned towards him. Roger noticed she'd also tucked some violet-colored flowers behind her ear. Her face was smudged with dirt. He smiled broadly, softening the angles of his handsome face.
She put down the shears and hugged his neck. "I missed you," she murmured in his ear. Roger crushed her gently against his chest.
"Sorry I took so long," he said, wiping a smudge off her cheek. "You look as though you've been busy."
Rowan glanced at the pile of trimmings. "Yeah," she shrugged. "I caught up on my paperwork and decided I needed a change of pace." She took the violet sprig from behind her ear and slipped it into the lapel buttonhole of his elegant grey suit. "And how did you spend your day today, Mr. Roger Smith?" she teased, her crooked smile begging for a kiss.
Roger obliged before answering. "Oh, just running errands." He smirked; he couldn't help it.
"Anything important?" She leaned against the table, still smiling.
"No," he shrugged, "just the usual. Handed Dastun my letter of resignation, bought a car, put a deposit on a building not far from here..." Rowan interrupted him, her green eyes wide with surprise. "You did what?"
Patiently, Smith repeated himself. "I resigned because I know what I want to do and it's not being a cop. Dan took it very well, so don't worry about him being annoyed with you. He's not." Ro nodded, relieved. She had felt a little uncomfortable about swiping one of Dan's best officers.
"I bought a car because I needed one. I can't borrow yours all the time. Besides, I think you'll like it. It's a very classy piece of equipment." And all the better to keep you safe in, Roger thought to himself.
"Uhmm, what's this about a building?" she asked.
"Remember that big place on the corner I pointed out to you a while ago?" he asked. Ro nodded...it had a dark elegance that was hard to forget.
Roger continued: "I saw it was for sale a week ago and arranged to see it today. Since it's not a fashionable part of town, the price was right and I put down a deposit. We can afford it. I know you'll like it."
"But Roger," Rowan looked dismayed, "what's wrong with this place?"
Roger smirked. "Look Rowan, this place is perfect for one person. It's a little cramped for two, and you never know what the future might bring."
What is he talking about? wondered Rowan. What does he mean, 'what the future might bring?'
Roger continued: "We'd have the entire building...plenty of space for your research, you could easily double your greenhouse, I could have a studio, we could both have offices, there'd be room to grow...you know what I mean."
Rowan was confused. "Roger, I'm sure we could buy more space in this building. I don't understand."
Roger smirked again despite himself. He took off his black leather gloves. He reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a tiny red velvet box, which he set down next to the pruning shears. Rowan looked at it, startled. She started to speak, but Smith shushed her with a finger to her lips.
He got down on one knee before her and took her left hand in his. Although Roger had mentally rehearsed this moment hundreds of times, he suddenly felt nervous. His heart was pounding in his ears. He hoped she couldn't hear it. It's now or never, he thought. You'll never know if you don't ask.
"Rowan." He paused. He looked at her white hand in his, kissed it, then interlaced his fingers with hers.
"Rowan," he said again, softly, "I know this must seem awfully sudden, but I've been thinking about this a lot. I've never felt this way about anyone before. Having you in my life feels as if some missing part of me was restored, that there was a space in me I didn't know was empty til you filled it." I'm babbling, he thought. Her hand began to tremble in his. He held it a little tighter. Now or never, Roger, said his inner voice again.
"I love you, Rowan. I want you in my life forever. I want to have a family with you. I want to marry you. Will you be my wife?"
Rowan Daestar stood before him like a beautiful statue, stunned into silence.
Roger feared she would refuse. There were dozens of reasons to do so, and only one to say "yes." He held his breath, his dark gaze riveted to her ashen face.
Finally she spoke. "I didn't expect this," she said thickly, her accent heavy with emotion. "I didn't ask for this."
Roger's heart began to sink.
Her eyes brimmed with tears. She loved him desperately, but if her hunches were correct they would have a difficult future...and yet..."Roger Smith, you are out of your mind," she said softly.
Fighting disapointment, Roger looked down at the hard tile floor he was kneeling on. "Rowan," he sighed, "if your answer is 'no,' please just say it. My knee is staring to ache."
His remark broke through her tension. Laughing through her tears, the young woman tugged on his muscular arm to bring him to his feet. She stooped down to brush debris off his expensive pants leg.
Roger rolled his eyes skyward, leaned down and took her by the shoulders. He pulled her up with gentle firmness. He took her small chin in one hand so she couldn't look away from him.
His large black eyes searched her face intently. "You haven't answered my question." Roger could sense the conflict roiling within her. "Rowan, I know it won't be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is."
He drew her close and kissed her forehead lightly. "Do you remember that first night, when you asked me what my heart's desire was? I know what my answer is...do you?"
Rowan closed her eyes. She knew her answer too, in every part of her being. She would have to make the choice that was true to her soul and accept the consequences. She had lived her whole life that way - she could not do otherwise now.
She opened her beautiful eyes and smiled so sadly that Roger was sure she was about to refuse him. She took his hand from her chin, kissed the broad palm, then pressed it aganst her cheek. "I would be honored to be your wife," she said.
Roger's eyes widened in surprise. It took a moment for her words to register. "Did you say 'yes'?" I must have misheard her, he thought.
She nodded, smiling her sweetly crooked smile again. She knew she had made the right decision. She could tease him now: "Yes, I accept your proposal...uh, unless you've changed your mind."
"Changed my mind? Why you..." He smirked. "Rowan, as one negotiatior to another you know darn well accepting a proposal is binding to both parties..." he wrapped his strong arms around her slender body "...so don't go looking for an escape clause..." he kissed her hard on the mouth "...because there isn't any."
He reached over to the potting table to pick up the red velvet box. He opened it and removed the engagement ring. Roger took Rowan's left hand in his right. "This," he said smiling, "will seal our contract." He slipped the band of gleaming metal and stone on her ring finger. It fit perfectly. The seaish opal glowed against her pale skin.
They spent the rest of the evening making plans for their shared future. At one point Rowan removed the ring to admire it more closely. She noticed the delicate engraving inside the band. Surprised, she glanced at Roger, who merely smiled. She read the words, recognising them from their time at the cave. She turned the band and saw the tiny infinity symbol with its two "R's."
Roger watched her turn the ring. He wondered what her reacton would be. He hoped she'd be pleased.
Rowan gasped, then looked up at him. The day had been one of such emotional extremes for her. This tiny note was so full of love that she was truly overwhelmed. "I, I don't know what to say," she stammered.
Roger put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. He returned the ring to her finger, then pressed the back of her hand to his mouth.
"You don't have to say anythng," he answered. "Just stay here with me."