Chapter 10 - The Secret Under the Table
Marcus slid down off the sofa, resting on one knee on the hardwood floor in front of me.
The penthouse was dead silent save for the soft crackle of the fireplace and the gentle hum of the city outside. The Christmas tree lights cast a warm, magical glow across his face.
"Marcus..." I whispered, my hands flying to my mouth, tears instantly welling up in my eyes.
"Rosa," Marcus said, his voice deep, trembling slightly with emotion he rarely showed to the rest of the world. "Three months ago, you walked into my life carrying a silver pitcher and a mountain of quiet courage. You showed me what true loyalty looks like. You showed me what it means to protect the people you love, no matter the cost."
He opened the velvet box.
Inside sat an exquisite, simple platinum band set with an oval-cut diamond that caught the warm light of the fire, glowing like a tiny star. It wasn't loud or ostentatious like the ring he had bought for Diana. It was elegant, timeless, and pure.
"I don't want a merger," Marcus said, a soft, nervous smile touching his lips. "I don't want a corporate alliance. I just want a family. I want to spend every morning waking up next to you, and every evening reading stories to our little girl. Rosa Santos... will you marry me?"
The tears finally spilled over my cheeks, hot and happy.
"Yes," I choked out through my laughter and tears. "Yes, of course, yes!"
Marcus slid the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly.
Before he could stand up, I threw my arms around his neck, pulling him down onto the floor with me. We laughed, holding each other tightly, kissing beneath the golden lights of the Christmas tree.
"Mommy? Marcus?"
A soft voice called out from the hallway.
We both looked up. Lily was standing in her long nightgown, clutching Mr. Ears, dragging her pink socks across the floor. She had snuck out of bed again.
"Lily, sweetie," I smiled, wiping my tears as Marcus pulled me up into his arms. "What are you doing up?"
Lily walked slowly over to us, looking at Marcus kneeling on the floor, then looking at my glowing ring.
"Are you playing under the table again?" Lily asked innocently, her dark eyes wide.
Marcus let out a loud, joyous laugh that echoed off the grand walls of the penthouse. He reached out, lifting Lily up with one arm and pulling me into his other arm, holding us both close against his heart.
"No, Miss Lily," Marcus said, kissing her soft cheek, then kissing my lips. "We’re not hiding under the table anymore."
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He looked at me, his eyes full of love, peace, and a future that no one could ever take away from us again.
"We’re finally home."
