“May I help you?” Edward‘s smile was like that of a Cheshire cat who‘d got some cream.
“Edward! What is this?” She couldn‘t help the exclamation.
Stepping out of the car, he put an arm around her waist and held the door open for her.
“Tonight is going to be one of the best memories we share. We own the night milady, and the limo is here for our exclusive delight.”
Edward bowed and gestured her to enter the luxury car. She did and he followed her in and closed the door, enfolding them in the cool leather interior. The driver carefully maneuvered away from the curb and into the street. When they arrived at their table in the restaurant at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Gladys told herself this was definitely going to be a night to remember. The dinner passed in a blur of slow conversation and tender looks but nothing more.
They soon finished their dinner and moved to a secluded alcove in the bar. Edward swirled the Bailey‘s Irish Cream in his cut glass tumbler while she sipped on a Chapman on the Rocks.
Gladys knew he was going to ask her to marry him or he wouldn‘t have gone to so much trouble. She knew what her answer would be this time but now wondered if she‘d got it mixed up. Edward put back his drink down and took hers to deposit beside it. Her heart raced faster than usual and she found it difficult looking him full in the face. He spread both palms and she placed her hands in them. Their fingers linked as he started to speak in a solemn tone.
“Gladys, I‘ve had mixed life experiences, more bad than good but I don‘t want the bad to influence my life going forward. I‘ve become more willing to give people the benefit of the doubt since I met you. You‘re the best thing that has ever happened to me. I want to be with you, I don‘t want to run or hide anymore. Especially not from you Gladys, I love you.”
She felt the tears come to her eyes. This was the best thing he‘d ever said to her. “I love you too Edward.” After what they‘d been through, she cared about him so much more. She also loved how he got on with her family. All her brothers were his fans now.
Edward smiled at her, “I can‘t believe that I have you, baby. I didn‘t know it but I never had a full life before I met you.”