Right now, in the prime of their lives, they are perfectly matched. They are educated, cultured and confident. Will we stay that way? He thinks about Flemming and her troubled story of the time when she and her mother switched relationship labels in public.
Arriving at their destination, they hurry up the steps to avoid the evening drizzle. San Francisco repays its residents with occasional, spectacular, days of sun ─ enough to keep her population increasing but never enough to put coats and sweaters in permanent storage.
They wait among other party goers for an elevator, "The entire world celebrates your birthday," Ellis grins down at her.
"Don't remind me," Adaline says.
They step into the small square space. Adaline moves to the back to make room for the others who will follow. Surprised to see that they are the only passengers to load, she catches Ellis's movement as he passes a bill to the attendant. They hear complaints as the double doors glide shut.
Adaline looks at Ellis suspiciously, "You've been acting funny all day, what are you hiding?"
Taking both of her hands he says, "I wanted this birthday to be more memorable than most." He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small black velvet covered box. He hears Adaline suck in a breath.
Ellis's hands shake, uncertainty suddenly grips him, but he forges ahead. Going down on a knee, he says, "Adaline Bowman, will you marry me?" The lid makes a cracking sound as he opens the tiny package. Resting on a pillow of white satin, twinkles a large square cut emerald framed by rows of tiny diamonds.
Adaline remains silent, but stands there alternately looking at him and then down at the ring.
"Well?" Ellis says.
"Well what?"
"Aren't you going to answer?"
She leans down placing a hand alongside his face, "Sweetheart, you are magnificent."
"And?" he squeaks.
"That," she indicates the ring, "is magnificent."
"Adaline! Are you going to say, 'no?'" Ellis can't keep the tinge of desperation out of his voice.
"No," she shakes her head, eyes sparkling.
His forehead wrinkles and he stands, "No as in 'no' you don't want to get married, or 'no' as in yes you will?"
Laughing, Adaline says, "Absolutely, I 'll marry you, Ellis!"
The doors of the elevator open to reveal the couple still locked in a passionate embrace.
"Aw, common, get a room!" someone comments. Adaline thrusts out her left hand, flashing her ring and wiggles her fingers. "Oh! They must have just gotten engaged," a female voice says.
Ellis and Adaline exit to a small round of applause.
They spent the evening lost in a bubble of contentment broken only by intermittent congratulations and well wishes from people they know.
They are swaying to the music of a slow dance when Adaline says, "Ellis, there's something that I need to ask."
"Uh oh, I can tell by the tone in your voice that it's something serious."
"You do know me," she demurs. "This is going to sound strange."
"Now you've got me worried."
"Would you..." Adaline bites her lower lip and glances away.
"Come on, it can't be that bad," Ellis encourages.
"Would you adopt Flemming?"
"What?" Ellis barks out a sudden laugh. Seeing Adaline's hurt look, he reigns in his mirth as quickly as it escaped.
"I don't want her to feel left out when we tell her the news."
"I love you, Adaline," Ellis says tenderly. "We can do whatever you want. Whatever Flemming wants."
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Continuation of The Age of Adaline story #TheAgeofAdaline
Fiksi PenggemarPicking-up where the film leaves off, AoA CONTINUED brings the family into a multigenerational household under construction. William reassures his wife that her jealousy of Adaline is unreasonable. Adaline was William's first love, now she's involve...
