Chapter 6 - Table Eleven ForeverOne year later.
Ardith House had changed little over the passing months, remaining the premier dining destination on Federal Hill. The amber chandeliers still glowed, the rain still tapped gently against the tall glass windows, and white linen still covered every table.
Except tonight, table eleven was reserved under a permanent name.
I sat at the table wearing an elegant dark emerald dress, my short dark hair styled impeccably, a far cry from the worn uniform and glued shoes I had worn two years ago. Across from me sat Matthew, looking as striking and powerful as ever.
Underneath the table, Goliath lay comfortably across our feet, snoring softly, completely at peace.
Howard Wynn, the once-terrifying manager, personally delivered our meals, bowing so low his forehead nearly touched the mahogany table.
"Your favorite, Dr. Vance," Howard said respectfully, placing a perfectly prepared plate of sea bass before me. "Compliments of the executive chef."
"Thank you, Howard," I smiled warmly.
When Howard bowed and withdrew, I looked across the table at Matthew.
"You know," I said, picking up my water glass, "I still remember sitting here calculating every penny in my bank account while you ordered sea bass without asking me what I wanted."
"I was arrogant," Matthew admitted, a rich, warm laugh escaping his lips. "I thought I was coming to buy off a girl who had helped my dog. I had no idea I was walking into a room with the woman who would completely rewrite my life."
"And now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow playful.
Matthew reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, exquisite velvet box. He didn't drop to one knee with grand theatrical flair. Instead, he simply placed the box on the white tablecloth between us, opening it to reveal a flawless, emerald-cut diamond ring that shimmered like starlight under the amber chandeliers.
"Now," Matthew said, his voice deep and thick with undeniable emotion, "I am asking for your permission to stand beside you for the rest of our lives. Not as your benefactor. Not as Rhode Island’s feared lord. But as your partner."
I looked down at the ring, then at Goliath, who opened one heavy eye and gave a soft, encouraging tail thump against the carpet beneath our feet.
I looked up into Matthew's eyes, seeing the depth of devotion, security, and love that had transformed my entire world.
I reached across the table, placing my hand in his.
May you like
"Yes, Matthew," I whispered, a tear of pure joy slipping down my cheek. "Yes."
Outside, the rain fell steadily over Providence, but inside Ardith House, under the warm glow of table eleven, the cold was gone forever.
