Chapter 20 - Proposal on the Hudson
The evening sky over the Hudson River was a breathtaking canvas of deep indigo, violet, and shimmering gold. A private fifty-foot luxury yacht glided smoothly through the calm waters, offering panoramic views of the illuminated Manhattan skyline.
On the upper deck, a quiet table was set for two with delicate white orchid centerpieces, lit candles, and chilled champagne.
Rebecca sat across from Gabriel, laughing softly as he recounted a hilarious story from his early days as a surgical resident at Johns Hopkins.
"And then," Gabriel laughed, his warm eyes crinkling at the corners, "the chief surgeon turned to me and said, 'Vance, if you don't stop worrying about the patient's comfort and start stitching, we're going to be here until sunrise!'"
"And did you stop worrying?" Rebecca asked, resting her chin on her hand.
"Never," Gabriel said softly, his voice shifting to a deep, resonant sincerity. "Because I believed then, as I do now, that taking care of people is the only thing that actually matters."
He set his glass down, stood up from his chair, and walked around the table to stand beside her.
The soft hum of the yacht's engines blended with the distant music of the city.
Gabriel reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, navy velvet box.
Rebecca’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart beat with a sweet, frantic rhythm.
Gabriel dropped gracefully onto one knee on the polished teak deck, looking up at her with eyes brimming with devotion, respect, and profound love.
He opened the velvet box. Inside sat a magnificent vintage ring featuring a radiant, ethically sourced three-carat emerald surrounded by brilliant white diamonds—a timeless ring that reflected her strength and elegance.
"Rebecca," Gabriel said, his voice steady and deeply emotional. "For twenty-three years, I watched from afar as you gave your heart to someone who never knew how to treasure it. I watched you build a world for others while ignoring your own happiness. I don't offer you a corporate title, an empire, or a grand illusion. I offer you my heart, my respect, my unwavering loyalty, and a life where you will never have to stand alone again."
Tears of pure, overflowing joy welled up in Rebecca’s green eyes, shimmering in the candlelight.
"Will you marry me, Rebecca?" Gabriel asked gently.
Rebecca didn't hesitate for a single second. She threw her arms around Gabriel's neck, pulling him up into a passionate, loving embrace.
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"Yes!" Rebecca cried softly, her voice rich with emotion. "Yes, Gabriel! A thousand times, yes!"
Gabriel slipped the emerald ring onto her finger, lifting her gently into his arms as the yacht sailed past the glowing torch of the Statue of Liberty—a beacon of light, freedom, and newfound love.
