"I'm good," I said giving him a peck on the cheek. He smiled and we went and grabbed some lunch.
Jake's POV
3 years later
I put my hand in my pocket under the table for the millionth time. It was there, like it was always.
Maria caught my nervous state. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine." I croaked, although I was far from it.
She cocked an eyebrow, but didn't question further. I excused myself to go to the restroom. Once in the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face. Why was asking this single question so hard?
This, I knew the answer to. Because I was afraid to be turned down.
I looked at myself in the mirror. Maria claimed these past few years had been treating me well in the appearance department. I had to kind of agree with her. I looked like I did in high school, but my boyish charm had disappeared. My body was more evenly toned and facial features were more manly. I smiled at the mirror, I suppose I did look alright.
I took a deep breath and walked back to our table in the restaurant. Maria gave me a reassuring smile. She looked stunning tonight, she put all the other women in the restaurant to shame. No one could compare to her in her maroon dress. Her hazelnut locks were stacked high on her head, curled, making me want to run my hands through the softness.
A waiter came by and delivered our spaghetti to us. Trying to calm myself down, I took a sip of my root beer.
Maria noticed my drink. "Root beer has so many memories." She smiled.
And it did. Hanging out at my house, and the date at Olive Garden where Laura had ordered my favorite drink for me.
I took in the scenery around us. It was around 8 o'clock, the sky darkening as we ate. The waiters were all dressed nicely, all of them with spotless service. The food was excellent, which was to be expected in this fancy five star restaurant.
It was beautiful, and perfect. Like Maria.
I cleared my throat. I had to ask now, before I chickened out and lost my nerve. I could do this, couldn't I?
Maria's POV
Jake cleared his throat and looked uncomfortable. I wanted to know what was causing him to act so apprehensive. I wanted to calm him down, and reassure him. But I didn't know the source of his discomfort.
He gave me a nervous smile and cleared his throat again, demanding attention. I locked eyes with him, all my attention devoted. He looked fantastic tonight in his dress slacks and button down shirt. His ocean blue eyes looked somewhat troubled, and I wanted to remove this look nervousness.
"Maria," He started. "We've been dating exclusively for three years now."
And yes, we had dated for that long. Nothing had interrupted our dating during those years. Absolutely nothing. People thought we were the perfect couple for the rest of high school. Which, I thought we were. If you saw how he acted around me, you never would've thought he used to be a player. He was so gentlemanly and thoughtful, I just loved him to bits.
"And I want to take this relationship a step further. Maria, I love you. I love you more than you'll ever know. I love everything about you. And so," He twitched nervously, "Will you marry me?"
He got down on one knee, earning looks from the people around us. He pulled out a small velvet box, a ring inside. And my voice caught in my throat. Tears welled up in my eyes, this moment was beautiful! I beamed down at him.
"Yes!"
And he carefully pulled out ring with a large diamond in the center and placed it on my ring finger. Its facets caught the lights and glittered wonderfully.
He pulled me into an embrace, my head in his shoulder. He smelled and felt right. As if we belonged to hold each other forever.
"I love you, Maria." He murmured into my hair.
"I love you, Jake."
Chapter 19: Epilogue
Epilogue
Maria's POV
2 years later
Two years. It had been two years since he asked me to marry him. And today was June the third. Otherwise known as the day we had gotten married two years ago.
What do I get the most perfect man in the world for our anniversary?
A watch?
A wallet?
A car?
I'm just shooting from the hip here, I had no idea what to get Jake.
So, you could say I was a little flustered that Saturday.
"Good morning, beautiful," He murmured beside me that day.
"Morning, happy anniversary," I smiled.
He tightened his grip around me, and I wanted nothing more than to stay in his hold forever.
"Hey," He said softly, "Today we're going to that fancy Italian restaurant, downtown, okay?"
I giggled like a little girl. "Okay." I gave him a smile and he pecked me on the lips.
I showered and dressed, then headed into town to look for a gift. I know it was terrible doing it the day of the anniversary, but I had thought about the right gift, and I was still clueless. So I drove to the mall, claiming I was grocery shopping.
I wandered through the shopping mall, searching high and low for his gift. And nothing really seemed perfect for him, nothing at all. However, a small booth selling watches caught my eye. I knew Jake was crazy over the time pieces, so I decided I would browse their selection.
