“So, I’ve brought dinner. And dessert. I was thinking a picnic out on your back porch. Or maybe under that huge oak tree you have. Maybe after, I can treat you to a long hot bath and some lovemaking in that bed of yours.”

Val pressed her hand to her chest, smiling at me. The tears that had hovered over her lashes finally traced their way down her cheeks.

“Oh, Dave. Thanks. I…. I really look like shit, right now.”

“Darlin’, you never looked more beautiful.”

“God, you’re full of it.” She stepped back to let me in and I carried the goodies in with me. “But I do like it. Come on, you know how to find the kitchen.”

“I was hoping we could just go outside.”

So, we did.

I put the baskets within easy reach and then held the chair for her. As any gentleman would. I got the corkscrew out and opened the Riesling, then poured a glass each for us. I pulled out my iPhone and started up the romantic music. Lit two candles. Served the squab and veg. Then sat beside her and we enjoyed the sunset, the food, and each other’s company. Conversation made itself; nothing work related was allowed.

I watched her in the growing candlelight as the sun went behind the horizon. That face. That beautiful face. When she was at rest, she had the sweetest smile. Her skin, flawless. It didn’t matter that the pajamas were old and ratty. She could be wearing a dress of the finest silk for all I cared; she was still a goddess. Her hands floated gracefully over the plate as she spoke about some dream she’d had. A Cinderella dream of some fabulously handsome man. Did she see me in that role? Was I her Prince Charming? I wanted to be.

David, if you don’t chase her, win her heart, you are going to regret it for the rest of your life. You know you will. Give up that idea of perfect bachelorhood. Marry that girl.

I don’t want to lose you either, Rick.

You won’t. You can’t. But you really shouldn’t lose her. She makes you smile again. And that’s what I want for you.

I loved them both. And why not? Who said you could only have one in your life? That was a huge load of shit. Oh, I knew I’d have to tell Val about him before anything serious happened between the two of us. Somehow, I didn’t think she’d mind too terribly. We could have an open relationship as long as we always came home to each other. I wouldn’t mind. And it would only make us love each other more.

“Done?” I asked.

Val wiped her mouth with the linen napkin and folded it to lay back on the plate. “That was wonderful, babe. Hit the spot. I didn’t know I was that hungry.”

I cleaned the table. I removed the plates, took the glasses, put everything away in the first basket and got ready for dessert. But first—

“I have something for you, Val. A special something.”

I swallowed the nerves again—not very successfully, by the way. I fished the small box out of my pocket and standing beside her, set it down on the table. So that she could see it.

“Oh, fuck!”

I lost it. I broke down into the giggles, and then laughed hard. The look on her face was priceless. I could read each expression as it played out on her face. Shock was the first; I could practically hear her thinking the dreaded M word. Fear was next; oh fuck, is he really going to ask me to marry him? Questioning came next; what am I going to do?

I had to put her out of her misery. So, I opened the box to show off the sterling silver band. It was braided with three amethyst gemstones set in three of the braids. Then, I pulled my chair around and sat down.

‍ ‍By Siobhan MacKenzie

‍ ‍Novella 5 — Chapter Excerpt