A Taste of You

43: The Secret Ingredient Was Love

He rises from his seat and gestures for me to sit across from him. My pulse is racing and my cheeks flush. All of a sudden I'm hyper-aware that someone may see us sitting together, intimately.

"I'm not sure I should..." I protest.

He stares into my eyes intensely, reaching for my hand. "And why's that?"

"Someone may start rumors." I say.

"Let them talk. Now sit." He commands, making me a little damp with his authority.

"And how was your meal, sir?" I inquire playfully.

"Exquisite. Much like the person who crafted it." He compliments.

"I'll pass the compliments on to my sous chef, Aliya." I say.

"Not possible. Chef Ballas in the kitchen giving up control?" He jokes.

"I know, right? Madness!" I laugh and sit down across from him. "So did you ask me over here just to compliment my kitchen staff or to reminisce about how our first meeting went something like this and then ended with you talking about proposing to another woman?"

Ethan laughs and rubs his chin, a tell that he's nervous. My eyes flicker from his hand up to his eyes and then to his lips. He leans across the table and I meet him halfway. I inhale as he presses his lips against mine, firmly and certain.

He pulls away slightly, stroking my face and gazing into my eyes. "Well I do have a proposal to discuss with you and I can guarantee it's not to another woman."

I couldn't have heard him correctly. "What did you just say?"

Ethan pulls back, removing the familiar jewelry box from his coat pocket, and rising from his chair just to sink down on one knee. My hands fly to my face and tears spring to my eyes.

"Chef Alise Ballas, since the first time I placed this ring on your finger, I think on some level we always knew it would find it's way back to you. Since then we have been through a lot, but I wouldn't change a minute of it because it brought us to this moment. I have never been happier than when I am with you even if we're just doing laundry or planning meals for the week. You elevate the simplest things in life just by being at my side. Will you grant me the honor of becoming my wife?"

His hand is shaking with nerves as he takes my hand in his and slides the perfectly-sized engagement ring down my finger. I look down at the ring and begin nodding my head. "Yes, Ethan. So many times over, yes."

He lets out a woosh of air and his voice breaks as he says my name. "Alise."

I lean down and lift him by his face. We're kissing and clinging to one another when I hear a familiar voice. "I think that's a yes!"

Several players, kitchen staff, and restaurant patrons burst into applause and hoots of celebration.

I hide my face in Ethan. "You know I never wanted a proposal in a restaurant because I never wanted all this attention."

"I'll remember that for the next time I ask you to marry me." He murmurs against my hair.

"Woohoo! Impromptu engagement party!" Ronnie exclaims.

"Champagne for everyone who wants a glass. Add it on my tab!" Aron hollers to the restaurant.

"Alright, calm down. I appreciate the excitement, but this is going to get out of control." I say.

"Live a little, Alise! There's no stopping him tonight. He's staying in the city he loves, his good friends just got engaged, I may not be wearing any panties. It's an exciting night for him." Ronnie insists, hugging me.