Chapter 13 - The Proposal With No Diamond
Harlan proposed in parking garage.
Same one.
Terrible location.
Intentional.
Two years after rescue, garage renovated with security cameras and emergency call stations funded by city partnership.
He took me to second level.
“Absolutely not romantic.”
“I know.”
“What if somebody gets kidnapped?”
“Security everywhere.”
“Still.”
Belle appeared from behind pillar holding paper bag.
Inside—not diamond.
My old waitress name tag.
RUE.
And bus pass from night I missed bus, which apparently Harlan had somehow found among evidence returned by police.
He said, “Every expensive thing in my life came from money. The best thing came from a missed bus.”
I cried.
Then he held simple ring.
Small sapphire.
Vanessa had worn blue sapphire necklace. I hesitated.
He noticed.
“This is not hers.”
“I know.”
“I chose blue because Belle says it means brave.”
From behind pillar Belle yelled, “I said strong!”
“Correction.”
May you like
I laughed.
“Yes.”
