Chapter 9 - THE QUESTION HE NEVER EXPECTED TO ASK
One year later, Dominic took Linda back to the hospital.
Room 412 was empty.
The walls had been repainted.
Keo was healthy.
The experimental treatment had worked.
He was eleven months into remission.
Linda stood beside the bed.
"I used to think this room was where my life ended."
Dominic held her hand.
"It wasn't."
"No."
She smiled.
"It was where it changed."
They walked outside.
Snow had begun falling.
Keo ran ahead, laughing.
Dominic watched him.
"You know," Linda said, "he still thinks you're terrifying."
"I am."
"He also thinks you're his father."
Dominic stopped.
Linda looked at him.
"Is that a problem?"
"No."
He took a small box from his coat.
Linda's eyes widened.
"Dominic."
"I know."
She laughed nervously.
"You don't usually look nervous."
"I've never done this before."
He opened the box.
A ring.
Simple.
Elegant.
No diamonds large enough to attract attention.
Just a thin band with a tiny blue stone.
"Linda."
She stared at him.
"I don't want to own your future."
Her eyes filled with tears.
"I don't want to protect you by controlling you."
He took her hand.
"I want to stand beside you."
He lowered himself onto one knee.
"Will you marry me?"
Linda covered her mouth.
"Yes."
Dominic smiled.
"Yes?"
"Yes."
He stood.
She threw her arms around him.
He held her tightly.
Keo ran back.
"Did she say yes?"
Linda laughed.
"Yes."
Keo jumped.
"You're getting married!"
Dominic looked at him.
"Apparently."
Keo grinned.
"Can I be the ring bearer?"
Dominic nodded.
"Of course."
Keo thought for a moment.
"Can I wear a suit?"
"Yes."
"With sunglasses?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because you're not a bodyguard."
Keo laughed.
For the first time in Dominic's life, he realized something.
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A family didn't make a man weak.
It gave him something worth becoming strong for.
