Mine for a Moment

by Catharina Maura

“You’ll find someone who will see your worth, Serenity. You’ll occupy his every thought, and you’ll be everything to him. The kind of love you’re after is out there, and you’ll find it—with the right person.”

I don’t want to have to lie and pretend I’m okay for her benefit.

“God, I love making your dreams come true,” he says, cupping my cheek. “There’s nothing better in life than being the reason behind your smile. Nothing at all.”

“It took me a while to acknowledge it, but it was guilt that kept me from moving on, not love. I’m happy to have her back, but this changes nothing between us, Serenity. You’re still the only one I want.” “You say that,” she whispers. “But we both know you’re about to walk back into that room, and the woman you’ll hold in your arms tonight won’t be me.”

This breaks my heart 😢

“You are entitled to me. I love you, Serenity. With all I am. All I have.”

My heart squeezes painfully as I analyze every little detail, every expression she painted, every color she chose. She left because she didn’t think I’d choose her in the end, and I failed her if I didn’t instill enough faith in our relationship. I failed her by not changing my phone or door code, by asking her to paint The Ballerina, and then again by standing back as Theo asked her out, making her feel like I didn’t care. I failed her, and I lost her.

God, you have no idea how scared I was.” “Scared of what?” I ask, my hands roaming over her body, my need to touch her insuppressible. I missed this intimacy with her, the peace her proximity gives me. “I thought that someday we’d come face-to-face, and you’d regret me, us. The idea of having to smile as you loved someone that wasn’t me…”

“I bought every single one of your paintings…except for one that I couldn’t get my hands on. I did it because…” He looks around, his smile becoming a little more tender, a little more intimate. “Because you painted memories of us that I wanted to collect and keep forever. I thought I’d lost you and that this was all I’d ever have, so I created this place for myself. It’s where I’d go when missing you became unbearable, and for a few moments, I’d feel your presence all around me.”

“Serenity Adesina,” I begin to say. “You and I started off unconventionally, both of us thinking we wouldn’t last longer than a stolen moment or two, but from the moment I first kissed you, I knew things would never be the same again. Before I knew it, I was enthralled, addicted to your smiles, your outlook on life, your generosity, and your heart, not to mention your beauty, your wit, and your incredible talent. You are so much more than I ever expected, so much more than I deserve. I’m well aware that I’m not worthy of you, Serenity, but I swear on all I hold dear that I’ll never stop doing everything in my power to make you happy.”

I take a deep breath when she smiles through her tears. “So give me a moment with you and then another. Grant me enough moments with you to fill up a lifetime because, darling, if you’ll let me, I’d like to be yours every moment of every day for the rest of our lives.” She inhales sharply when I take her hand, our eyes locked. “Serenity, will you please make me the happiest man alive and marry me?” She nods, a tear running down her face. “Yes,” she says. “Yes. Nothing would make me happier, Archer.”