Rose 2.69: Intertwine

Shauna

     Sometimes, I stand in the kitchen and gaze at the paintings of Donovan, especially the one his mother did sometime during his college years. It still makes my heart quicken.

      That was before all the pain, before the loss, before the heavy responsibility.

      When I gave him up. Again, I wonder how life might've been different had I not finally pushed him away. Oh, Donovan.

     When he gets home from work, he takes me on a picnic just like he said he would. This makes me so happy. It's just us, and I love it. Not that I don't love his family, but it's nice to get away for a little while.

      He really is wonderful. I love him so much.

     "You're quiet," he points out. Then, a shy smile shows up. It's like he thinks he forgot how to have a simple picnic. Not relying on his 'monster' has shaken him. It's understandable. Now, everything is on the surface.

      "Yeah. I guess I am. I'm just thinking."

      He's wearing the damn sunglasses. I don't suppose I blame him.

      "Tell me your thoughts." He has a way of speaking that's unlike anyone else I've ever known.

      I smile. "I'm just thinking about how happy I am right now."

     "Right now?" He sounds worried.

     "Yes. This is wonderful." I wonder at his worry, so I add, "Not that your family isn't great. They are, but we do need time for just us every once in a while." He still looks worried. "Right?"

     "Yes," he finally agrees.

     He turns to look at me.

     "What is it?" I'm getting worried now. He has that look like he's thinking about his more-recent past and hating himself again.

     Instead of saying exactly what's on his mind, he simply says, "I love you."

     Phew. I smile. "Then I'm the happiest woman on the planet."

     "What if... What if I could try to make you happier?" Is he shaking?

     My smile grows. "Donovan, I'm the happiest I've ever been."

     He puts his plate down, stands up, and offers me his hand. "Come here."

      "What is it?"

      "This is something I should have done...years ago." His eyes look up at me above the rim of the sunglasses. "And you don't have to."

     "What?"

     Oh my maker.

      "D-Donovan?" I can hardly breathe. Is this really happening?!

      "Can you ever forgive me for letting you get away all those years ago?" His voice sounds just like it did when we were still in college. There is not a trace of bitterness left from his difficult life.

      I shake my head. "You don't have to apologize for that. Can you forgive me for pushing you away like I did?"

      "There is nothing to forgive. I love you, Shauna. I always have, even back to when Clark and I were roommates. Do you remember those nights?"

     I nod my head yes, trying not to cry and failing. "Yes." I swear my heart is about to explode.

      "Keep that answer in mind," he says and reaches into his pocket.

      Yes. This is happening. I start feeling dizzy.

      "Will you intertwine your life with mine and marry me, Shauna?" He looks so wonderful right now. He's the old and new Donovan mixed into one, and I've never loved him more than this moment.

      My answer gets lost somewhere in my throat. Unable to speak, I nod my head yes repeatedly.

      A strange 'hah-ing' noise escapes me when Donovan reaches for my hand, pushing a beautiful diamond on my finger.  I don't know if I'm laughing or cracking up. One thing I do know, my knees aren't going to last much longer.

     Donovan's knees crack when he stands up, pulling me into his arms in the process. I collapse into him.

      He takes a half-step back to steady himself, and he chuckles before holding me so tightly that it makes no difference whether my legs work or not. My arms do, and I hold onto him almost as tightly.

     "I love you," he tells me quietly into my ear.

      "Yes," I finally manage to say.

      He laughs outright, sounding on top of the world. "Oh, Shauna. My wonderful fiancee."

      He kisses me. It's all so perfect! A new and very welcome part of my life is starting, and I'm spending it with the man of my dreams. I kiss the old part of my life goodbye and happily meet the new.

     He pulls back and looks down at me, running his fingers through my hair. "Now, let us go somewhere more private where I can make your knees go weak in another way." He grins devilishly at me, and I tightly hold onto his arms.

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