“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you…I could walk through my garden forever.” — Alfred Tennyson, “Queen Mary”

  Antonio

  The next couple of months were the most happy I could remember being in a while the days were full of being with Jane, we also spent time with our family and friends for the holidays. I even had days I spent with Aiden while Jane and Mimi hung out which worked out nicely I didn’t want her to think we had to be together all the time and I needed guy time as well, and Jane was a little more busy than usual getting ready for the recital in a few weeks, so there more rehearsals and later days but it would all be worth I knew the show would be spectacular.

  “ When are you going to ask her?” Aiden asked lining his dart up before he threw it straight at the bulls-eye I pulled the small velvet black box from my pocket and opened it inside was the engagement ring I had made for Jane, it was a pink diamond in the shape of a heart outlined by smaller clear diamonds it was set in a titanium band that intertwined like vines .

  “Tonight when she gets back from rehearsal” I would have Maxwell pick her up and bring her here while I set up I wanted the moment to be intimate and special. Things had been good between them they were looking at places together and wanted to move after the new year.

  “Let me go ahead and say congratulations my friend” Aiden came over and gave him a hug before ruffling his hair and going over to the pool table.

  “she hasn’t said yes” I grumbled I won’t lie I was nervous as hell if I could still sweat I would be drenched.

  “stop worrying she’s going to say yes, let’s play a round before I leave” Aiden said twirling his stick like a ninja making me laugh.

  “Sure one ass whooping for the road coming right up” I grabbed my stick and lined it up.

  “If I had to choose between breathing or loving you, I would say ‘I love you’ with my last breath.” —Shannon Dermott

  Jane

  I was on my way out the door when I was stopped by our receptionist Linda.

  “Jane Hun these flowers are for you” she gestured to the blood red roses on the desk inwardly I cringed these were the third ones this week and honestly I wasn’t a big fan of roses give me orchids or sunflowers any day of the week. I had no idea who was sending them Linda said they always popped up when she wasn’t at the desk and only knew they were for me because of the card that came with them I didn’t bother reading it this time.

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  “You can have them happy early Christmas” I said lamely with a shrug as I headed for the door.

  “Thank you Jane good night!” she called it waved and continued to the door and outside where I saw Maxwell waiting for me Elena was also in the car she smiled and waved from the front seat when she saw me she started to get out to move to the back seat I waved her away.

  “stay in the front its fine I promise” I assured her getting in the back.

  “I hope this is okay” Maxwell said as he started the car I could feel his worry around me like a cloud of smoke.

  “It’s okay I know you were off today I’m sorry to interrupt your evening” I pulled my phone out and texted Antonio letting him I was on my way.

  “hey Elena how are you?” I asked her she turned around in her seat to smile but she looked tired I hope the order I put in wasn’t the reason.

  “I’m good, ready to crawl back in bed it’s suppose to be a heavy snow fall tonight” I looked out the window as we drive it had been snowing almost all day it had stopped an hour ago and now it was started to pick back up we already got three inches a few days ago I was glad tomorrow was Saturday and I could stay in for the weekend the thought of hot chocolate and being cuddled up with Antonio sounded perfect.

  “Same here, hot chocolate and warm fuzzy socks are a must” I said with a serious face before laughing, Elena laughed as well.

  “It’s practically law” Elena said in her most serious voice as well. We both broke out in a fit of giggles Maxwell smiled indulgently at Elena I smiled at the love and warmth I felt radiating from him and her as well for him it was pure sweetness, they were adorable together. We chatted some more on the drive about the clothes for the recital and having a girls day and her and her sister joining me and Mimi next time I was definitely looking forward to that.

  We pulled up to the building getting out I waved goodbye and heading in and upstairs, unlocking the door I opened it and froze my mind went blank as I looked at the scene before me there we white candles in various places creating a warm and inviting atmosphere without being overwhelming tulips were covering almost every surface and soft jazz music played in the back ground she sang of love and passion as the man I was passionately in love came over and closed the door before pulling me into the center of the room he kissed me slowly, passionately and so tenderly it brought tears to my eyes then he slowly lowered himself to one knee my heart tripped over itself before speeding up.

  “Jane I love you, I am in love with you and will always be will you do the honor of marrying me” he asked pulling a box from his pocket and opening it my hand went to my mouth as I saw the ring it was absolutely stunning in its beauty and it was perfect it was al perfect I felt like I was going to cry and throw up I didn’t deserve this how could I when I still hadn’t been completely honest and now I had to there was no other choice or option I had to tell him I looked into his eyes memorizing the way he was looking at me once I told him he wouldn’t look at me the same.