16
"How'd he take it?" Mallet asked, referring to Gus, when he and Harley were alone again. "Surprisingly well, actually. I thought he was gonna take a temper tantrum and start hauling stuff at me... but he was very mature about it." "Is that a good thing or a bad thing? 'Cause you don't seem very sure." "That's because I'm not sure, Mallet. He acted very strangely... he even hugged me. It kinda gave me the creeps." Harley was genuinely concerned- Gus hadn't acted like himself.
"Well, does it really matter, Cooper? I mean, we're together, and Gus knows that now, so it shouldn't be a problem." Mallet wondered why Harley was so bent out of shape. "But you don't know Gus. He wants what he wants, when he wants it, and he usually gets it. And when he doesn't get it, he usually flips out." Harley began to pace.
"Harley! Snap out of it. The only thing on your mind right now should be us. Lord knows it's the only thing on my mind." "I'm sorry Mallet, it's just, I still care about Gus, and it hurts to see him hurting. That's all." "It's okay baby, I understand. I know what it's like to hurt someone you love..." Mallet's voice became quiet. "No, honey, don't do that. Don't think about that. We're together, now and forever. That should be the only thing on our minds, remember?" Harley smiled. "Yeah, of course I remember. But I remember everything else too." Mallet's voice was shaky. "So do I. But I try not to dwell on it." "Well, if that's the plan- I can live with it." Mallet chuckled. "Okay!"
Suddenly, Mallet became nervous, making Harley nervous too. "What's wrong Mallet? Did I say something? What?" "No. It's not you. It's just, I have something to do. To ask, actually. And it's scaring me to death. Because it's so important and all." "Huh? What the hell are you going on about Mallet?" Harley couldn't help but giggle at the obvious nervousness in Mallet's eyes. "Don't laugh, Cooper, this is serious!" "Is someone hurt? What?" "No, no one's hurt. But I have to ask you something." "WHAT? Out with it already!"
Mallet walked slowly to the side table by the bed, and opened the drawer. He took out a small, black velvet box, and turned it in his palms a few times. "What's that?" Harley asked, as Mallet walked back towards her. "It's something very important, and very meaningful, and something that represents our undying love for each other." Harley's heart began racing as Mallet knelt down on one knee. "I love you, more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. When you left me, you left a hole in my heart- a hole no one but you could mend. I spent eight long years missing you, dreaming of you." Mallet took a breath as he watched Harley's eyes light up. "But then, in the prison, when I saw you again, I felt whole, complete. Even though I knew you were so angry with me, I also knew that you still loved me. I could see it in your eyes. When I gave you a reason to stay with me- when I kissed you- that was when I knew for sure. That was when I knew we were meant to be, we're soulmates. We're so much in love, and I want to pledge my love for you." Mallet began to open the small box. "Harley Davidson Cooper, will you marry me?"
Harley just stared at the diamond ring for a minute, trying to process her thoughts. "Oh my... Mallet. I... I can't believe..." "Take your time honey, you don't have to rush." "No. I know. That ring- it's so beautiful, breathtaking. Oh my God... wow!" Harley couldn't believe that this was happening. "Yes! Yes I'll marry you!" Mallet slid the ring on to Harley's finger, and took her in his arms. "I love you, Harley. I love you so much." "I love you too, Mallet. I really, truly do."