Mine for a Moment

by Catharina Maura

“It isn’t enough, but it’s a start. You’ve missed it, haven’t you? Painting has always been an outlet for you, and I want you to have this, here, with me.”

I know you, Serenity. I know you’ll need to paint to ease your broken heart, so paint for me, darling.”

She glances to her side, and I smirk when she realizes my sheets are now all silk. They took a while to arrive, since they were handmade just for her.

“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.”

You’re just mine for a moment.”

“More than that, I’m worried about the girl he’s seeing and what it’ll do to her to realize she’ll never have all of him. Unless he lets Tyra go, he can’t be the man she deserves.”

He knows.

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

I’m worried about the girl he’s seeing and what it’ll do to her to realize she’ll never have all of him.

I convinced my business partner to name our company after my sister because I saw limitless potential in her, and I’d hoped to channel that.

Serenity, will you marry 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.”

“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?”

I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.