Long Time Coming

The march to wedding bells

While there was no fantasy world, they both found themselves in La La land, in the clouds. Sharon's business was flourishing and Markus got a full time advertising consultant job with his firm in Chicago, so he had the best of both worlds.

Markus had interviewed a few places but the few offers he did get wasn't fitting for what he needed so when his old company had a want ad for a consultant he called the HR and was passed to the hiring manager who was his supervisor when he worked there and was offered a remote consultant position, making the same salary, and it would have been no benefits but they were so eager to have him, he was offered full benefits. He called Sharon and asked about her benefits and asked if she would like to be on his policy to make things easier on her. She agreed so she will drop her individual policy and her added her to his plan. He teleconferenced once a week and only came when it was necessary. So he had his money right, he had his girl, all that was left is where to live. It wasn't like he was tied to a desk but he had to find a way to delicately ask Sharon to live with him. Now that money wasn't an object he could focus on finding the perfect ring

He just ordered the ring. It was from the jewelry company that they were doing the new campaign for at work. He would put the idea to use her ring as one the models in the ad. Since it was their ring and it was a special design that he did himself. Now he just had to find a way to ask her. Nothing seemed right, everything seemed to cliche or over done.

"Mom, I need help. I don't know how to propose. what can i do?" Markus asked

"Think of how you feel and what you both like. take her somewhere and just ask her in a way that is special to you both."Jean told him

"Thanks mom. I think I know what to do now." He kissed her cheek.

"Hey beautiful, can I take you to lunch today?" Markus asked

"Of course handsome what time?"

"You going at your regular time of 2?"

"Yes, that's the plan, do you need to go at another time?"

"No. 2 is good."

"I'll see you at 2."

I walked in to the shop and there were people milling around and she was helping helping a customer and had three lined up to be checked out and i noticed that she was alone

"What can i do to help"

"Can you just cash them out"

"Sure

"did you find everything ok today"

"yes. Who are you?"

"I'm Sharon's boyfriend. Here to take her to lunch."

"I was sure Sharon wasn't dating. She's not told me." she said

"Well now she is seeing me." He stated plainly

"She said she would tell me when she was ready. "

"Will that be all today?"

"Yes it is. Have a good day"

He rang up four more customers by the time Jessica walked in. A few minutes later so did Melanie.

"Thanks, I can take over from here. Sorry I'm late. Are you going to lunch now since it's almost half past."

"Yes I am. I'm going now. Do you think you two can handle it for an hour?"

"Yes I'm sure we can. Go enjoy your lunch." Jessica said

They were sitting on the beach with a picnic lunch that he brought for them.

"So about that lady, I hope you're not mad that i said i'm your boyfriend?"

"It's fine. Nancy has been trying to get me to go out with her son and I'm not interested in him. I did tell her I'd let her know when I was ready to date, but with you I don't need to act like i'm looking for someone when I have you. I don't want anyone else." She said shyly

He pulled her into his arms, kissed her on the forehead. "I just didn't want you to think I'm taking liberty of changing your single status." He told her.

"I have to ask you a question."'

"What's up?"

"Will you be a hand model for this jewelry ad that we are doing? You will just model a ring for their ad?"

"Sure I mean how does it go, what do i have to do?"

"Nothing we'll come to your house with the ring and the photographer will take some pictures of your hand with the ring in different backdrops and that's it."

"Sounds fine to me so if they need me then I'll. do it."

" I love you, you are the best." He kissed her on the cheek.

"So I'm ready to do another weekend getaway. When and where can I book it?"

"I don't know, the shop is getting really busy and I need to be here. Tons of flowers are blooming so that has to be done. I'm sorry now is not really good."

"I'm asking you when not this weekend. When can I plan one? Is it so bad that I want to be with you every night? It's the only way I can ensure that we will be in the same bed is to take you away. You know I want the world with you. Can you understand that or am I alone in feeling that way?"

"No honey you are not. I want to be with you too. How about I change that rule now? As of right now you are allowed to sleep over at my house anytime you want. Just come over, you don't have to ask. How does that sound?" She asked playing with his shirt and talking to his chest to hide her nervousness.

"It sound like the best thing I've heard all day. I promise not to bug you or overstay my welcome. I promise I will limit myself to just a few times per week. I won't be greedy and ask for all your time. Even though i do want it. That still does not replace me wanting to take you out of town again, still want to know when I can plan one for us." He said

"Right now I won't be ready for another like three weeks.That way everything should be settled and I can relax and not worry about the flowers or the shop while I'm gone." She said

"Sounds good. I'll see what I can plan for next month." he looked at his watch. " Okay it's time to get you back to the shop. Thank you for having this picnic with me spontaneously. Let me get everything cleaned up and I'll walk you back." He said.