Authors note: Short, emotional chapter.

I pace a little in my office. I hadn't seen Samuel in a few days, and I was getting nervous, overly so. He wants to meet me in the city at some cafe. I don't refuse. It was strange, he never wanted to meet in a public place. It was always at my manor or his. Our relationship was getting to the point where nightly phone calls, and dinner dates were a common occurrence. I was also getting to know his daughter as well, a bright young mind. Loud, but very smart, and kind, and sweet. My fondness for her had grown, I started to buy her gifts, and read her bedtime stories, tucking her in when I stayed over late at Samuel's. Everytime I came over she would run into my arms and smile up at me. I just couldn't push her away. Six months, this had been going on for 6 months.

"Sir Integra." I hear Walter's voice, I turn to his voice.

"Yes Walter?" I ask.

"Samuel called again. He wants to let you know he's ready when you are." He tells me. I raise an eyebrow, I wonder why Samuel couldn't just tell me that himself. But I don't think about that too much.

"I'll be ready in a little bit." I tell Walter. He nods.

"Shall I call him back?"

"Sure." I murmur. He furrows his brow. "What?" I say.

"Nothing Sir." He says, leaving the room. I sigh. I wonder what Samuel was planning to do. Hm.

I don't bother getting ready by any means, I'll just go in my double breasted suit. Wait no, I'll put a skirt on. So I do. It's black like my suit Jacket. I stare at myself in the mirror, I put on some musk, and I let Walter know I am ready. We go to the car and he drives me into the city, dropping my off at the Cafe. He told me he would be close by, I nod, and he drives off.

Samuel wasn't there yet. I order a tea, and take a seat at a table outside. The air was cool, autumn was approaching. The leaves on the trees still green, the air was slowly cooling down. The wind blew through my hair and scalp, giving my light chills. I watch a bunch teen girls walk down the street, they are very lower, they wore red lipstick and their hair is flat ironed. They are talking about some party they were at last night, and their voices soften when they realize I am listening. I look away, down at my tea up. I sigh. I pounce my knee up and down, the table is shaking. I hear light footsteps coming near me. I don't look up from my tea cup. It stops behind me. I feel two large hands on my shoulders.

"Hello Integra." Samuel greets me. I perk up.

"Hello Samuel." I greet back, my voice quiet. I feel him move, and take a seat in front of me. He's dressed more casually than I was. He wore a white button up, the sleeves rolled up to elbows. He wore brown rimmed circular spectacles, and black suspenders. He looks so normal. I smile empty at him.

"I apologize I haven't been as available these last few days. I have been very busy." He takes my hand, locking our fingers together. My smile grows warmer.

"That's quite all right Samuel. I have been busy myself." I lie. He squeezes my hand.

"You look very beautiful today." He compliments. I blush, I hadn't much enough into my appearance. He takes off his glasses, he scoots over to me, he leans in, and kisses my lips. I don't want the kiss to end but it does.

"So, why did you want to meet here?" I ask.

"I am not sure. It's a nice day, and we are usually indoors most of the time." He explains to me. I nod. It's true, most of our meet ups were at his place or mine. "Plus," he says, looking away. I perk up, plus what?

"I'm going on a business trip, to Japan." he says. "I have new clients I must meet with."

I nod, sadden. I didn't want him to go. I almost whine. I press my lips into a hard line. Looking to the side. He leans in closer, "Integra, I'll be back in two weeks." He explains. "Don't be so upset." He tries to comfort me by rubbing my shoulder.

"It's alright dear. I'll miss you." I say.

"I'll miss you too." He looks into my eyes, a crease between his brows. His brows are thick and long. There was something else he wants to tell me. I can tell. His eyes shift back and forth, and his knee is bouncing.

A waiter walks by our table. He calls for them.
"Can I get a black coffee?" He asks. The waiter nods, and leaves. He sighs, and looks at me again.

"Integra. There is something that I want to ask you." His states.

"Yes?" I say, in an alluring tone. He smirks at this. I smirk back.

"Well, I don't know how to put into words." I could feel his palm sweating in mine. What was it? Now I am a bit worried.

"I want your hand." he says slowly.

I chuckle. "You already have it." I say.

"No, no." he shakes his head, his tone serious. "I want," he pauses, I'm on the edge of my seat now. "Your hand." He pauses again, "in marriage." He finally says.

My mouth his dry, my eyes wide. My heart beats hard in my chest, and palms sweats. He wants what? To marry me?

"You," I begin to say, "want to marry me?" I say, my voice cracking.

"Naturally." he nods at me.

"Can this wait?" I say. He leans up immediately. He let's go off my hand. His face losing all his hope. I realize now I could have chosen to word it better.

"I knew I should have waited." he shakes his head. Running his fingers through his hair. "What was I thinking?" He says to himself.

"It's not a no." I say, "I'm sorry, I should have worded it better. I'm just.." I trail off, looking away. "I am not sure. I'm not ready, but it doesn't mean I don't want it." I explain. He perks up, hope in his eyes. "I am in love you." I say to him. "I am in love you, and I want to wait."

He takes my hand again, kissing it.

"I am so in love you, it hurts me." He tells me. "I'll wait for your yes as long as it takes." He smiles, his lips still touching my knuckles. My fingers tingle.
"If you truly love me, It won't take long." I say.

"I love you."

"I love you too."