“I’m sorry,” I said, still not believing my ears and wanting to hear him say it one more time. “Whose did you say it was?”

“It’s yours, Montana.”

“Quinton, this is lovely, but I can’t take this.”

“You’re not taking anything. I’m giving. There’s a very distinct difference.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“It’s ten carats. I bought it the last time we were together. It started off as a necklace that only had a few diamonds totaling one carat. Then each month we remained apart, I added more diamonds until finally it became a tennis bracelet, though I wouldn’t recommend that you play tennis in it.”

“So, if I had waited ten more months…?”

“If you had waited ten more months, I would have been bankrupt.”

He took the bracelet out of the box, wrapped it around my wrist, and then snapped it closed. “Take your time. I’ll be waiting in the den.”

Now I was really afraid to pinch myself. What I had once feared to be a dream had now turned into a full-blown fairy tale, complete with knights and princes riding in black limos. I was Cinderella, the belle of the ball, a princess adorned in priceless jewels.

I walked inside the guest room and fell against the inside of the door, sinking to the floor in disbelief. Okay, Montana, now, take it easy. Relax. Breathe. Relax. This is real. Quinton is real. And the diamonds on your wrist are…“Diamonds!!!”Quickly I stuffed my fist in my mouth to muffle the sound. Okay, Montana, relax. Breathe. Relax. I remembered Sam’s words when he cautioned me about filling myself with helium. Same actions, same outcome. Different actions, different outcome. Okay, I’m all right.Diamonds!!!

Finding the strength to stand, then willing myself to the bathroom, I turned on the water, showered, and began washing away what seemed to be layers and layers of years after years of getting closer and closer to finding my one.

After my shower, I searched my bag, looking for an outfit to complement the occasion. I pulled out a classic black dress with thin straps. Simple, yet regal. The perfect dress for my ensuing proposal. Fixing my hair, lining my lips, spraying once, twice, perfume on, I was ready.