Our own traditions

With Rebecca not responding to his proposal yet, Anthony had begun rambling. Adding one thing after another to the speech he had prepared for his proposal. Trying to explain, trying to reassure, trying to back up, before moving forward once more. After he had told her about the ring being a family heirloom, an engagement ring being passed down from mother to daughter-in-law, he quickly added, "If you accept of course!"

He hadn't said the first thing, or he felt the need to add some more. In a half-worried tone he said, "Or maybe it's the ring? If you don't like the ring, we can always get you another one. We don't have to use this ring. I just thought it would be nice since it was given to me and I kind of like tradition. I thought you might like it too. But we can start our own traditions. I was going to give you your own ring to begin with, since this one is supposed to be handed down eventually."

Rebecca nodded at Anthony's ramblings, while still staring at the ring, before she looked up when she heard him talk about building their own traditions. The more Anthony talked, the more she felt like she had no reason to reject him. It wasn't like she didn't know him, since they knew each other for two years already. She knew he got along with her little brother. In fact, they had even hung out one on one on some occasions. She was also attracted to him, so it wasn't a purely platonic interest she had in him. Even if she did accept his proposal, she would still have plenty of time to explore this romantic element that would be added to their relationship, since she planned on being engaged for at least a year. So, what could possibly be a reason for her to hold back, for her to say no. So, when she finally began to speak, after what must have felt like the longest break to Anthony, Rebecca said, "I love the ring. I love the idea of having our own traditions. And I think, I love you. So, if you still stand by your words, I am happy to accept the title of your fiancé."

Anthony was completely flabbergasted. He had only intended for the proposal to be a means to an end, since he didn't think that Rebecca would actually accept to become his wife-to-be before first building up that relationship in the form of dating and becoming boyfriend/girlfriend. But for her to actually say yes to his proposal, that was something he hadn't held possible in his wildest dreams. In fact, even in his dreams his proposal got rejected, but she would end up accepting to take it slow and see where things could lead. So, for reality to have beaten his imagination, that was something he had no pre-built reaction for. Causing his face to remain on baffled for longer than he had wanted to in a moment like this. When he did manage to take it all in, his large body began to rise up from the chair, while his face began to move and form a big, wide smile as he asked with uncontained excitement, "Are you serious?!? Will you really marry me??"

Rebecca chuckled as she tried to pull him back down by the hand she was still somewhat holding and said, "Yes, I will. So, sit down. We still have plenty to talk about because my acceptance comes with plenty of conditions." Anthony bent over the table and gave Rebecca a one-armed hug and squeezed her tight once, before he complied with her request to sit down. Once he was seated, Anthony said, "Anything you want. You name it and I'll take care of it.", as he grinned at her relentlessly. This response from him was of course no surprise to those who knew Anthony and especially those who knew of his feelings for Rebecca. They had always expected him to be a person who would give his all, and everything he has, to the woman he loves, since he did that for the other close relationships in his life as well. This had always been a cause for concern with them, since they were afraid he would end up with someone, who would take advantage of his kindness and good nature.

But fortunately, Rebecca was someone used to giving more than she gets herself, and Anthony had been less naïve than they had assumed. His intimidating demeaner had been a special gift from God as well, which added to him being less naïve and protected him from those who were trying to get close to him with the wrong intentions. Because as long as he could observe someone for a little while, he was easily able to determine if they were good people or not. Since people were usually afraid of approaching him right away, he always got that small amount of time he needed. As had been the case with Rebecca.

So, if a person like her spoke of 'conditions', he already knew they could be nothing bad and would be things he would happily accept. Especially if that meant he could end up calling her his wife!