Chapter 6 - A Wedding Without a Bargain
Gabriel courted her for eight months.
Properly.
Sometimes badly.
He sent roses until she told him she preferred coffee.
After that, coffee arrived.
He took her to restaurants.
She made him eat tacos from a street truck.
He taught her chess.
She beat him twice and mentioned it constantly.
Then one November evening, almost exactly a year after the escape, Gabriel drove her back to the estate.
Rose looked up at the third-floor window.
“You’re kidding.”
“No.”
They entered the old bridal suite.
The room was empty except for a small velvet box on the vanity.
Rose folded her arms.
“Gabriel.”
“Open it.”
Inside was no giant diamond.
Just a simple ring.
Rose turned.
Gabriel remained standing.
“No dramatic kneeling?”
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Because first I need an answer to another question.”
“What?”
“If I never ask you to marry me, would you still choose this life with me?”
Rose stared at him.
“Yes.”
Gabriel’s composure finally broke.
Just slightly.
He lowered himself to one knee.
“Then, Rose Vain…”
She started laughing.
“I’m trying to do this properly.”
“Sorry.”
“Will you marry me?”
Rose looked toward the open window.
Then back at him.
“One condition.”
“Name it.”
“The window stays unlocked.”
Gabriel laughed.
“Forever.”
Rose held out her hand.
“Yes.”
---
Their second wedding had thirty guests.
No business associates.
No debt.
No contract.
Rose wore a simple ivory dress she had chosen herself.
Before walking downstairs, she stood beside the same window.
Her mother’s photograph rested on the vanity.
Gabriel appeared in the doorway.
“Thinking about running?”
Rose looked over her shoulder.
“Maybe.”
“I’ll have Cole move the cameras.”
She smiled.
“Very thoughtful.”
Gabriel extended his hand.
Rose took it.
May you like
This time, they walked downstairs together.
---
