Catch me when I fall (Rúben Dias)

Bonus chapter 9

Breaking the promise (Rúben's POV)

"You've caused a lot of trouble on social media".

"Me? How?"

Grace's scared face is too cute. She just posts about work, maybe about us once or twice and mostly about Luna. What kind of trouble could she get into?

"The campaign photos".

"People don't like them? I told you all I'm not a model. But the brand wanted me to do the shoot and...".

"Grace. It was a bridal shoot".

"Oh...ok".

Now she got it and it makes me laugh.

"Everyone is talking about how I should propose to you because of what a beautiful bride you'd make".

"Well, they don't know we made a promise".

I guess we did...

Before moving in together, I thought about proposing to Grace. It was the perfect time but she caught me looking at rings and told me she wasn't ready. At first, it hurt. It felt like she was rejecting me but I understood it when she explained she needed more time. Not because she didn't love me but because emotions were still too overwhelming for her.

And I guess whether we are married or not, our relationship doesn't change. We live together and are extremely happy. Marriage is just a big party for our people. It's not something we need to prove we love each other. And yet...

"I thought we could go away this weekend. Remember that cabin we rented that one time?"

"Sure. But it's not winter. That time it was cute because of the snow and the cosy vibes".

"I'll make it cosy for you", I tell her, hugging her and kissing her hair.

"Ok", she says, hugging me back and relaxing.

We get Bella on catsitting duty before driving to the cabin. I had already rented it before I asked Grace, so it's a good thing she liked the plan. And Bella knows what I'm up to but she can be trusted with a secret. There is a reason why we didn't tell Andy.

"The way there looks so different without the snow".

"Yeah".

"I think there was a lake. Maybe we could swim in it?"

"You should have said that earlier. We didn't pack any swimwear".

"It's just us...we don't need it".

"If people knew how not innocent you can be, Grace...", I tell her, making her blush.

After unpacking, we go out to explore the area. Grace is right, it looks so different without the snow. This really is the perfect spot.

"Look, the lake!"

"I see...", I lift her in my arms, walking towards the lake. When she sees where I'm going, she starts to scream.

"Put me down! Rúben! Put me down!"

So I do, laughing. And when she tries to hit my arm, I laugh even more.

"You're too cute, Grace".

"And you're mean. I thought you were going to throw me in the water with my clothes on".

"Don't worry, I prefer your idea of swimming naked".

She hits my chest and starts walking. "I meant wearing our underwear. Not naked".

"No, you didn't".

But the lake swimming would have to wait until tomorrow. First, we're cooking dinner.

"You've gotten so much better at this", says Grace, seeing me move around the kitchen.

"I had a good teacher", I tell her, pecking her lips before I continue stirring the food.

"Should we watch a movie tonight?"

"Yeah. You pick which one. I did last time".

"Ok".

While I finish putting the food into our plates, Grace is busy setting the table.

"I'm surprised you brought wine. What's the occasion?"

"Does there have to be one?"

"Well, yeah. I swear I've only seen you drink wine when it was my birthday and the day you asked me to move in with you...", she frowns. "What are you planning?"

"Maybe I just want some wine".

"Rúben...".

"You had to take all the romanticism from it".

I walk to my chair and sit down, asking her to do the same.

"Grace, you know I have all the patience in the world when it comes to you. You're worth it. And I'm so happy by your side...I don't need much else. But sometimes, I feel like there's something missing in our relationship".

"What?"

I see the tears in her eyes and curse. "No, I don't mean it as a bad thing".

"How can it not be a bad thing?"

"God, I'm so bad at explaining this. Grace...our relationship is perfect. But I don't want to keep the promise. I want to move forward even if it's just a very small step. We don't have to do it tomorrow. We wait a whole year to do it. Two. Whatever. But...".

Her eyes widen when she sees me take a box from my pocket and go down on one knee.

"I love you. You know that. And I know you love me and that's more than enough. But I want it all with you. And that includes this", I tell her, opening the box and I hear her gasp. "You told me in this very same place that I had helped you heal. That you felt I made you better and stronger. Well, I didn't have any big wounds that needed to heal but you also make me better and stronger. And that is why I have to ask this. Grace Katherine Wells, would you marry me?"

She kneels down next to me and grabs my face with her hands to kiss me. I'm going to guess that's a pretty positive response.

"You know?", she whispers. "I was hoping you'd be the brave one who broke this stupid promise".

"Does that mean yes?"

"Yes. Of course. There's nothing I want more in this life than marrying you".

And the deal is sealed the way all deals are sealed, with a kiss.