Chapter 143: Everything Is in Order

Antonio’s P.O.V.

The past three weeks have chaotic with Bella’s family from Arizona taking turns to visit her and welcome her back. I had to put off my plans of a proposal or those weeks and now I am pacing in my father’s office as my father goes over the shipping invoices from the docks the other night. “Antonio! Please stop with the pacing I am trying to work here. If you are going to pace go to your room.” “Bella’s there.” Then go to the garden.” “Is everything ready for tonight dad?” Yes son, for the millionth time the answer is yes. It hasn’t changed.” “Ok!” “You got the ring right?” “WAIT!!!” I say as I pat down the sides of my jeans feeling inside the pocket for the ring box. I take it out and opened it. “Yeah, right here.” “Now get out of here and ask her to dinner, a date, whatever just get out o my office.” My father said annoyed with me. I left the office and headed for mine and Bella’s suite. (Here goes nothing) I entered and there she is seating in the window seat reading.

“Hey!” I say entering the room and walking up to her. “Hey!” She says back. “Are you up to going on a date with me tonight? Out of the house.” I asked. “Sure, sounds perfect.” “Good, how does six o’clock sound.” Sounds good to me. I will get ready in my old room, well my mother’s old room.” “OK! I have to find Heilo, we have to deal with what happened at the docks a while back.” Still don’t know who they were?” “Nope!” I say leaving the room. {Heilo, come to the study.} {On my way.} I head over to the study where I have been using as my office until my father steps down and I will take over his office. (I am so nervous about to night, does she wants to get married so soon after just coming back from what she refers to hell, does she want to marry me?) The door opens and Heilo walks in shutting the door behind him. “What’s up?” “I’m proposing to Bella tonight and I am so nervous and stressed out, bro.” “Don’t be, I know she is going to say yes. This is what she has been dreaming of since she first laid eyes on you. You have nothing to worry about.” “You don’t think it’s too soon after her hell?” “No, I don’t think so. In fact, she is probably wondering what is taking you so long after we all heard your confession the day of her return.” “Ok…OK. I guess I am just overthinking this.” “Yes you are. What time did you tell her to ready?” “Six.” “Ok, you better get a move on it then, as nervous as you are you are going to need extra time just to compose yourself.” “Right…Right. Ok, I’m off then.” Tell me how it goes.” I nod and leave the study going straight to my wing.

I dress in a black suit, white button-up dress shirt and black shoes which I polished late last night while I had trouble sleeping. I comb my hair, take a once more glance at my reflection in the mirror and then head out towards her old suite. Knocking on the door I panic a little as I wait for her to answer. The door finally opens and I take in the view before me. She is dressed in a light blue sleeveless dress the hangs all the way down to her feet, her shoes are also a light blue as is her eyeshadow. “Hi, are you ready my love?” I asked her holding out my arm to her. “Yes.” She says wrapping her arm around mine. I lead her to the front door and down the driveway to my sports car, I opened her door for her and after making sure that is all the way in I then get into the drivers side. I drive her to the restaurant, the one that my grandfather Andre Chavez owned and now my father, I will soon too be an owner. I give the host my name and she shows us to our table. I pulled out her chair for her, and gently pushing it back in to the table ii take mine. “What can I get the two of to drink?” The host asked. “The best bottle of white wine in the cellar please.” “Be right out with it. Your waitress will be with you shortly Mr. Chavez.” “Thank you.” She comes back with a bottle of wine on ice and two wine glasses. She pours the wine into our glasses and leaves. Soon after a waitress comes over.

“What can I get the two of you tonight?” “I’ll have the Chicken Parmesan.” I say. “I will like the fried Ravioli please.” Bella says. We sip on our wine as we talked about the first impressions that we had of each other when we first met. We also admitted to having feelings for each other then as well, we believe it was love at first sight for the both of us. After dinner I take her to the river where there is a nice boardwalk to walk along the side of the river. “Beautiful night, huh?” I asked her. “Yeah it is.” Just before she turns around to face me I get down on one knee, turning around I heard her gaps. “Bella, you are the love of my life from the very first time that I have laid my eyes on you. I know that we have encounter some obstacles, but that never faded the love we had or have for each other. Bella Lily Karno will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?” “YES! YES! YES!” She says as she jumps into my arms. I put the ring on her finger. “I am glad that is over with, I was scared that you were going to say no.” I tell her my honest feelings. “Of course, was going to say yes. You are also the love of my life, and I would not willingly marry anyone else but you.” She gives a nervous laugh and I join in too.