Shock

Nate's compliment sends color to Laura's cheeks. Even though Nate complimented her all the time, it always made her blush.

Getting set at the table, the candle-lit restaurant was a nice change from fast food. Laura settles back to enjoy the warm atmosphere and just unwind while talking to Nate.

When there is a pause and he reaches to take her hand and begins to speak, Laura suddenly finds that her pulse has quickened. She stared into Nate's eyes, somehow knowing that this was more than his normal compliment... this was more than what he'd ever said before. It was deeper and more sincere than anything he'd ever said. Her palm grew a little sweaty.

His words filled with more and more meaning… meanings that Laura had not expected to hear. She holds her gaze, now questioning the intention behind Nate’s presentation of love.

As he moves from the table and takes a knee, Laura could feel her heart leap into her throat. Her face felt so warm, she was afraid she was as read as a strawberry. Her hands shook.

She searched Nate’s eyes, his words melding together. But the proposal rang clear. He wanted her to be his wife.

Finally lowering her gaze, she stares down at the beautiful ring. She swallows hard. Her heart beat so hard within her chest she could hear it pounding in her ears. Everything else in the restaurant became a blurry background. All she could see was Nate. The look of love in his eyes was sincere. It was true.

Laura opens her mouth, but no words seem to come. Suddenly she realizes the pain behind her eyes is tears stinging them. She hadn’t realized they had risen to the surface.

She puts a hand to her mouth, still staring at the ring. Her face slowly turns from red to slightly pale. And looking back up at Nate, the words just wouldn’t come.