Zoe looked around the almost deserted coffee shop before picking a table near the back. She was early; she figured she could try to enjoy a cup of coffee before he got here. She wasn't exactly sure why he was so desperate to meet with her. His persistent phone calls the past few days had come as a surprise. Out of a sense of guilt, she had finally answered the latest time he called. He wanted to see her. She had figured a public place was the best option. She had been pretty clear the last time they had spoken, but she supposed that maybe he had some questions that needed answers or that he needed some kind of closure. She decided that meeting him one time was really the least she could do.
Fifteen minutes later she spied him walking up to the coffee shop through the large windows in the front of the shop. She took a deep breath, dreading this interaction.
"Hey," she greeted with a nervous smile.
"Hi Zoe," he greeted warmly as he embraced her. Well, that was something she really wasn't expecting. "I know you probably weren't expecting to hear from me, but I really just need to talk to you and I'd appreciate if you just hear me out," he said hurriedly, as he dropped down into the chair across the small table from her.
"Ok…sure…." she replied, a slightly confused look on her face. She felt a headache beginning at the base of her skull.
"I just want you to know that I heard everything you said that night and I took it to heart and it just made me realize that you're pushing me away because you're scared." She shook her head slowly but before she could interrupt, he continued, "I know you Zoe and the thought of change freaks you out, the fact that we're growing closer and we're making a life together, scares you. It scares you to realize that this relationship is it for both of us – it's what people are searching for and don't find. And I get it, I understand why you're scared – I'm scared too! But I'm not going to let that get between us. You mean everything in the world to me and I know that there's no one else out there for me. I'm ready to make the ultimate commitment to you Zoe because I know we're supposed to be together." Zoe massaged her temples, her headache pounding in her head and making her vision blurry.
He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small black box. "Zoe, you are the most important person in this world to me and I've never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. I know that we're supposed to be together – you may have your doubts now, but let me have faith for both of us…that we're meant to be together. Trust my instincts," he opened the black box and Zoe looked down at a diamond ring. "Zoe Hart, would you do me the honor of being my wife?" He was met with silence that he chose to ignore as he continued to talk nervously. "We can stay longer in New York so you can start shopping and planning for the wedding…or, if you want, we can stay here indefinitely – the city where we met and fell in love…" Zoe was rendered speechless as she finally looked up at Joel's kind, hopeful eyes.
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