Moving Forward *Book 2 of The Death Market* (COMPLETE)

Marry Me

I casually steer Harlowe toward the center of the gardens where the fountain is located. If Iladriel and Mitsuhide were able to get it done, there should be a small dinner set up in a basket with a blanket on the ground. Iladriel will be joining us for the surprise family dinner. We round the corner and Harlowe straightens as the fountain and picnic come into view.

"What is this?" She asks after Iladriel appears on her other side.

"Obi and I decided to put together a special family dinner for all of us so we could try to relax after everything that's happened."

"That is so sweet." Harlowe's face lights up in a smile and I watch as Ila tugs her away from me to settle on the blanket.

I stand still for a moment, trying to swallow my nerves while hiding the smile trying to come forward. I'm glad Harlowe liked the dinner idea. I could have gone all out with a big flashy gesture or just a dinner between the two of us, but Ila is a big part of our lives and honestly who brought us together, so I didn't want to leave her out of it.

"Come on Obi, you're looking stupid standing there staring at us like a creeper."

I ruffle Ila's hair as I move to join them on the blanket next to Harlowe. I'm not sure what all was packed up into the basket, but Ila told me there was a dessert she'd made with Harlowe last year that Harlowe really liked so she was going to see if the chefs could help with it.

"So I trusted you to get the food, there better be more than just sweets in there." I tell her as she starts to dig in the basket.

"There's more in there." She sticks her tongue out at me before pulling out three covered plates. "The chefs gave us... chicken with lemon and pepper rub on it, rolls, and roasted veggies. It smells so good."

I take the bottle of wine from her and the glasses while she pours herself a glass of iced tea.

"Thank you both for this. It is nice to sit as family."

As we sit and eat, all I can do is think about the ring sitting in my pocket. Our family could become official or crumble with just one question. I can feel Iladriel's eyes burning into the side of my head along with the occasional leg kick and throat clearing to try to get me to ask already. Sadly her clearing her throat so much just makes Harlowe worry she's getting a cold. I smile as I look over to find them talking and pointing out constellations together since Iladriel shot me another look then moved to Harlowe's other side, leaving me with the basket containing our desserts. While they're distracted, all I can focus on is the ring box in my pocket. I glance at them one more time before pulling it out and quickly opening the basket.

"Ooh Obi! Is it time for dessert yet? The chefs let me work with them to make dessert and we made the pastry you loved so much Miss Harlowe! It won't be as good as yours but at least Obi gets to try it now."

"That sounds wonderful Ila."

I'm glad it sounds good to her but I am terrified now. It's sad that over all my years of living I've never been really afraid of anything, but here I am shaking because I want to ask the woman I love a question. I bite my lip and take a silent, calming breath before putting the ring in place. I pull out one dessert and give it to Ila, then grab the remaining two. I place mine in my lap then hand Harlowe hers. Iladriel falls silent as she sees the ring and all I can do is look at Harlowe who'd gotten distracted by a firefly and hadn't looked down yet. My breath catches as she looks over at me and smiles then her eyes move to the dish.

"Oh, there's a ring. Oh no, chef must have lost it!" I hold back a smile as she misses the true intention. "I'm sure they worry sick over it, we shoul-"

Iladriel puts her hand on Harlowe's arm to keep her seated and laughs. "It's okay Miss Harlowe, it's not missing."

Harlowe turns back to me in confusion. "If not missing why is it here? I do not understand."

"I-It's for you, if you want it..." I stutter out. "I know that things have been crazy lately, but I didn't want to wait any longer to ask you... I love you and our life together and I-I want for us to be an official family... me, you, and Iladriel. Harlowe, will you marry me?"

I hold back a sigh as Iladriel leans forward behind Harlowe and gives me a thumbs up.

"I-I do not know what to say..." Harlowe stutters out, her eyes wide. "I never... I am not one that someone would make wife..."

"Come on, you know you love Obi, right?" Iladriel cuts in. You'd get to be together forever and we'll be a family."

"What if I mess up?" She whispers before looking back up at me, her golden eyes full of concern.

"You could never mess up, Love. You're perfect to me. Absolutely perfect." I smile softly as I tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. "Life all about taking chances, right? I'm not sure how I'll be as a husband, or acting as a father for Ila, but we can all figure it out together."

A smile crosses her face as she opens her mouth to say something but Iladriel gasps quietly.

"Obi, we're being watched." She whispers.

"It's probably just Mitsuhide being nosey."

"No, Mitsuhide is poorly hiding in the bush to the right. This person is in the tree in front of us. They look kind of like the Cloaks from The Death Market, but they never leave The Market."

I see the gleam of metal out of the corner of my eye and curse as I dive in front of Iladriel and Harlowe with a dagger drawn to stop the incoming blade.