Page 53 of Persuading Penny
FIFTEEN
Although I heard noconfirmation that Cliff had, indeed, proposed to Bridget, I dove headfirst into my budding relationship with Steve. I no longer cared that my dating the handsome young man pleased my father for all the wrong reasons. I knew that I longed to be with him for the right reasons.
Or did I?
I shook my head to rid myself of the guilt that accompanied questions regarding my relationship with him; namely that it helped me forget about Cliff...supposedly.
Every evening after work, we met, usually at the Pump Room. Sometimes we stayed there for a meal, or we simply met there and moved onto somewhere new to try.
“I’ve been thinking about you,” he said one evening over dessert and coffee.
“Oh?”
“It feels strange to think that we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but it feels like a lifetime, like I’ve known you forever.”
I wanted to say that I felt the same, but truth was, I didn’t. My relationship with him felt very new; very new, indeed.
“You’re a very easy person to be with, no arguments or disagreements, no fuss, no complaints, just pleasant times that I wish would never end.”
“I have to say that you’re quite easy to be with as well,” I said, with the sincerity I truly felt. He was pleasant and easy to be with.
“I believe I may have found a place I like here in Bath. I very much want to settle down here, and...” He reached out for my hand and gave it a tender squeeze. “You’re a big part of the reason I want to settle here. Yes, Bath is a beautiful town with so much to offer, but being with you... I want to be with you more, all the time. I think of you every night and I long for you every morning.”
I smiled, pleased. “I think you’ll really like living in Bath. Where exactly have you found a property?”
“I’ve found a wonderful house, perfect for raising many children. The house sits on a number of lush acres and is just minutes from the center of Bath. I would very much like to go see it with you before I finalize the purchase...but...in the meantime...”
His tone grew solemn as he released my hand, leaned back to retrieve something from his pocket. He brought forth a black velvet box.
Before he said anything, I knew where he was going.Wait.No.It’s too soon.We don’t really know each other that well.We’re just starting to get to know each other.
“Penny...Penelope. From that very first meeting in Southampton, I’ve known. I’ve known that you were the one. These past weeks with you have only confirmed that. It’s made it all more concrete and I now know, beyond all, that I want you with me...always. Marry me.”
He popped open the box to expose the handsome ring, an impressive diamond set in platinum.
“Penny, do me the honor of becoming my wife, of spending your life with me, as we have these past weeks.”
“Steve, I...”I don’t know what to say.These past weeks have been pleasurable...but marriage?
“I know it’s sudden,” he said. “I don’t want to rush you, and yet...I’ve traveled the world, Penny. I’ve known people. I’ve known women. I’ve tasted every fruit this world has to offer, and I know...I know I’m ready to fill my life with the pleasures of a rich and stable life with the only woman who can bring me that degree of richness and stability. You understand me. You get me. Do you realize how rare that is? I’ve never met anyone who makes me feel the way you do.”
I glanced at the ring and back at him, still speechless.
