I can’t believe we’re here now, after what happened tonight,” Laurie murmured.
“Neither can I,” Alex agreed as they walked into Marea and went to the table that had been reserved for them earlier. Alex could see that Laurie was still deathly pale, but the shock that had been in her eyes and her expression was beginning to fade.
The waiter came immediately. “The tortellini is your favorite,” Alex suggested. “Shall I order for you? And a glass of Chardonnay, of course.”
She nodded, her head still reeling with the memory of gunshots whistling past her ears as Leo yanked her to the side.
“I was so afraid Tiffany had been murdered,” she said. “I would have blamed myself.”
A brief jingle sounded, announcing that Laurie had received a text. She looked hesitantly at Alex. “It’s okay,” he said. “See what it is.”
It was from Leo. She read it aloud. “Medics examined Tiffany. She’s OK. A neighbor took her to her house for the night. I’m in a car heading back to your place. Just spoke to Timmy who’s fine. ENJOY DINNER and don’t interrupt for any more texts!”
They both laughed.
As Laurie spoke, she realized this was to be the special dinner they had planned. “I kept you waiting so long tonight.”
“Just long enough to go through hell when I phoned Leo, and he learned that something was terribly wrong.”
“He prevented Tom Wakeling from killing Tiffany and me.” She knew she was beginning to feel better. “It turned out well for all of us. We know that Tom Wakeling was his aunt Virginia’s killer. And I’m probably still in shock, but for now, I want to put it behind us. I think you and I were both looking forward to dinner tonight.”
“It was for a special occasion.” Alex pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and opened it. It contained an engagement ring, a beautiful solitaire enhanced by smaller diamonds on each side of it. Alex slipped down from his chair and knelt in front of Laurie as other diners began to smile.
“Laurie,” he said, his voice soft but intent. “I have loved you from the first minute I met you. I will love and cherish you all the days of my life. Will you marry me?”
Laurie’s smile was the answer as he reached for her hand and slipped the ring on her finger.
A smattering of applause rippled through the room as the diners nearest them observed what was going on.
Minutes later a beaming waiter came rushing to them holding a bottle of champagne.
As they toasted each other, they knew that at last they were about to begin the life together that they both wanted.
And needed.