"Adrien, can I talk to you?"
He looked at his father, who stood by the island in the kitchen. "Sure, what is it, Dad?"
Gabriel hesitated, casting a quick look around the kitchen. Nathalie wasn't there yet. "I wanted to ask your opinion on something." He reached into his coat pocket and revealed a small box.
"Is that what I think it is?" Adrien exclaimed, peering closely at the box.
His father nodded. "It's time for a new beginning."
Adrien grinned. "When will you ask her?"
"This evening, I hope."
"I'm so happy, Dad." Adrien wiped at his eyes. "So, so happy."
Gabriel smiled, hugging his son. "She still has to say yes."
"Dad, of course she will! Don't worry."
"'Don't worry' about what?" Nathalie asked curiously from the kitchen doorway. "Are you crying, Adrien?"
His father quickly hid the box before he also turned to face her.
"No, I'm fine!" Adrien assured her. "I was just thinking about how far we've come and all the amazing things that'll happen."
"You're going to make me cry if you keep talking like that," she cautioned with a smile.
Gabriel drew both into a hug. "I was going to wait until later for this, but I think it's better if we're all here. I have something important to ask you, Nathalie. Adrien's already given his approval and I hope you will as well."
She looked at him questioningly as he slowly pulled away. "What is it?"
He took a deep breath. "There's one final step we must take and I think it's time to do so. I don't deserve either of you, but I'm so grateful that you're here. Nathalie, I love you." He reclaimed the box from his pocket and knelt in front of her. "This may be too much to ask, but I would be honored if you would become my wife."
Gabriel opened the box, eyes on her. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes." Without giving him a chance to stand, she dropped to her knees and threw her arms around him. "A thousand times yes."
As soon as Gabriel managed to get the ring on her finger, Adrien was also pulled into the hug. He couldn't help it; he burst into tears. "It's about time," he sniffled. He couldn't wait to tell Marinette.