“You don’t have to.No one will make you.”
I stare up at him, not sure what to do.It feels like he’s offering me everything I want, but it feels too good to be true.
“So, what exactly are you saying?”I ask him finally, and he grins.
I hold my breath and wait for his response.
“I’m saying that I love you, Vera, and want to be with you.Forever.I knew that we were meant to be; I know that you’re it for me.It’s why I’ve been pushing for a second chance so hard.It’s why I offered you the deal.I need you, Vera.”
“How can you be so sure?”I ask, feeling tears starting to well in my eyes.
“Because you’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted to be with.You’re the only one that has ever interested me.My life before I came here to Wolf Valley was so boring and mundane.It had become monotonous.Until I met you.”
“It could just be lust,” I argue, and he laughs.
“It’s not.I’m sure of it.I started rearranging my whole life as soon as I met you.”
“Sure,” I say in disbelief, and he smiles wider.
“I have.You could ask my assistant, or I can prove it to you right here and now.”
“Prove it then.”
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out something small.I frown and then gasp when he drops to one knee in front of me.
“I bought this ring yesterday.I’ve already asked my assistant to find us a wedding planner.I’m sure of this, Vera.I’m sure of us.”
He opens the lid of the ring box, and tears spill over onto my cheeks.
“Fisher,” I start, and he smiles softly.
“I love you, Vera.You’re it for me, and I’m meant to be yours.Will you marry me?”
“Are you just trying to get your hands on this place?”I ask with a laugh through my tears.
“No.I already bought the land to the north of here.I bought it days ago.I stuck around in town for you.You’re the only deal that I need to close.My most important deal.”
“You make it sound so romantic,” I say sarcastically.
“You want flowery words?I can do that.”
“No, I don’t need that,” I tell him, and he shakes his head.
“You deserve them.You’re the most beautiful woman that I’ve ever seen.You make me smile and laugh, something that I’ve rarely done in my life.You bring me out of my shell and make me a better man.You make me want to write sonnets or paint you, but I know that I’d be crap at both of those things.I’d still try, though.I’d do anything for you.”
“Yes,” I whisper, and he blinks.
“Yes, what?”
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He slides the ring onto my finger in a rush, and then I’m in his arms.
“I love you, Vera.”
“I love you too, Fisher,” I tell him, grinning up at him.
“We have a lot to do,” he tells me, and I laugh.
