RENT A HEART

CHRISTOPHER's POV.

Three promises I'd made myself to keep today: seek the Mikleson's blessing, introduce Eve to my mother, and ask her to be my wife before the clock struck midnight.

The last was already set in motion. Our favorite restaurant, reserved and draped in fairy lights by Frank, Stephanie, Lizzy, and Cole. And the ring, resting well in my wardrobe drawer.

Today would be perfect. I grinned, the thought a burst of sunshine, as i headed to the bathroom.

Dressed and ready, I retrieved the ring box. Snapping it open, the diamond winked back at me, a miniature star. I prayed she'd see in it the same future I did.

I knelt, box open in my trembling hand, and rehearsed. "Eve, will you..." I cut myself off, cringing. Too stiff, too impersonal.

"Please, marry me, love," I tried again. Better, but still...lacking. It didn't capture the explosion in my chest every time she smiled.

Taking a breath, I closed my eyes. Imagined Eve standing before me, her eyes sparkling, that lopsided grin playing on her lips. The sheer rightness of it choked me for a moment. Composing myself, I spoke to the ghost of her.

"You are the most extraordinary thing to happen to me since...since I lost my mum. From the moment I saw you, you've been my love, my life. I can't imagine a single day without you, and the thought of forever with you... it's a privilege I haven't earned. Will you marry me, Eve? Will you do me the extraordinary honor?" The words hung in the air, true and unbidden. That was it. That was her.

Standing, I pocketed the ring. Now for the Miklesons.

Cole had alerted them to my arrival. Still, I stopped at a florist for a rose bouquet, something understated yet elegant for Eve's mother. And from my cellar, a fifty-year-old Cabernet, a gift that even the discerning Mr. Mikleson wouldn't refuse.

The drive to the estate felt like an eternity. Finally, we turned onto the long, winding drive and parked before the imposing, castle-like mansion. On the porch, Mrs. Mikleson stood, radiating warmth and expectation. For the first time, I wondered if my mother had somehow sent her, a guardian angel to guide me.

"You look dashing, my boy! Welcome," she said, enveloping me in a hug, her hand patting my back. "You've done well."

"And you look stunning, Mrs. Mikleson," I replied, handing her the bouquet. "These are for you."

"They're lovely. Come in, come in," she ushered me inside.

Mr. Adolf Mikleson was waiting in the living room, impeccably dressed, a subtle sign of respect that warmed me. He was a good man, I knew it, even if he'd been wary of me in the beginning.

"This is for you, Sir," I offered the bottle of wine.

He accepted it, a genuine smile creasing his face. "I'd say you shouldn't have, but this is a classic vintage. Thank you, very much."

After the polite preliminaries, the purpose of my visit hung in the air. I took a breath.

"Mr. and Mrs. Mikleson, I owe you both an apology. I wasn't entirely forthcoming about the nature of my relationship with Eve in the beginning. But I don't regret how things unfolded. Because it has given me the best woman any man could ask for. I fell in love, completely and irrevocably. And for the first time since my mother's death, I feel truly alive. That is why I'm here today, to ask for your blessing to marry your daughter, Eve." I said, the words even and firm. I waited, my future hanging in the balance.

A smile spread across my potential mother-in-law's face at my words, but her husband's expression remained indifferent, unreadable. The silence stretched, each tick of the grandfather clock in the hall seeming to amplify the tension.

Finally, he cleared his throat, his gaze settling on me. "The last man who came here asking for my daughter's hand... well, she vehemently refused him. I would have called her here to ask her myself if she truly wanted to marry you, but... the last time, she made it abundantly clear that you were the only one she loved and would ever marry. So, since the feelings are mutual, I suppose I can give my blessing." He paused, a hint of something flickered in his eyes.

"Besides, you're a fine young man, capable and wealthy. I wouldn't give my daughter to a pauper." I couldn't help but chuckle, the tension easing slightly.

"Honey!" Madame Genevieve scolded, swatting his arm playfully.

"What?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in mock innocence.

