Page 41 of Consumed By Fire

“I'm not surprised. She's a really great girl. So what are you worried about?"

"We’ve been together only a short time. Maybe she doesn't see a future with me, or at least not yet."

“Then talk to her. You don't have to ask her in front of everyone. You can just make one big announcement. It’s the moment that will remain in your memory forever,” he says as I open the box. My heart is beating madly at the sight of the ring. It's even better than I imagined.

“Designing and creating this marvel was a team effort. Your mom made me add the stones from your great-grandmother's ring. It’s one of a kind.”

"Like her," I say, making him smile. "Thanks, Dad!" I hugged him.

"I'm so proud of you, Dylan, and the man you've become."

"You'll make me cry, Dad."

"Nonsense! Let's go back there. Otherwise, they'll start asking questions.”

I nod and we go back to the living room. I'm nervous. As soon as my mother looks at me, she smiles excitedly.

"Well ... we’d better go to bed. I have to be in shape for tomorrow's party. I want to dance all night," Paul says, making Annais and Charlie laugh.

“We should go to bed, too,” Mom says, hugging me.

After cleaning the kitchen, I go to hug Charlie, trying to calm down.

"Why are you nervous?” she asks, making me smile. She understands me better than anyone else. Isn't that what your soul mate does?

"Get your jacket. Come with me,” I say as she turns to look at me, surprised.

"Dylan, what's going on?"

"No questions. I don't want to omit the truth and piss you off."

"Okay...” she says suspiciously.

We get in the car and I realize that this is the first time she has been in my vehicle. To be honest, this is the first time any woman has been in it. It will be an evening of firsts, which terrifies me.

Charlie takes my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine.

"Tell me where we’re going."

"Home, love."

"To your house?” she asks, looking at me.

"Home, baby," I repeat as we pass Pete’s Bakery. "The first time I saw you was here."

"Here?” she asks, amazed. "I thought The Cannon was the first time."

"Actually, no. At the bar, I was able to talk to you for the first time and be close to you,” I say, kissing her hand. “It was just before Christmas. You were wearing a red jacket and Christmas leggings. That image still makes me smile.”

“Oh my God, no. It can't be true,” she says, hiding her face with her hands. “Pete called me that afternoon and said he wouldn't be able to provide me with his treats for my Christmas party. I was decorating the living room and I left without realizing what I was wearing.” She bursts out laughing.

“I figured. You had glitter on your face and hair. A heavenly vision.”

"Wow, how do you remember that?"

"Because that's the day I realized that you’re mine."

"But you never came looking for me."