Winter's Love

22.1

  Qasim returned with our plates from the hot bar. Placing mine in front of me- and he sat his own down. After saying grace, we dug in.

"Do you really like the shop though babe?" He questioned, dabbing at his mouth.

I felt my forehead wrinkle, "Yes, I'm happy you don't have to work for Don or his old ass dad. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful he gave you a job, and a chance- but I know you didn't like it there."

There was a certain look in his eyes and I couldn't pinpoint it directly.

"No, the only good thing out of that job was you" he chuckled, as I felt my cheeks get hot.

In this moment, I could not love Qasim anymore than I do. I don't think that's possible. To think, I wanted to keep him as my friend. I would of missed out on the best thing to ever happen to me.

"Thank you baby"

"You don't have to thank me for something that's expected of me"

If I smiled anymore tonight, then I definitely would leave with sore cheeks.

"Babe, my flowers were really nice . I've heard of spraying perfume on flowers, but your cologne was a unique touch."

Cocking his head to the side, "Imagine how the florist looked at me when I asked her to spray it on there. She told me you have exquisite taste in cologne"

Biting into my roast beef, I chewed weighing out my next words. "Your cologne came straight off Skye Townsend Snapchat" I admitted.

He laughed a little as I rocked from left to right, when I saw the baked pineapple. As I was flagging the guy down, Q stopped me. A pout formed on my face automatically.

"I got you a personal one just for the night."

Holding his hand up, the guy came over to the table. Placing the plate down, there were four rings of pineapple, set perfectly like the Olympic Rings. Garnished with cherries, white, and chocolate drizzle. Then sitting atop the pineapples- were the words, My Promise to You....

Sitting in the middle was a gorgeous ring. Speechless....
Taking small glimpses between Qasim and my dessert promposal- I let my tears fall. Yeah, it's just a materialistic piece to some, but for me, it let me know that I'd been able to fully capture Qasim's heart. I was the owner, and recipient of Winter's Love. Nobody else but me.

Grabbing my hand, he wiped at my tears before wetting his lips.

"Maria Honey Ortiz, a while back you told me that relationships, marriage, or anything dealing with commitment wasn't for you. I've fought daily to change your mind, and make you secure enough to show me the real you. Through that, I've been shown a woman that holds many strengths, and loves just as hard. I promise to never take your love, or the kindness you've shown me for granted. I promise to love you the same way for every day of your life. I promise to always be a friend, man, and lover to you. Most of all, I promise to make you fall in love with me over and over again. I promise that every day you'll get your flowers on earth and know your worth to me, and my children. I promise one day, we will get married, have our kids, and live out your childhood dreams. Until then, I offer you this promise ring, my heart, and love."

The waiter was still standing there as Qasim placed the ring on my finger. "Um can I get this boxed up? Please and thank you." Nodding, she mumbled a congratulations and grabbed my plate.

"You are so damn amazing" I squealed, leaning across the table kissing his lips.

"You tend to be amazing when God blesses you with an equally amazing partner"