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Deb covered her mouth with her hands, keeping her scream inside. But an embarrassing squeak emitted anyway. That Michael, still an intensely private man, would include their friends and family in this event was a testament to his character and his love, especially when Deb loved a party, even if he didn’t.
He held up a small blue velvet box with Marcus Jewelers written on the top, and flipped it open. “Will you marry me?” He pulled the ring from the box, and held it up. “Please?”
Deb tried to keep from crying, but her happiness spilled over. She lowered her hands. “Yes, a thousand times, yes!”
Michael slid the ring she couldn’t see through her tears on her finger and stood, enfolding her in his warm, strong embrace and kissing her. The safe-for-an-audience kiss didn’t stay that way for long. Deb reveled in his soft firm lips, calloused hands, and deep, abiding love.
Cheers and clapping eventually penetrated their bubble and they broke apart. A line formed, their friends congratulating them and admiring Deb’s new ring. Gold and diamond petals surrounded a large yellow diamond mounted on a slender gold band. The sunflower ring was perfect in every way, and a true testament to Michael’s love for her.
After the party, Michael led her to the top of the bakery. Since they’d had to renovate anyway, Michael and Nic added a tiny rooftop deck above her apartment, reached by a retractable ladder inside. Just large enough for a double-size chaise lounge, a side table, and a small grill, it was perfect for the two of them.
They sat and shared a glass of champagne. Michael barely sipped; alcohol could bring on a migraine. He draped one arm over her shoulder, snuggling her tight against his side, and played with the fingers of her ring hand with the other. “What kind of wedding do you want? Did you always dream of a huge guest list, with an enormous dress and roses?”
Deb chuckled. “Childish dreams are just that; for children. We’re adults, and quite frankly, we have better things to spend money on than some huge production.”
“But you deserve have your dreams made a reality, Cupcake Queen. You deserve everything, including someone better than me, but I’m not letting you go.” He tightened his arm and kissed her passionately.
Deb broke the kiss. “There’s no one better than you. And we both deserve everything.” She caressed his cheek, enjoying his scruff against her palm. “But really, I don’t need a spectacular wedding for the ages. You, me, our friends, a nice dress and a few flowers. That’s all I need.”
Michael kissed her palm, then put his hand over hers. “You and me. That’s all I need. But let’s do the white gown, the tux, and the party, with plenty of pictures and video. We’ll need those to embarrass our kids someday.”
She laughed. “Yes, that’s the reason for a wedding; embarrassing the kids.”
“No, it’s just a side-benefit.” He kissed her again. “The real reason is the same reason I invited everyone tonight. You, the incredibly kind, generous and joyful person who tolerates this grumpy, damaged soldier and makes me a better, happier man, deserve a celebration every day of the week and twice on Tuesdays. But since we work, we’ll have to do the next best thing, and have a big blowout, big enough to remember how great it feels until we have time for the next one. And I want to make you happy. Because that’s what counts. Your happiness is my happiness, period.” He grinned. “But I won’t lie. Sooner is better.”
Deb snickered. “I think we can do it all. Big party, big dress, quickly. But in the end, none of that matters. You do. My happiness comes from being with you, not a party or a dress. It’s only you.” Michael pulled her on top of him, and held her tight. Deb kissed him hard, hoping her love was as obvious as his.
They might have been oil and water to start, but in the churn of danger and hardship, they’d come together, rising to meet every challenge, the fires of adversity purifying and building their love into joyous sweetness. Marriage, and children someday, would be the frosting on top, celebrating the love of the cupcake queen and home improvement king forever.
