Chapter 15: David Proposes

The Proposal

It was a cool evening, with the city skyline sparkling in the night. David invited Elsie to a fine, quiet restaurant sitting on the edge of the river. The atmosphere was intimate: soft music wafted in the background, and candles flickered on tables. Elsie had put on her finest dress, a simple yet elegant one that Cynthia helped her pick. Excitement and anxiety mixed in her heart; she sensed something momentous was going to occur.

When their meal was finished, David leaned forward, took her hand across the table, and spoke to her earnestly. With a serious look on his face but warmth in his eyes, he spoke, "Elsie," in a low, steady tone. "These last few months have been the happiest of my life. You've shown me the meaning of true strength and dignity. I admire you more than words can say."

Elsie's heart raced. She sensed the encounter was heavy and wrought with expectation. "David," she said, a tremble in her chest, "you have really been all good to me, to my children. I don't know how to thank you for everything."

David smiled, tightening his grip on her hand. "You don't have to thank me. What I have to ask you is important." He stood up, and Elsie's breath stuck in her throat as he knelt down beside her chair. A small velvet box opened in his hand to reveal the delicate glamour of a diamond ring.

"Elsie," he said, choking on tears, "I love you. I love your strength, your kindness and your determination. I love your children as if they were my own. I want to build a future with you: a future of love, of stability, and of happiness. Will you marry me?"

In that instant, Elsie's eyes were glued to the ring; she was so engulfed in her thoughts that the world around her faded. Although her heart was flying with joy at the thought of a proposal, it was suddenly followed by the whisper of an overpowering fear. Can I do this? Can I trust myself to make such a far-reaching decision?

Overtaken with Emotion

Elsie's fingers shook as she held David's gaze. "David," she whispered, "I... I don't know what to say. This is so much."

David's expression softened as he gently tightened his hold on her hand. "You don't have to give me an answer right now," he said softly. "I know this is a big decision. But I want you to know that I'm serious about this—about us. I'm here for you, Elsie. For you and your children."

Tears filled Elsie's eyes as she cast them away, her heart and mind in turmoil. Her thoughts flew to her children, the life they had carved together, and the love and stability David had promised. But her past flooded her thoughts, too—betrayal, heartbreak, pain. Could she really base her life upon love again?

"I do need to think about this," she said finally, her voice quivering. "This is a... just a lot."

David nodded knowingly. "Take all the time you need," he said. "I'll be here, regardless."

Cynthia's Encouragement

That night, Elsie called Cynthia; still reeling from David's proposal. "Cynthia," she said, her voice trembling, "David proposed to me tonight."

A pause hung in the air on the other end of the line, followed by an excited squeal. "Elsie! That's wonderful! What did you say to him?"

"I didn't say anything," Elsie admitted. "I told him I needed time to think. Cynthia, I'm freaking out. What if I'm not ready? What if I screw this up?"

Even more softly, Cynthia said, "Elsie, listen to me. I know you have been through so much, but you are stronger now. David is not like the others; he is kind, he is sincere, and he loves you. You deserve this. You deserve happiness."

"A hopeless wish is made within me," sighed Elsie. "What if I am just not up to it? What if I cannot give him what he needs?"

"Elsie," Cynthia interrupted firmly, "you are more than enough. You are strong. You are loving. You have built a beautiful life for yourself and your children. David can see that. He loves you for who you are. Don't let your past be the force that holds you back from the future you should get."

Tears flowed down Elsie's cheeks, and she nodded, even though Cynthia could not see. "You are right," she said softly. "I can't keep living in fear. I have to take this chance."

Another Beginning

The next day, Elsie stages a meeting with David at the park amidst so many lovely memories they shared together. He was resting in a bench, looking calm, yet with a slight expression of hope. As he saw her, he stood up and searched her eyes for an answer.

"David," began Elsie, her voice even, though a few butterflies were flitting about inside of her, "I've put so much thought into what you said. And I know now that I cannot let my past determine my future. You have taught me love and trust. And I want to build this future with you. So yes, I will marry you."

David's face glowed with demons. And he pulled her into a strong hug.

"Elsie," he said, choking back his tears, "you've made me the happiest man in the whole world."

When both exchanged their love for each other, she looked into David's eyes and felt a peace she had not experienced for many long years. Many trials crossed her way, and she emerged from them with even greater strength. With David beside her, she was now prepared to face anything that lay ahead.

For her children, for herself, and for the love she found, she would keep moving forward. And she would not stop until she achieved all her dreams.