When the kiss ends, I smile up at him dreamily, “Mmm, that’s the first time I’ve been kissed in a performer’s dressing room.”
“I’m very happy to hear that,” he says before dropping another quick kiss on my lips.
He takes a step back before taking my hands in his, and I miss the closeness immediately. His thumbs gently caress my hands as he begins to speak.
“Rose, meeting you here, in this dressing room last year, changed my life. You don’t know this, but before I met you, I was contemplating retirement. I felt as though all my creativity and passion for music had been used up. And then, last year, after I finished playing, I opened my eyes and saw you standing right here, in this dressing room looking just as beautiful as you do right now.”
I return his smile and shake my head as tears begin to fill my eyes, not wanting to interrupt him.
“You were radiant and when I took your hand that night, I felt life flow back into me again. There was so much beauty surrounding you, that I knew words would never be able to express it properly. It would be up to me to share that beauty with the world through my music. You saved me that night Rose. You rejuvenated my career and in the past year, you’ve shown me what it truly means to love and be loved. And there’s no one I’d rather spend my life with than you.”
Alek let’s go of my hands and reaches into his pocket before dropping down on one knee. Tears of joy flow freely down my face and cloud my vision as he presents me with the most beautiful ring I’ve ever laid eyes on.
“Rose McDaniels, would you do me the greatest honor, and become my wife? Will you marry me?”
My heart is bursting with happiness as my head begins to nod, before I can get the words out. “Yes! I would love to be your wife.”
Alek slides the ring on my hand, wrapping me in his arms as he gets to his feet and kisses me as if his life depends on it.
When the kiss ends, Alek whispers against my lips, “I love you Rose, thank you for bringing me back to life.”
I lean my forehead against his and smile, “I love you too. I better get ready or you’ll be late for your performance.”
He tightens his arms around me bringing me flush against him as he nuzzles my neck. “Let them wait, they can’t start without me.”
I giggle and try to wiggle my way out of his arms, “True as that may be, the sooner the show begins, the sooner it ends and we can go home and celebrate.”
He growls in my ear before kissing my neck again. “I like the way you think.”
I walk toward the closet and pull my dress from the rack and grab the bag with my toiletries, before stepping into the bathroom. I stick my head back out the door, “You should check out your basket while I get ready.”
“All my favorites,” I hear him say before I hear a crackling noise from one of the bags.
I slip into my dress and heels, touch up my makeup and brush out my hair and step back into the room just as Alek removes a small box from the basket.
His brow furrows as he looks at the long narrow box. “I don’t remember a box like this in the first basket.”
He glances up at me and I bite my lip to hide my nervousness, “Open it.”
He lifts the lid and stares into the box for a minute before realization dawns. Wide eyes meet mine and I can no longer hold back my smile.
“Is this? Does this mean what I think it does?”
I nod, my smile taking over, “Yes!”
Alek jumps up from the sofa, knocking over the basket in the process and scoops me into his arms and spins me around. “We’re having a baby?”
I nod again as I lay my hand on his cheek, “Yes we are.”
Alek sets me on my feet as a knock sounds on the door. “Come in.”
Vince steps inside and Alek wraps an arm around me keeping me close to his side.
Vince looks first at Alek and then me and smiles, “Well you two certainly look happy.
Alek gives me a squeeze, “We are. She said yes.”
Vince looks to me for conformation and I nod holding up my left hand. “Yeah? That’s great!”
He shakes Alek’s hand and gives him a hug before kissing my cheek. “Congratulations to you both. I’m really happy for you.”
I smile and lean into Alek’s side once again. “Thanks Vince.”
Vince claps his hands together, “You ready?”
Alek looks at me and grins, “Yeah, I’m ready.” He turns to Vince, “Take care of my girl?”
“Like she was my own,” Vince says as he offers me his arm.
Vince leads me out of the dressing room and to the front row seat, specifically reserved for me. Once I’m seated, he returns backstage to watch the performance.
A few moments later the lights dim and music begins to play. As the lights begin to brighten on the stage, Alek strolls out, violin tucked under his chin. The Bach sonata he plays has long been a favorite of mine, but now it holds even more meaning.
I watch, mesmerized by his movements as he brings the music to life. When the last note fades, the audience begins to applaud, and I couldn’t be more proud that I’m forever going to be part of his journey.
Alek takes a bow and addresses the audience. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for coming tonight. Tonight is a celebration. Last year, I arrived in Charleston and played in this very theater. I had no idea how much my life would change with just one show.”
His eyes find mine and he smiles before he continues. “You see that’s the night I met the love of my life. The night I found the inspiration I felt I'd lost. The muse I needed to once again create music. And tonight, in the very dressing room where we met, I asked Rose McDaniels to be my wife, and she said yes!”
The crowd explodes into applause again as Alek blows me a kiss from the stage. As the crowd settles down, Alek begins to speak again, “So again, thank you for being here. I hope you enjoy the music and let it speak to you as it did me.”
Alek picks up his instrument and begins to play again. The music washes over me filling me with light and life and I realize, this is what my life will be like from now on. A life filled with light, love and continuous music all wrapped up in the perfect arrangement.
Acknowledgments
Angelina Smith - Thank you for naming these characters and being the first person to read, Alek and Rose’s story.
My Beta Readers - Amanda Whitley & Christina Stewart - Ladies, thank you so much for reading and giving me your feedback. You have no idea how much I appreciate getting your input.
Michael R. Burhans - Thank you so much for editing this book for me. Your insight and suggestions were truly appreciated.
Tracie Douglas - Thank you so much for creating this cover and formatting An Arrangement for Rose. It was a pleasure to work with you and I look forward to working with you in the future.
And last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to my mom, Linda Fields, who not only is the first person to read every story, she is also my biggest fan and supporter and I am forever grateful. I love you, Mom.
All About Michelle
Michelle Rene is author of The Strong Hearts Collection and co-author of The Winter Haven Series.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Michelle grew up in Florida where she still lives today. When not spending time with her family, you can find her writing, or cheering on the Florida Gators. Due to her one-click addiction, Michelle spends her downtime reading one of the many books on her Kindle.
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More Books by Michelle Rene
The Strong Hearts Collection
Decorating With Love
Leaning On Love
A Beautiful Heart
When Love Grows
Standalones
The Flyboy’s Girl – A Photographs Novella
The Winter Haven Series
(Co-written with Xana Jordan)
Nixon
Lyndon
Hayes – Available 2020
Pierce – Available 2021
Michelle Rene is a contributing author in the following Anthologies
Nuts About You
Help Our Heroes
For the Love of Politics
Denim and Blues: A Country Music Inspired anthology
Michelle Rene is a contributing author in the following Coloring Books
Shaded with Love - Volume 2
Cooking with Love
A Arrangement for Rose Page 10
