Free Destiny and a Bottle of Merlot by Bria Marche

she opened the front door.
    “My God, woman, you’re gorgeous,” he said, with an approving smile. “How did I get so lucky?”
    “By waiting a lifetime, and being persistent,” she replied. “You’re pretty hot yourself, Mr. Daniels. Shall we go?”
    Aaron helped Mia with her coat. She flipped on the porch light to illuminate the sidewalk as they left.
    The restaurant was a classic supper club. Avery’s was high end, with dark wood, crisp white tablecloths, and cozy lighting. Candlelit tables and booths provided seating that was intimate and romantic. The hostess led them to a table near the crackling fireplace. It was perfect. The waiter took their order. Mia chose broiled salmon with lemon and caper vinaigrette. Aaron ordered the broiled grouper with ginger soy marinade. Side salads and crusty, warm bread was served first. The waiter placed the cloth napkins on their laps. He left for a moment and returned with the ice bucket and stand holding the bottle of Cattier Brut Blanc de Noirs champagne. He poured a glass for each of them and disappeared.
    Mia stared, wide eyed at Aaron with a surprised grin on her face. “Aaron, this champagne had to cost a fortune. What in the world are you up to?”
    He smiled and took her hand in his. “I love you, Mia, and always have. I want you to move in with me, as a couple. It’s time, honey. Let’s put your house up for sale. I want to sleep with you every night for the rest of my life. What do you say?”
    “We’ve talked about it before, and I agree, it’s time. Yes, Aaron I’d love to move in with you.”
    “I was hoping you’d say that, or the next thing I want to ask you would be kind of awkward.” Aaron pushed his chair back and stood. He reached in his sports jacket pocket and pulled out a ring box, then knelt next to Mia’s chair.
    The restaurant fell into a quiet hush as everyone stopped eating, and all eyes were on them. The background music was turned off momentarily.
    “Mia James, you are the love of my life. You’re the air I breathe, and the beating of my heart. There’s nothing in the world that would make me happier right now than to have you as my wife. Will you marry me?”
    Her hands covered her mouth in astonishment, while the tears sprung from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. It took a few seconds before she found her voice. “Oh my God, Aaron, yes, yes, of course I’ll marry you.”
    He slid the Tiffany, emerald cut, diamond ring on her finger as the restaurant patrons cheered and wiped their own eyes. Mia stood, shaking in her heels as she and Aaron exchanged a passionate kiss. He wiped her eyes gently with his fingertips. “I love you more than life itself, Mia.”
    “I love you so much, Aaron. This is the happiest day of my life.”
    The love making between them took on a whole new meaning that night. It wasn’t about playful sexiness, and lust. It was about true, deep love and the passion they had for each other. Mia was beside herself with joy. She finally had the life she always dreamed of, and with the most wonderful man she had ever known. The love they shared was real, stronger and deeper than anything either of them experienced before. Mia snuggled in Aaron’s arms, feeling his warmth as her head rested on his chest. His heart beat against her cheek. She was safe and content. The hall light sent sparkles bouncing off the enormous engagement ring as Mia raised her hand to gaze at it. She was amazed by its beauty.
    “I love you, Aaron, and I can’t wait to be your wife. Should I tell everyone we’re engaged now, or wait until Sasha’s party? It would be more fun to wait and surprise them all at the same time. Something else crossed my mind a few weeks back.”
    “What’s that, sweetheart?” he asked, as he kissed her forehead and stroked her hair.
    “Before I put my house on the market, I’m going to offer it to Karen. I have no idea if she’s ever considered living in Tarrytown, but it would be wonderful if she