Norman stepped out from behind a nearby pillar
In the end, he couldn’t bring himself to leave me alone and stayed close by.
Together, we watched Julian’s car disappear into the distance, both of us exhaling a long breath of relief at the same time.
I teased him, “Mr. Carter, you look like you’re in a great mood.”
His hand hesitated for a moment before settling lightly on my waist.
“Of course I’m happy. Because now there’s finally space in your life for me.”
He paused before adding with a playful grin, “I’ve got my ID and a marriage license application ready. Can I propose to you right now?”
I blinked in surprise, my mouth falling open. “What?”
Norman’s grip on my waist tightened, and the tension in his jawline made him look impossibly serious–unyielding, even.
But I knew better. He was just nervous.
“Violet, will you marry me?”
Like a magician pulling a trick, he suddenly produced a diamond ring from his pocket. His usually stern
s softened, carrying a hint of uncertainty, almost pleading pocket. His
“I don’t know much about jewelry. If you don’t like this one, we can go out another together.”
my I stared at the ring, recognizing the brand and design immediately. Warmth bloomed in chest as I remembered a moment from a few days ago.
Norman had sent a stack of jewelry catalogs to my room, casually asking which designs I thought looked nice. At the time, I hadn’t given it much thought, assuming it was just an offhand question.
I didn’t realize he had been planning this proposal all along.
“Violet?” His tone carried a trace of self–reproach. “I’m sorry. I should’ve thought this through more. This proposal feels too rushed-”
“Ash,” I interrupted gently, taking his hand in mine. “Let’s go register our marriage.”
The county clerk at the courthouse processed our paperwork with a mix of curiosity and
amusement.
She had probably never seen someone transition from divorce to marriage quite as seamlessly as I had.
