This one also had an outtake. It's hard to choose only one word to go with for some of these.
jae
Gamble
The move he intends to make becomes alarmingly real when it comes down to the final days.
He doesn't think she suspects; and he quite likes it that way.
He's always enjoyed being able to surprise her.
And while he's never been more committed to a decision, except maybe when it finally came down to at last, giving in to her, he's a body full of nerves the day Hanukkah arrives and the countdown begins.
The ring box feels heavy in his jacket pocket as he watches her move gracefully around their apartment; her dress flowing around her knees while she dances across the room, turning off lights and gathering up her things. Soon the only light coming from the room is the glow of the fully lit menorah, and the eight flickering flames remind him of the final gift he intends to give her tonight; if only she chooses to accept.
He smiles and nods as she continues to relay their reservation times, what the traffic might be like, and what route to take to avoid it. She strides forward to slide into the coat he holds out waiting for her, and she works on the buttons with nimble fingers as he carefully untangles her hair from its collar.
She says something he doesn't quite register, leaning in softly to kiss his cheek, and leads him toward the front door while adjusting her handbag over her shoulder.
As they walk down the hall, his hand absently reaches for hers; curling around her fingers, and it causes her to pause, only momentarily, in the conversation she is having more with herself than him. He simply smiles at her puzzled look, for holding hands isn't a gesture they do often, but his self-control slips for the moment in anticipation of what he will soon do. Her confusion fades away as her eyes regard him, and they warm at something she sees flicker on his face. His grip tightens over hers, and she gives him the smallest of smiles in return before beginning her train of thought again. He slowly traces his thumb over each of her delicate fingers as she speaks, and he feels his skin warm where the ring box rests against his chest.
Tonight, he'll make a gamble, one he hopes will set him up for life.
And if it goes accordingly, he will get a ring on the very hand that's intertwined with his.