The man behind the counter asked if I needed any assistance.
"Actually, yes. Can I see that watch there?" I pointed on the glass case. He carefully extracted the watch and handed it to me. The sleek silver watch was screaming Jake. I looked at the brand inscribed on its side. Rolex.
It was pricey, doubt, but Jake was worth it. And money wasn't really an obstacle, considering I was a doctor and he was a video game designer. I bought his gift, feeling better.
Little did Jake know that not only was his watch part of his present, but something else. I hoped he would accept the latter with open arms, I was afraid to tell him the news. But I knew I had to, otherwise he'd just figure it out on his own. So I resulted in telling him at our anniversary dinner.
Jake's POV
A dinner with Maria. I honestly couldn't wait. To see her in stunning attire, her eyes lighting up the place. It would be fantastic.
My only obstacle of the day was the correct gift for her.
What do you get the most perfect woman for your anniversary?
If you could tell me the answer, my life would be saved.
I had ended up getting her a glittering tennis bracelet that had caught my eye. It had ribbons of gold and silver intertwined as the band, tiny diamonds lining its insides. It was breath-taking and Maria definitely deserved it for being such a wonderful wife.
Maria stepped out of the bathroom, in a strapless silver dress. Its hem came at her knees, and it defined her curves even more. I took her hand and twirled her around, no one could look as good as she did in that dress.
"Maria, you're gorgeous." I gave her a smile.
She blushed. "Thank you,"
Then it was her turn to assess my appearance. I had gone semi formal with some dress slacks and a white button down shirt.
"You look very handsome, Mr. Miller," She drawled.
"Why thank you, Mrs. Miller," I linked arms with her, "Shall we?"
She giggled. "We shall,"
I had gone all out for this anniversary. I had rented us a Hummer limo, its length surprising me when we stepped inside. She gaped in awe at its expansive interior.
"Jake, you didn't-"
I stopped her. "But I wanted to." I put my hand on hers, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She gave me a grateful smile, and I felt satisfied with her happiness.
The driver took us to the restaurant and we walked inside together, our hands intertwined.
Maria's POV
We got seated and I gave him a flash of white as I realized it was the same restaurant where he had asked me to marry him two years ago.
He caught my reaction and nodded. "I thought you'd remember."
At this, I opened my purse and pulled out a small wrap
ped box. I placed it on the table. "Happy anniversary, Jake."
His face lit up, I knew he was a little child when it came to receiving gifts.
His jaw widened at his sight of the Rolex watch. "Maria, this, it's amazing!" He hastily opened the package and put the watch on. And it sure did complete his outfit. He looked like a true man with it on.
"Thank you." He breathed, reaching across the table and giving me a peck on the cheek.
"And now for mine," He told me, reaching into his pocket.
"Wait," I interrupted. "I have something else for you."
My heart thudded in my chest as I got apprehensive. I was still unsure of how he would take this. I hoped for the best, since it was unexpected.
His azure eyes watched me expectantly.
Nice choice of wording, I thought to myself irritably.
I took a deep breath, "Jake, I...I mean-we, we're having a baby."
I watched as his grin grew wider and he gently grabbed my hand. "This is great, Maria!" His eyes settled on my abdomen.
I breathed a sigh of relief as I knew I had made the right choice for my husband.
"I know," I smiled at him kindly.
"Why didn't you tell me before? How far along are we?" He asked excitedly.
I laughed at his giddiness. "I just wanted it to be a surprise for today. And we're one month along." I placed a hand gingerly on my belly.
"Oh, this is so exciting!" He was practically bouncing in his seat. He pulled a small rectangular box from his pocket.
"And this, is for you." He held it out to me. I grabbed it from him and opened the lid. Inside, was the most beautiful piece of jewelry I had ever laid eyes on. The gold, silver, and diamonds all combined to create a stunning bracelet.
"Jake," I murmured. "It's gorgeous," He came over to my side, to help me fasten it on my wrist.
"It suits my wonderful wife," He whispered in my ear, "And my soon-to-be mother." He kissed me on the cheek, sending my cheeks to turn scarlet. I beamed at his comment and couldn't believe I had been so lucky in life to have a man such as Jake Miller.
THE END
The unspoken Rule Page 8