B. L. Miller - Accidental Love

“After everything that’s happened, you’re still her oldest daughter,” Rose said. “She really said both of us?”

“Yeah.” Ronnie shook her head and pulled her lover close. “I don’t believe it, but I’m not going to fight it. Maybe everything will work out with us.”

“You are wonderful.”

“You think so, hmm?” Ronnie’s heart began beating faster. “We may not have started out in the best of ways but I can’t imagine my life without you.”

“I feel the same way.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.” Her face became serious. “I think you missed something in your jacket pocket.”

“What? After all this?” Rose held her hands out to indicate the stack of presents and the airline tickets. She picked the jacket up and laid it on her lap. As her hand fell over the pocket she felt the hard object hidden within. “Ronnie?” Her fingers traveled over it, her eyes widening. “Is this what I think it is?”

“I don’t know,” the executive replied nervously. “Maybe you should open it up and find out.” As the zipper was opened, she added, “I hope you like it.”

Rose’s hand trembled as she pulled out the small velvet box. Tears were already beginning to well up in her eyes. “Oh my…” Her hands shook even more and Ronnie had to steady them with her own.

“Open it, Rose.”

The jewelry box opened to reveal a gold band adorned with a triple row of diamonds across the top. “Oh…” Ronnie’s equally shaky fingers removed the ring from the box, turning it around for her to see the inscription.

To my Rose, love forever, Ronnie

“Rose Grayson, would…” Her voice cracked, forcing her to swallow and start over. “W-would you be mine…forever?” The young woman could not find her voice and had to give a shaky nod, tears of happiness streaming down her face. “I love you,” they said at the same time. Holding the ring between her fingers, Ronnie took the smaller hand in her own. Tears fell from her own eyes as the gold band slid over Rose’s ring finger. As it passed over the last knuckle their fingers intertwined and both tried to bring the joined hands to their lips. Ronnie used her strength to gently press her lover back down on the cushions while their fingers separated. Rose’s hands went to the hem of Ronnie’s shirt and slipped beneath.

“I love you, Rose.”

“And I love you, Ronnie,” she replied before their lips met.

Lying on the floor, Tabitha looked up at her mistresses. With a healthy stretch and a yawn, the cat stood up and headed for the stairs. She would have the bed to herself for the night.

THE END