Keeping Faith

Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Proposal

     David smiled as he glanced at the ring once more. It was going to look beautiful on her hand. He just hoped she said yes.

He tied his tie and pulled on his suit jacket. Taking a deep breath, he slid the box into his pocket. Tonight, was the night.

With a pat on Max' head, he headed out the door, "Sorry, buddy. You can't come this time."

Arriving at the Gladstone's, Tony met him at the car, "Don't you look dashing." David grinned, "Thanks...let's hope Faith agrees with you." Tony nodded, "She will. You need anything?" David shook his head, "Not unless you have an extra backbone you can give me."

Tony laughed, "Ya gettin' cold feet?" David shook his head, "No, just nervous." Tony smiled, "Well, some food will help with that." David cringed and grabbed his stomach, "Eh, I don't know if I could do that right now."

Laughter bellowed from Tony's lungs, "This is a side of you I've never seen." David smiled at his long-time friend, "Hopefully, you won't ever again."

They entered the party and where surrounded by all their family and friends.

Julia came over with Tamisha and gave David a hug, "Sure have missed seeing you around, Dave." Tamisha grinned as David winked at her. She immediately began to giggle.

Carlos and Anthony joined them near the door and Carlos informed David, "Man, have you seen all the beautiful ladies..." Anthony laughed and pointed Faith out, "Just leave her alone, she's David's girl." David grinned and placed a hand on Anthony's shoulder, "It's about time you find a girl of your own don't you think?"

Anthony laughed, "All in good time, all in good time." Carlos offered, "I will help you find the perfect wife." As he began explaining his plan to Anthony, David headed toward Sharla.

She wrapped him up immediately, "Oh David, it's so good to have you back home!" "It's good to be back, Sharla." Jonathan patted his brother's back, "I think your nephew would like to say hello." David turned, and his heart sank. He had missed so much being away. Kevin was growing like a weed. David took him in his arms and smiled, "You've gotten bigger since the last time I saw you." Kevin's little face lit up with a front toothed grin.

Teresa ran over, "David! David!" He leaned down, "What is it sweetheart?" She smiled and introduced, "David, this is Daniel. Daniel this is David. The one I've told you so much about."

David smiled and shook his hand, "It's an honor to finally meet you, Daniel." Daniel's smile broadened, "The honor is all mine, sir."

Tony clinked a glass, "If I can have everyone's attention, please." As the room grew silent, Tony began:

"I uh, I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. This is a special night for all of us and a celebration that we are all finally back home!" Everyone lifted their glasses in agreement.

Tony continued, "However, there is one special person, that we felt like celebrating and I know I don't have to say his name, but David is more than just our friend he's our family." Tony raised his glass in David's direction, "David, here's to you!"

David gave his friend a smile and a nod of appreciation. Tony nodded towards him, letting him have the spotlight.

David took a deep breath, "Thank you, Tony. Uh, a few of you know this, and I've been struggling with it, but I felt it was time to resign from my position as a police officer of the Dallas P.D."

David glanced around the room and saw mixtures of emotions on their faces as he continued, "And for those of you that are wondering, I have decided that I am not going to join the FBI at this time."

Everyone's face dropped from shock. He pressed on, "I do hope that one day I will still be able to join, but at this time I have decided to take a step back from law enforcement."

"What are you going to do?" asked Anthony who could no longer handle the suspense.

David smiled, "Well as of this morning I am the new head of security for the country singer Trent Tucker."

After everyone asked a few more questions and gave him their congratulations, David slipped out of the spotlight and worked his way to Faith.

She greeted him with a kiss that sent a slip of electricity through him and he smiled.

"Faith, would you care to take a quick walk with me?" She grinned, "Well, I thought you'd never ask."

As they began to walk, David was thankful that Tony had a few acres of land to get lost on. He took hold of Faith's hand and began, "Faith, you know that I love you, right?"

She smiled and squeezed his hand, "Yes, I know. Do you know that I love you?" His mouth hitched into a one-sided grin, revealing his dimple as he confessed, "I love hearing you say that."

As they continued walking, he made sure to reminisce about all the things they had done together and finally, he stopped, turned to face her and took both her hands in his.

He gently kissed each one then gazed into her green irises, "You're the woman that's changed my life. You make me feel more alive. I've never been happier than when I'm with you, nor more sad or angry when I'm not and life's never been more beautiful than it is with you. You make me a better man. I knew from the moment I met you, I know you didn't — but you came around."

She chuckled and choked back tears as he continued, "You've made me a better man in every area. You've made me a better son, a better brother, a better friend and a better Christian. And I know that family is important to you, just like it is to me, so I spoke with your Aunt Clara this morning."

She queried, "You did?" He nodded, "Faith, I want to spend my life with you. You're it. You're the one. I've never met anyone that inspires me more to be just a better human being. I want to be with you for the rest of my life."

She smiled and nodded, "I —" David placed his index finger over her mouth to stop her, "Faith, there's just one more thing...I, uh, I know your dad can't be here, but I know he's watching. So, I went and asked him today if I could marry you...and I hope he approves."

Faith clasped a hand over her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. Never had she ever imagined or dared to dream that someone would love her in the way that David did and yet here he was loving her unconditionally. Passed all the mistakes and fears.

Here he was, the man she prayed for, getting down on one knee.

He opened the little velvet box and revealed the ring, "Faith, I want to take care of you for the rest of your life. I want to be your best friend. I want to be your husband and start a family with you. And I want to be with you no matter what happens in our lives. After everything that's happened, I know that I don't want to waste any more time and I can't bear to spend another day without you as my wife. So, Faith Johnson, will you marry me?"

Faith shook her head as the floodgates opened, "Oh David...what a ridiculous question...Of course, I will marry you!" David stood and claimed a kiss from his bride to be.

She wrapped her arms around him in an embrace and whispered, "I love you more than you will ever know, David." He kissed her once more, "And I adore you, Faith!"