Page 68 of Risk It All
I scan it, and my curiosity grows. “It looks like paperwork for a nonprofit. A wildlife foundation.”
“It is. I want to create it for you.”
I stop and stare at him. My heart swells with so much emotion it leaves me breathless and speechless. He overwhelms me with his thoughtfulness, generosity, and aptitude for romantic gestures.
“You don't have to run it if you don't want to. But I know you have ideas about conservation and education and thought this would be a good way for you to put them into practice.”
“Why wouldn't I want to run it?”
He smiles sheepishly. “Running a foundation takes a lot of time, especially in the beginning. I didn't want you to think I was doing it as a ploy to keep you from traveling.”
It's a little reminder at how difficult I'd been about my work, as well as how accommodating he's trying to be. Someday, I'll get through to him that he's first and foremost in my life. Sure, I want to travel and write, but it's not my main goal. Not anymore. “That never even occurred to me.”
He looks relieved. “There is an issue that needs to be resolved.”
“What's that?” I look over the paper trying to figure out what he might be referring to.
“I haven't been able to think of a name. There's already a Hainsworth Foundation from your family.”
“Right. Well, since this is your idea, maybe we could have both our names. Delecoeur-Hainsworth. Or we could combine the names—Deleworth, or how about Mad Max?”
I expect him to laugh. Instead he shifts nervously. “I was thinking of something along those lines.”
“Mad Max.” I try again to elicit a laugh.
“I was thinking of the Madeleine Delecoeur Wildlife Foundation.”
My heart skips a beat. Is he saying what I think he's saying? I swallow hard as I stare into his brilliant blue eyes. “That has a nice sound, but it's not my name.”
“It would be, if you married me.” Out of nowhere, he presents a beautiful platinum and diamond ring. “Will you marry me, Madeleine?”
I look at the ring and then at Max. Joy bubbles up, making me giddy. My head bobs up and down until the joy burst through.
“Yes. Yes.” I throw my arms around his neck and kiss his face over and over. Between each kiss, I say, “Yes.”
Max
I windmy arms around her, lifting and spinning her around. Never have I felt so nervous and then so perfectly happy. I don't have any doubt that she loves me. Since she's moved to Los Angeles, we've built our relationship on openness and honesty, even when it sometimes causes problems. But it's a sound foundation and I know we can build our future upon it.
Still, I wasn't sure if she'd think a marriage proposal was too soon. Or if she'd view it as a ploy to tie her down. But she said yes without a moment's hesitation and made me the luckiest and happiest man alive.
I set her down and present the ring again.
“It's so beautiful.” Her eyes glimmer as I slide the ring on her finger. She looks into my eyes. “I'll never take it off.”
I think my heart might burst through my chest, her words fill me with such love and gratitude.
“Were you nervous?”
“Terrified,” I admit.
“Why? Did you really think I wouldn't say yes?”
“I was afraid you'd think it was too soon.”
She shakes her head. Then she lifts a hand, resting it on my cheek. “I'm yours, Max. Now and forever.”
I tilt my head so I can kiss her palm.
