The story is ours. The characters do not belong to us. We do not make money. It was an incredible and fun experience writing this story.
THE PROPOSAL
I gotta tell you, I love you. I mean, I, I have always loved you. Really, truly. – David Addison
David sat in the car looking at the upscale jewelry store. He glanced at his reflection in the rear-view mirror, taking deep breaths to calm himself. His foot was tapping against the floorboard.
"You can do this, David," he said out loud to himself.
He tapped his hands on the steering wheel, mentally preparing himself to leave the car. Finally he opened the door and got out. He felt his back pocket to make sure he had his wallet. Just to reassure himself, he pulled the wallet out and made sure his cards were in it. He nodded. It was time.
A few seconds later, he was inside the store. Spotless well-lighted glass showcases exhibited hundreds of pieces of exquisite jewelry. His mouth went dry, and his palms started sweating. He stood frozen, catching the attention of a saleslady.
"Can I help you?" The saleslady smiled. She knew the look of a man about to propose.
He started to speak but his voice cracked on the first attempt. The second time he cleared his throat before speaking to her.
"I'm looking for a ring for my girlfriend," he said with a firm nod. Suddenly no more words would come out and he looked around the room aimlessly again.
The saleswoman smiled. "An engagement ring, sir?"
He looked around as if what she said was foreign.
"Um – yes, an engagement ring."
She nodded, leading him over to a display case with solitaire diamond rings.
"I have to get something really special. She's used to the best of everything." He looked at the saleswoman pleading for her understanding.
"Don't worry, sir. I can tell she's getting a good guy in you."
He laughed nervously. "Well, I hope she thinks so. I think she does." Again he looked at the woman as if asking for her understanding. She was still smiling.
"Over here we have wedding sets. Many people like to get a set. That way everything matches and you can take care of it all at once." As she pulled out a square of rings, she explained to him that platinum was the best precious metal for the setting.
"Do you know her size?"
"What?"
"Her ring size. Do you know her size?"
"Oh! Yes!" From his pocket he pulled out a ring. "I took this from her jewelry box. She won't notice. Yes, this is a surprise. I hope she likes it. She doesn't like surprises." He couldn't believe how much he was sweating. "I'm sorry, I feel like I'm babbling."
"Don't worry about that, sir. It's pretty normal in here. And I'm sure this surprise will be different."
"I hope so," he muttered.
The lady took the ring and gave a low whistle. It was a ruby and emerald cocktail ring. As she measured it she said, "I can see that she is used to the best. This is an exquisite ring." She handed it back to him. "And may I take your size, sir?"
"Er, yeah, sure." He extended his left hand and she deftly sized his ring finger. "Very good."
He gave her his budget as a drop of sweat dripped down onto his brow. "How big of a diamond can I get?" He nervously tapped his fingertips on the countertop.
"Quality is more important than size, sir. Your lady will know that." Selecting rings from the display, she presented him with a princess cut 1 carat diamond engagement ring set in platinum, with two matching wedding bands.
He exhaled a breath he didn't realize he was holding in.
"They're perfect!"
The saleswoman's smile broadened. "Would you step over here, sir? And we can complete your purchase."
David was relaxed back on Maddie's couch looking through one of her modeling portfolios. He heard the keys rattle in the lock, and she entered the breezeway. She stopped when she noticed a set of packed bags on the floor near the door. Her eyes went to the living room, where he sat sprawled out looking at pictures of her.
"David?" She was curious and confused at the same time.
"Surprise!" He stood up placing the book on the glass table, a reminder of their first time together.
"Surprise?" She was frowning slightly.
"Don't worry, you'll like this one. We are going to Temecula Valley to the Ponte Vineyard Inn. I reserved a room for a weekend getaway. I knew if we discussed it, you would turn the idea down. Our bags are ready to go."
"Er, I don't know. This weekend I was going to –"
Grabbing her hand, he pulled her into his body. Their eyes locked momentarily.
"We need a weekend. Believe me, you're going to come back so revitalized, Agnes won't even recognize you."
She sighed. It was getting harder and harder for her to resist him, which was one of the things that scared her. Promising herself she'd be totally disciplined next week, she leaned in for the kiss. "Okay, if you say so, David."
"Let's get out of here." He picked up the bags and carried them out to the car.
