Author's Notes: Sequel to Sunset/Wine. Prequel to a lot more than that.
Theme: Diamond
Yes
"It's just as I picture it. Perfect. Just perfect."
"It is an oasis my dear, but holds no beauty next to you."
She smiles and settles back into my warm embrace. Once more we are watching the sunset, as we did long ago in Junon. Once more there are glasses of wine before us. And once more I cannot help but be enraptured by her and my love of her.
Our fingers lace together as our hands rest upon her stomach. Maria's smile widens as she carefully sets aside first her, then my, glass of wine. Soon she's turned in my arms, and rests her head against my chest, our fingers still entangled.
"Yes," she whispered into the lapel of my suit.
"I didn't ask anything."
"You didn't have to."
I kiss her forehead as I pull the velvet case from my pocket. Still she holds my left hand.
"Don't ask. It would ruin the moment."
Slowly our fingers unlace, and I slip the ring upon her finger The diamond reflects the crimson light in all directions and mingle it with blues and greens and violets. And never before have I seen her as lovely as she is now, my fiancé, in my arms.
"Big gem," she mumbles in an off-hand manner.
"The SOLDIER escort said I should buy a big one," I replied, blushing as red as the sunset.
"My poor gullible Reeve," she chuckled, "So naïve."
Then she allowed silence between us. And yet we are never silent, even as this gem's beauty will never fade.