Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"What's going on?"

Gilbert hadn't gone far when he heard the commotion and immediately turned around.

Sherilyn stood there, frozen in place. Could it be...?

She was staring intently at what she held in her hand. This time, it wasn't a bouquet of roses.

It was a velvet box.

Judging by its size, it wasn't hard to guess what might be inside.

"Sherilyn..."

Gilbert quickly retraced his steps, his eyes immediately catching sight of the velvet box in her hands.

A grin spread across his face. "You found it?"

He knew he'd left it somewhere around here.

Holding his breath, he looked at Sherilyn with a mix of nerves and anticipation. "Want to open it?"

"Uh-huh..."

Sherilyn passed the bouquet of roses to him, then carefully took the velvet box in both hands and slowly opened it.

The box had its own tiny light inside.

She could clearly see it a ring... a red diamond ring.

The very same one he had given her when he had insisted they marry before. When they broke up, she'd given it back to him...

And now, it was back in her hands.

Gilbert explained, "I thought about getting a different one, but you said you loved red diamonds... Plus, I think putting this one back on your finger means a lot more."

He quickly added, fearing she might misunderstand, "I'm not just being cheap or lazy-I'll get you new ones for every holiday, every anniversary..."

He looked at her and then dropped to one knee.

Offering up the bouquet of roses, he gazed up at her with eyes full of hope and sincerity. "Sherilyn, will you marry me and spend the rest of your life with me?" His voice trembled with nerves.

"I promise I'll be good to you, and to Jenna."

Sherilyn bit her lip, caught in a swirl of emotions.

Time seemed to stand still, and Gilbert had never felt it stretch so long.

But he dared not rush her. He could only wait in silence.

After what felt like an eternity, Sherilyn finally responded, meeting his gaze with a gentle nod.

"Yes, I will."

Gilbert felt a thrill run through him, leaping to his feet and pulling Sherilyn into a tight embrace. "You said yes!"

His voice quivered with excitement.

He closed his eyes for a moment, "Thank you, Sherilyn... Thank you!"

Then he released her, taking her

right

the rid

in his, he delicately slidet

onto her slender finger

'Pop!'

The sound of fireworks erupted, lighting up the sky.

A rapid succession of 'pops'

• lived with fireworks burstinget

display, painting the

ght

vibrant colors.

a

Then, all the street lamps around them flicked on, illuminating the rose garden as bright as day. What had been a dark expanse was now revealed to be an empty lawn beside the roses.

The lawn had been transformed into a party venue, complete with tables, flowers, and even a band. Gilbert leaned down, whispering softly into her ear, "Tonight is my proposal party. Do you like it?" Sherilyn didn't have a chance to answer, for she saw a group of familiar faces approaching them. Leading the way were Naylor and Katy.

Following closely were Francis and Rebecca White, Yates Elliott, Derek Brooks, and even Galen Martine Everyone they held dear was there.

Gilbert squeezed her hand, "Good thing you said yes... otherwise, they wouldn't have had their moment."

He had invited them to witness his proposal.

Had it gone wrong, well, there wouldn't have been a celebration to follow.