Chapter 8 - The Proposal on the Snow
Six months later. Spring had arrived in full bloom across the Westchester countryside.
The gardens of the estate were filled with blooming white lilies, soft green foliage, and vibrant cherry blossoms.
On a bright Sunday afternoon, Damian had arranged a private picnic on the hill overlooking the estate lake. A large plaid blanket was spread across the lush grass, covered with baskets of fruit, fresh pastries, and sparkling fruit cider.
Mia was running through the grass, chasing a golden retriever puppy that Damian had adopted for her birthday three weeks prior.
Rosa sat on the blanket, wearing a floral summer dress, her dark hair falling softly around her shoulders. She laughed as Mia tumbled into the grass with the puppy, both of them rolling in pure joy.
Damian walked over from the shade of an old oak tree, carrying a small velvet box in his hand.
He didn't wear his tailored corporate suit today. He wore a simple white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up, looking younger, relaxed, and truly happy.
He sat down beside Rosa, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her close against his side.
“She loves that dog,” Rosa smiled, resting her head against his shoulder.
“She deserves the world,” Damian murmured, kissing the top of her head. “And so do you.”
Rosa looked up at him, sensing the weight in his voice.
Damian turned to face her, slipping down onto one knee on the soft grass.
Rosa’s breath caught in her throat. She pressed her hands against her lips as tears immediately sprang to her eyes.
Damian opened the velvet box. Inside rested a breathtaking cushion-cut emerald ring, surrounded by a delicate halo of small diamonds—simple, elegant, and entirely unique.
“Rosa Diaz,” Damian said, his deep voice carrying clearly over the soft spring breeze. “You came into my life when I was surrounded by lies, and you showed me what true love, loyalty, and strength look like. You gave me a home, a daughter, and a reason to live beyond my name.”
He took her soft, shaking left hand into his large palm.
“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you let me love you and protect you for the rest of our lives?”
Mia came running over, the puppy trotting behind her, clutching her wooden truck in one hand. She stopped beside Damian, looking at her mother with wide, shining eyes.
“Say yes, Mommy!” Mia cheered, clapping her hands. “Say yes!”
Rosa laughed through her happy tears, leaning down to pull Damian up into a fiery, romantic embrace.
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“Yes!” Rosa wept with joy, pressing her lips to his. “Yes, Damian! A thousand times yes!”
Damian slid the emerald ring onto her finger, pulling both Rosa and little Mia into his broad arms, holding his new family tight under the bright spring sun.
