Chapter 39
When the birthday party full of laughter ended and everyone had gone home into the quiet night, only three people remained inside the bakery. Outside the clear glass doors, the snow began to fall heavier, draping a blanket of pure white cotton over the deserted streets of Brooklyn.
Maya was carefully wiping down the marble cash register when Dante stepped up quietly, wrapping his strong arms around her from behind. "You did beautifully today, Maya. Sophia hasn't had such a happy day or laughed this much in years," he whispered into her ear, his warm breath lingering against her skin.
Maya leaned her back against his solid chest, closing her eyes to feel the warmth and peace radiating through her body. "She deserves to enjoy every bit of happiness in this world, Dante. And so do you. You deserve to find your peace, too."
Dante gently turned her around. He lifted her delicate face with his warm hands, looking deeply into her beautiful, expressive brown eyes. Slowly, he pulled a small, dark blue velvet box from his inner jacket pocket. When the box opened, a meticulously crafted, brilliant diamond engagement ring sparkled under the bakery’s warm golden lights.
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"Maya Bennett, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you be the final, most vital piece that makes my and Sophia's dark lives whole and filled with light?" Dante asked, his voice deep, sincere, and trembling slightly with emotion.
Maya burst into tears, drops of pure, unadulterated happiness rolling down her cheeks. She nodded continuously, too choked up to speak. Dante smiled radiantly, gently sliding the breathtaking ring onto her ring finger, then pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss carrying all the love and profound gratitude of his entire life.