About 90 minutes later the BMW pulled into the driveway of the palatial main building of the winery. They drove down a side lane to a quaint small cottage house with wisteria crawling on a gazebo with benches. Colorful flowers and topiary bushes decorated the grounds with a small Koi fish stream running through the property. David got out and opened her door, taking her hand as she stepped out. She stood gazing at the vast span of grapevines nodding over the sandy soil. They filled the valley as far as you could see.
"Oh, David." She glowed with happiness, which made his heart rate increase.
"This is my do-over for the train wreck of a date that night at the opera." He winked with a dashing smile.
He opened the door to the room allowing her to step inside first. The queen sized bed had an intricate wood carved headboard. White linens with lacy touches adorned the bed. Plush pillows of different textures decorated the top. A vase of fresh red roses on the bedside table. David walked over to a large picture window opening it to the view of the rolling vineyard ground. He couldn't keep his eyes off her. She was so beautiful when she showed excitement for something.
"Do I have time to freshen up before supper?" She was looking through the bag impressed by his packing skills. He really did know her better than anybody.
"Hey Blondie Blonde."
She looked up to see him holding up a garment bag. A smirk bloomed on his face as her mouth dropped open with surprise. He unzipped the bag to reveal the white and gold strapless gown she had worn on the "fine" date he had taken her on to the opera.
"Are you wearing a tux as well, David?"
He nodded, handing her the dress bag.
"Meet me in front of the cottage in an hour."
She took a deep breath admiring herself in the large mirror one last time. Happy with everything, she exited the house and stopped dead in her tracks. Twinkling lights surrounding the white gazebo, David stood next to a table for two with a gourmet meal and wine. Soft opera music floated in the air around them. She was speechless, pinching her wrist making sure this was real. Once they were seated, he cleared his throat picking up the wine choice.
"Have you ever had Romantic Wine?" He raised his brow slightly.
"No." She lightly shrugged her shoulders while laying the napkin in her lap.
"This is about two lovers sharing intimate moments over a glass of wine. A timeless emblem of romance and the heart lies in the essence of romantic wine. What makes it romantic is the luscious notes of ripe berries dancing on the palate, or perhaps the whispers of oak that linger in the air. It's the story behind the wine, the passion infused into its creation, and the emotions it evokes in those who partake."
He could see the amazement cross her face. Truthfully, he was shocked he pulled off remembering all those details. He always prided himself on being a quick study.
"You memorized that, didn't you?" she said with a sly smile.
"Of course. You don't think I just came up with all that, do you?" He was smirking but he went on, "As such, the ritual of sharing this bottle with you, my love, becomes not just an act of indulgence but a celebration of our romance."
"Well, I'm delighted. Thank you so much for doing all this."
"Don't thank me," he murmured. "Thank you for being you."
The waiter slid in quietly pouring them each a glass. They tapped glasses together lightly, both reveling in the bright notes of the wine. The tannins were warming, making a light blush bloom on Maddie's cheeks.
"David, I don't know what to say." She squeezed his hand laying on the table, her eyes twinkling in the fiery sunset.
"Don't say anything, just let me admire you like this forever."
She could feel tears well up in her eyes. It took several deep breaths to keep her from losing her composure.
"Let's enjoy the meal."
After dinner they strolled silently around the grounds stopping to watch the Koi fish swimming in the stream. A slight chill in the air made her shiver, so he took her in his arms to warm her. Stars were sprinkled randomly across the fading light of the sky. It was like a painting coming to life.
"Why don't we go back to the room. Have a little dessert."
He nuzzled her neck before taking her hand, leading her inside the cottage. She entered the room taken aback by the actual dessert, chocolate cake, lying on the bed. He couldn't help but laugh at her reaction when she looked back at him.
"What? I told you we were having dessert." He picked up the plate and fork slicing into the cake, taking a bite.
"Maddie, you have to try this, its sinful."
He held the fork to her mouth with a small bite. She closed her eyes with a sigh of pleasure. She nodded her head in agreement as she swallowed it. He offered another forkful, but she shook her head no.
"I'm going to take a swim in that beautiful claw tub. You finish off the dessert."
Some time later, she stepped back into the room. She wore a soft pink, satiny knee length off-the-shoulder nightgown. Her bath soaps fill the room with fragrance like a summers breeze. He was in bed, propped up by pillows, reading a crime novel. She stood next to the bed brushing her hair before slipping into the bed next to him. He put his book down pulling her against his body, she lay her head on his chest.
She looked up at him and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you. This night has been really magical."