"You shouldn't have said that," she chided before turning to me, her smile warm and apologetic. "Don't mind him, please."

I simply nodded, the weight on my chest lifting. My first goal of the day was accomplished. "Thank you, sir. Thank you, ma'am," I said, unable to conceal my happiness.

They offered lunch, but I declined, explaining that I was taking Eve to see my mother. I was only allowed to leave when I promised to bring her to see my mother later.

"Alright then, but promise to bring me along to see her soon too. I want to tell her what a fine young man she raised," she said, bidding me goodbye with a warm hug.

The drive to Ethereal-Eve was short, the Mikleson estate not far. Eve was absorbed in her computer when I walked in. The concentration etched on her face was undeniably sexy.

"Hey," I said, and the smile that bloomed on her lips at the sound of my voice warmed me through.

I crossed to her desk and wrapped my arms around her neck. "I've been waiting for you," she said playfully.

"I'm so sorry for keeping you," I replied, kissing on the side of her neck. "Just had to tidy up a few things. We can leave now if you're ready."

I waited on the sofa while she finished her work, and after a few minutes, we were on our way.

"You still haven't told me where we're going," she said, turning to me with a questioning look.

I kissed her hand and focused on the road ahead. "That's why it's a surprise."

The driver drove for nearly thirty minutes before we arrived at a private cemetery. We got out, I retrieved the flowers from the boot, and took her hand, leading her through the gates.

"If I had known, I would have worn something less colorful and brought fresh daisies," she said, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

"Mum would have loved it either way, so don't worry," I assured her.

We walked a short distance until we reached my mother's grave. I knelt and placed the flowers on the headstone.

"Mum, I'm so sorry I took so long to visit," I said, the dam of suppressed memories finally breaking. A lump formed in my throat, stinging my eyes.

"I miss you so much," I choked out, my voice cracking. A small hand rubbed my back. I looked back; it was Eve. I'd completely forgotten she was with me.

Taking her hand, I pulled her forward gently. "Mum, this is Eve, my girlfriend whom I love so much, and I know you would have loved her too," I said, tears now freely flowing.

Eve bent and touched the headstone. "Hi, Mr. Luther. Chris has told me wonderful things about you. I know how proud you must be of him, and I am too. I promise to take care of him," she said softly.

She hugged me tightly. "You can cry, Chris," she whispered. "Let it all out. I'm here."

And I did. I released the years of pent-up grief I'd held since Mum's death. I hadn't cried then; I'd been too shocked to mourn her death.

After what felt like eternity, I got myself together, while my driver thoughtfully brought water, and I drank deeply, splashing the cool liquid on my face.

"How are you feeling?" Eve asked as we left the cemetery.

"Light. At peace. Happy," I said, smiling. "Thank you." I squeezed her hand gently.

"You're welcome," she replied.

My second goal was accomplished. Now, the main event. I discreetly touched the ring in my jacket pocket.

"Where are we going?" Eve asked.

"To our favorite restaurant," I said.

"Yay!" she exclaimed playfully, but my heart hammered against my ribs as we approached the restaurant.

What if i forget my lines? What if she says no? But another thought countered: She loves me. She wants to be with me.

"What are you thinking about so intently?" Eve asked, noticing my seriousness.

"Nothing," I said, relieved to have arrived. "Let's go."

Inside, the manager led us to a private room, winking conspiratorially.

"Are you sure this is the right place? It's so dark and empty," Eve said, turning to me. I shrugged, just the the lights flickered on, revealing a large banner behind her: "Will you marry me, love?" Written boldly on it.

Relief washed over me. Everything was in place. I'd give Frank a raise, I decided, once Eve said yes of cause.

"Ah, thank God, although it is still a bit deserted," Eve said, turning and finally seeing the banner.

Her gasp was my cue. I knelt, ring in hand, waiting for her to turn fully. The shock on her face was priceless. She looked close to tears. Then, as I began to speak the carefully rehearsed words, my mind went blank.

'This cannot be happening ' I thought, a wave of panic rising within me.

'I HAD FORGOTTEN MY LINE'