Unconventional Proposal

Unable to help herself, Caroline smiled self-consciously as she tucked an imaginary hair strand behind her ear as she waited for him to get to her. She hoped he wouldn't think she was overdressed or something.

"Hey, I hope I didn't keep you waiting." He said as he finally stopped in front of her.

"No. It's only been a minute. Good evening." She greeted.

"Good evening." He greeted back, his eyes taking in her much different look. She looked...

"You look beautiful." He said.

Caroline flushed a crimson red. "Thank you," she said, pleased that her effort had paid off.

"You look good too." He always did.

Cillian smiled, liking and finding cute the high colors on her face. It was one of her honest traits.

"Shall we?" He gestured towards the car and understanding what he meant, she nodded.

"Sure."

He led the way, holding the door open for her and Carol couldn't help but notice the attention his gesture had garnered from colleagues clocking in and out of work for the day. But she didn't mind.

Tonight, one of her fantasies was coming real and while it was unexpected, she was going to relish every moment of it.

"Thank you." She sent up a little smile to him. He responded with a smile of his own before rounding the car to the driver's side.

Sitting so close to him had her heart paragliding and thumping violently.

"How was your day?" He asked, and even while she shouldn't be surprised, she was. But she kept her composure.

"It was great." She answered. "How was yours? Heard you got a TTTS case today. How did it go?"

"Great. The mother and the babies are scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Hopefully they'll all be fine."

"Yeah, hopefully they'll be." She said a long with him, but Carol was more certain than hopeful, because if there was anyone capable of performing such a high risk surgery and saving both mother and babies it was him.

The rest of the short drive — which was quite disappointing — was quiet, save the classic album softly playing off the stereo.

Cillian was a man of few words, and one could easily mistake him for a snob and tag him imperious if it wasn't for the subtle warmth that lingers beneath his hazel eyes. The attention they pay, like they were doing now as they waited for the waiter to return with their orders.

Feeling bashful under his gaze, she darted her eyes around. "I haven't been here before even though it's just so close to the hospital and I've heard rumors of their food being quite good."

"Great seems more like a best fit, and the proximity was why I decided on it. I figured you'll be tired after your shift."

The thoughtfulness was a plus, Carol mused. "Thank you," she said, successfully managing it without a blush.

Cillian raised a brow. "For what?"

"For bringing me here. I think I'm going to like it."

He smiled, softly. "I think you can only say that after you've tried the food."

Well, Carol believed she already could. Not because he had brought her, but rather because of the intimate ambience that created an escape from the bustle of the city life. The soft soulful melody played off the piano and the breathtaking design inspired by nature and art were deliberately put together to make for an unforgettable evening — one she was looking forward to.

Right on time their orders were served. Delicious looking steak and kale Caesar salad and an amazing glass of red wine he had ordered for them with the assurance that she'd love it.

"So? What do you think about the food? Overhyped, average, or exceptional?" Cillian asked, watching as she took the second bite.

"Hm. It tastes wonderful. Outstanding," she said as she continued to eat, and Cillian watched her in amusement as she ate before directing his attention to his meal.

As they ate, they made small conversations talking about the places with the best meal and worst meals they've been to, and made a bit of joke about the hospital cafeteria.

After they were done eating, Carol picked up her glass, "I must say, I was really surprised when you asked me out for dinner."

"Were you?" He asked and she nodded.

"Yeah. I didn't imagine you'd ever ask me out for dinner. No, I mean like I didn't think you'd want to...." Hell, she was rambling and stuttering and probably making a fool out of herself.

"Why? Because I'm too nerdy to go out on a date?" He arched his brows, an unusual humor in his eyes.

"Nerdy? No, not nerdy. I mean your dedication and devotion towards the improvement of neonatal care and unequivocal contribution to maternal-fetal medicine is a plus to your charm. I just meant...I thought you'd be too busy to take a hint or take note of what goes around." She said.

Her cheeks colored a light pink at how silly she had rambled again. She really had to get a hold of herself. But seeing how true and honest her words and emotions were reminded Cillian why he had chosen her instead of all others.

He looked at her again in that same intent way that made her want to slip off her chair and take refuge beneath the table.

"It's nice seeing you in something other than scrubs." He said. "Not that they don't suit you, but I just found my curiosity satisfied."

"So you were curious about me?" Now she found her own curiosity piqued. The awareness of his causing a flurry of tingles in her spine.

Cillian nodded. "Yeah, I was."

Suddenly inspired by his response, she leaned in a bit closer. She picked the glass and swirled her drink by the stem — a futile attempt at flirting, as she asked, "Is there anything else you find yourself curious about?" She took a sip of her wine, her gaze holding his.

"Yes," he answered.

"What is it?"

"Are you seeing someone?" He asked, causing Caroline's heart to do a flip flop, taken aback by the direct question.

Of all the questions she had expected, this had not been on the list. Had she perhaps gotten to another level in her feelings for him, and she was having such a detailed dream? She mused as she raised a hand to her cheeks to pinch her face.

"Ouch!" She muttered when it stung, and Cillian watched in amusement, wondering what she was doing.

"I guess I'm not dreaming," she said, more to herself than to Cillian.

"You're not," he said and she focused on him once again.

"So? Are you seeing someone?" He asked, and she shook her head.

"No. The only person I'm seeing right now, is you. I mean literally," she joked and Cillian chuckled softly, a sound that filled her with warmth.

"I guess that's good then," Cillian said and Caroline looked at him with interest.

"Is it?" She asked, and he nodded.

"It is good for me. But you will have to decide if it is good for you," he said and her brows pulled together in confusion.

"What do you mean?" She asked with interest.

"I have a proposal for you. It's a rather unconventional one, but I've thought long and hard about it, and I think you're the best person I'd want to do this with me," he said, making her even more curious.

"Do what?"

"Marriage. I want you to be my wife."