“I’m glad you did.There were times I doubted myself.”
The server arrived with the champagne and a plate of bread, then poured two glasses for them.They took a few sips and ordered their food.As they nibbled on the bread, they chatted about what he’d be doing at work now and how much of a raise he could expect.
“I’m really excited.With this, on top of the extra they pay me for mentoring Tyler and Jake, I might even have a little surplus at the end of the month.”
“Extra.I’m not sure I know what that is.Do you have it earmarked for anything special?Some big boy toy or a trip?”
He couldn’t tell her yet that he’d used the mentoring money to buy something special to show her what she meant to him.Soon.
“I haven’t exactly decided yet.What would you do with it?”
Her lips pinched together as she thought.“Honestly, maybe this is a pipe dream, but I’d love to buy my own house someday.”
Thankfully, the server arrived with their meals.The topic was going too far in the direction of what he wanted to bring up later.
Her fish was tender and flaky, and his steak was juicy and thick.When they’d finished the meal, he lifted his glass of champagne and held it to hers.
He signed one-handed.“To the woman who has done so much for me and become such an integral part of my life.I never could have achieved this milestone if it wasn’t for you.”
She clinked glasses and took a sip.“I absolutely believe you could have done this on your own.Maybe it would have taken a bit longer, but I have faith in you, Evan.At the same time, I’m also glad you asked for help.Too many people go about life thinking there are things they’ll never achieve when all they have to do is ask for assistance.”
“Like when your car doesn’t start.”
She laughed.“Exactly.I am so appreciative of your knowledge of cars and engines.You’ve saved me tons of money.”
His muscles tensed as he thought about what he wanted to do now.Was it the right time?The server cleared their plates and asked if they wanted dessert.
“Can we share the cake?”he asked, pointing to a decadent piece of chocolate on the menu.It would buy him some more time.
“Two forks,” she said.“Got it.”
As she walked away, Evan took a deep breath and slipped the velvet box from his pocket and set it on his lap.“Mercedes.”He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.She’d mentioned this before so he didn’t know why he was so anxious.“I love you very much and want to make sure you know how much.”
Her lips curled up, and she seemed happy.“You’ve certainly said it enough.I love you, too.”
“You originally wanted me to move in with you so Tasha wouldn’t.I guess we both got a little more than we bargained for.I have to say, I’m thrilled with the way it turned out.”
“Me, too.Who’s to say it wouldn’t have happened otherwise, but it might have taken longer for us to communicate our feelings.The proximity helped push us along.I’m glad you’re my roommate.”
Now was the time.“I was wondering if you wanted to stay my roommate.I’ve also been thinking of getting a house.It would be easier with both of us.”
Her eyes lit up.“Buy a house together?Are you sure?That’s a big step.”
“I was hoping for an even bigger step.A whole bunch of steps.Like you-walking-down-the-aisle-toward-me steps.”He opened the ring box and held it up for her to see.
Her eyes teared up, and her lower lip trembled.
“Are you—”
“Yes, I’m asking you to marry me.Make this arrangement permanent.Will you?”
She nodded, and his relief was palpable.“Are you sure?I’m asking for a long-term commitment.”
“Is forever long enough?”she said.
“Forever sounds about right.”After sliding the ring on her finger, he palmed her face and sealed the deal with his lips on hers.
Mercedes was nervous though she didn’t know why.She and Evan had gotten engaged two days ago and planned to tell his family today at Sunday dinner.The Jamesons were a wonderful and loving family and had always been welcoming.She shouldn’t be anxious.
