Ellis crouched on one knee, hands behind his back. He felt as if all the eyes in the restaurant were on him and he wasn’t that far off. Beth looked beautiful but from his view she looked even more stunning. Her legs were freshly shaved and lazily hung her stiletto on one blood red painted toe. Despite her expression of surprise, she looked radiant. She had a superior look that made him feel weightless.
“Elizabeth,” he said, pausing to collect his thoughts. He had practiced for this moment for weeks, not counting the years of fantasy. “I’ve never felt for a woman as I feel for you. I know you were made for me and I love you. If you’ll have me, I’d like to take you as my wife and be your husband.”
The room was silent. It went well, he thought. It was exactly what his mom told him to say and went off without any mistakes or pauses. She looked at him and stroked his cheek with one finger. “But sweetie,” she smiled as if this was all just a joke. “You’re just a boy.”
(more…)