Happiest and Richest in the World

They entered their home, exhausted from the events earlier that night. She snacked on her Little Debbies during the ride home, only now finishing off the last of her soda.

“Tonight’s been stressful, huh?” She had one arm wrapped around him, her head leaning on his shoulder.

“It had been…” He pulled her over to the couch to sit, their belongings finding a home on the coffee table. “Sit with me.”

“Something on your mind?” He fingered the cut on her lip and his forlorn expression begun to worry her. “Baby, what’s wrong? Don’t be upset over this.”

She grabbed his hand and kissed his knuckles.

“I am upset over that.” His nostrils flared as he exhaled, but it lasted only for a moment. “I have something to ask of you.”

“Sure, anything.”

He gulped, turning in his seat to fully face her and pull her hands into his lap.

“I’ve wanted to do this since before the vials incident and afterward, I was sure of it.” He licked his lips, hands trembling around hers. “It was never a good time and now isn’t the best either…”

“What are you trying to say?” Perhaps her hands were the ones trembling.

“Will you make me the happiest and richest man in the world?”

She giggled at his choice of words, a bit confused.

“Richest?”

“Don’t you know? A man rich in money does him no good in the end, but a man rich in happiness is second to the man rich in love.” A grin spread across his face as she smiled.

“I’ve never heard that one before.”

He slid off the couch, releasing her hands, to get on one knee and pull out a black velvet box from his pocket.

“Never mind. Will you marry me?” He opened the box to reveal the custom made, rose gold bands lined with diamonds in each unique pattern.

“You’ve been so silly and sweet and charming tonight.” She slid the ring on her left hand and kissed him. “Of course, I’d marry you. You’re my world.”

The relief on his face couldn’t be missed.

“You doubted my answer?” Her thumb traced his bottom lip.

“No… Yes. As I said, this wasn’t the best time…” He kissed each knuckle on her left hand, lingering on one in particular.

“I think,” she slid from her spot to straddle his lap and place her against his to finish her sentence by whispering in his ear, “that this is a perfect time.”

“Really?” He wrapped his arms around her waist, relaxing in her hold. His forehead rested on her shoulder.

“Gosh, where’s my confident boyfriend… or should I say, fiance?” She patted his head as she teased him.

“Husband works too.”

“We’re not there just yet, love.”

A moment of silence passed between them before he spoke, “I love you.”

His words weren’t soft, but not loud. They were firm and audible for any occupant in the room to hear. A declaration that didn’t waver.

“I love you too.”