Chapter 2:
(Tony POV)
Tony ached all over like he never had before. His ribs were still in bad shape, and though his face was healing, he still felt those punches where they landed vividly. Despite every ache and pain though, he had never felt this much happiness in his life. The love of his life loved him back, enough to leave her life and everyone she knew to escape with him. She had chosen him.
She was sitting at the picnic table outside of a truck stop, while the bus stopped to refuel. Watching her look into the setting sun, she had never been more beautiful till that very moment. He took a deep breath and patted his pocket to make sure he was ready.
"I grabbed a couple of sandwiches and a coke. Hope that's okay?", Tony greeted her.
"Si, it's perfect." Her smile made his knees quiver; just like always.
He sat next to her and continued to make conservation and eat. He knew he only had a small window to create the perfect moment, but it just wasn't right, yet. His knee continued to bounce impatiently, fearful that the moment would never come. Out of nowhere, the sunlight shifted and bathed the two of them in golden light. The setting sun showed hope and wonderous light. Tony knew this was it.
"Maria…". She turned to him with a curious look.
"I love you… more than I ever thought I could. You always believe in me… even with all the bad things I've done… you always see me. You're the only one in the world I could imagine a future with… and I want that future now." He slowly got down on one knee. "I want all the dreams we talked about to become true, and I want them with you… every second of everyday, forever." He took the ring out of his pocket. "Will you marry me?"
It felt like an eternity… she sat there speechless, and Tony was considering accepting her no when suddenly he heard, "Si".
"Huh?"
She giggled at his response. "Si, yes, of course! I will marry you!"
Tony quickly put the ring on her finger and picked her up, swinging her in a circle. He thought his chest would burst from the joy erupting within him. When he finally set her on her feet, he wasted no time kissing her with every ounce of love he had in him. The kiss started out passionate and longing, but soon slowly morphed into a place of ease and calmness; the mark of finally feeling complete.
When they parted, Maria looked closely at the ring that was now her forever.
"It's so beautiful.", she remarked.
"It was the ring my father gave my ma". She looked up at him in awe, as well as a couple of tears fell from her eyes. He slipped the ring onto her finger, overwhelmed with joy at the knowledge that it remains there for the rest of their lives together.