His lips found hers, warm and soft, parting slightly allowing the kiss to deepen. She could feel the thud of their combined hearts as his hands lowered the lingerie off her shoulders exposing her breasts. Butterflies danced in her stomach as he gently let his fingertips glide over her naked skin. He eased her onto her back, gazing into her blue eyes. He tucked a curl of her blonde hair behind her ear. It was so quiet she could hear every breath he took. His finger trailed down her cheek to her lips, outlining the shape of her mouth. Shivers ran down her whole body, making her tremble with need. All that existed was David. She could feel his warmth as she ran her fingers along his arm. Soft skin over lean muscle, a scar like a thin wire on his shoulder. It was an imperfection that made him seem even more perfect. She felt alive as he parted her legs gently exploring her with his fingers. Her body reacted feverishly to his touch driving him to take her over the edge with him.
"I love you, David."
"I love you, Maddie."
He cuddling her up against his body, stroking her hair until she was asleep.
Sleep evaded him as he lay listening to her soft breathing. She would make small sounds, uttering his name in her dreams, and he was filled with awe.
Finally the soft light of dawn made silhouettes in the room. As gently as he could, he moved his body away from hers and sat up on the edge of the bed. He rubbed his hand over his stubbled face. He felt like he had boulders in his stomach. This was the biggest day of his life. What if she said no? what if she said yes? or what if something even worse happened, something he could not imagine.
He grabbed a pair of jeans and a button down shirt from his bag and went in the bathroom. He turned the faucet on and splashed cold water on his face to clear the grogginess. A hot shower and shave made him feel better. He threw on the jeans with the button down open. He opened the bathroom door just as she was sitting up in bed.
"Good morning, love."
She stretched and yawned, looking at him with a concerned face.
"I know you didn't sleep well last night. Is everything okay?"
He took a deep breath and looked around the room, wringing his hands in front of him. He could feel the ring box in his back pocket and it made him jittery. He tapped his foot nervously.
"David? You look a little green. You're not sick, are you?"
She started to get up.
"Don't. Stay where you are."
He crossed the room to her side of the bed. Beads of sweat broke out on his temples as he began to kneel on one knee in front of her. Her eyes grew wide as she watched him.
It took a couple of beats for her to register that David was down on one knee.
"Maddie." He took her hand in both of his. "I want to tell you something. Or ask you something." He cleared his throat.
"Yes?" Immediately time began to move in slow motion, the rest of the world retreated and nothing existed except the two of them in this room.
"From the time I first met you, I knew I loved you. You may not believe that, but it's true. They say when you know, you know." He gave a little laugh. "And I knew from that moment. But as time went by, I got more and more sure. The way I feel about you is stronger than anything I ever expected. Because you and I, we have a connection. You know it and I know it. We complete each other."
He looked into her eyes to gauge her reaction. She met his gaze intently and gave a little nod. Encouraged, he went on, his voice growing stronger.
"And since we started seeing each other – really seeing other, I mean - I've just felt it more. It's gotten stronger and stronger for me, and it feels right."
Glancing at her again, he went on.
"I know I'm not the richest man. But if you give me the chance, I'll prove to you that my love for you is real.
"Maddie, I don't want to just be your business partner. I want to be your partner in every way."
"Oh, David. . ."
He saw the tears were coming to her eyes. With a chuckle he said, "Let me finish. I thought up this whole speech, you know."
Nodding her head, she brushed tears from her eyes with her free hand.
"Now please listen because this part is important to me. Really important.
"I know I haven't always been as responsible as I should have. But you made me want to change. And I have changed. I've done everything I could to be there for you in the way you need me to. I know sometimes you've been afraid to trust me." He looked into her face with an effort of courage. "I just hope that you will believe that you can rely on me. To walk beside you for the rest of my life. I'm asking you to never stop loving me."
He reached in his pocket and brought out the elegant ring box. He flipped it open and placed it on his knee. "Maddie, I want to be your husband. Will you be my wife? Will you marry me?"
Maddie was now sobbing, the tears spilling from her eyes. "Oh, David. . . "
Seeing her tears, the tears came to his eyes too, but he was still smiling. "I hope that's good. I've heard that when girls cry in a proposal, it's usually good."
He took the ring out of the box and placed it on her left ring finger. "Please say yes and put me out of my misery," he said, his voice a little thick with tension.
She put her hand on his cheek. Her own voice was choked up. "I would be honored. Yes. Yes, I want to be your wife."
E