142
Friday, July 24th, 1987, 5:35 P.M.
In regards to all the relationships that Myles had experienced in his life, nothing could compare to the one that would soon be upon him on this momentous evening. He was going to ask the woman of his dreams to be by his side for all of eternity.
He was going to ask Belinda to marry him.
The very thought of her face fueled his body with elation and euphoria. She was a rapturous beauty with a heart and a soul to match. A woman so filled with life, nothing could contain her. The two of them would be more than just a dream couple in the eyes of the world. They would live life to the fullest, all the while proving to everyone that their love was not just a passing phase. Unlike many other famous couples, the public would see for themselves. They would see the devotion and the adoration in their eyes.
As he traversed throughout the winding streets of Beverly Hills, he couldn’t help but feeling a trace of nervousness beginning to enter his body. Although they had spoken earlier in the day on the phone, and Belinda sounded legitimately overjoyed to hear from him, he still wasn’t one-hundred percent sure that she would accept his proposal of marriage. He had abandoned her in the most critical time of her life, and also displayed expressions of doubt about his ability to handle the act of commitment; Something he was intensely ashamed of.
After pulling into her driveway and entering through the security gate, he shut off his engine and paused for a moment to reflect on his life. All the loves and heartbreaks— All the flings and one-night-stands, would soon be nothing more than a distant memory for him.
All except for one. The one that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
“Hi.. sweetheart.. How are you?” he asked as Belinda answered the door.
“Hi.. come on in,” Belinda smiled as she stepped aside for Myles to enter.
Myles reached out and handed her the dozen, red roses he had purchased for this glorious occasion. Belinda took them into her hands and cradled them against her body. She looked down upon them as if she were holding a baby.
“They’re beautiful… Thank you,” she said.
“You’re welcome,” answered Myles.
The two of them continued to look uneasy as they entered the front foyer, almost as if Belinda knew instinctively what was about to happen.
“Can I get you anything?” she asked.
“Um, maybe just a little Drambuie.. if you’ve got some,” he fumbled.
“Sure, I think so,” said Belinda as she started to walk away. “I’d better get these flowers in some water. I’ll be right back.”
Belinda disappeared towards the kitchen as Myles made his way into the living area. He sat down on the couch and wrung his hands together. He was noticeably anxious.
After a few minutes, Belinda returned to the living room with two tumblers of liqueur in her hands. She decided to join him in their uniformed quest to soothe both of their rattled nerves.
“Here ya’ go,” said Belinda as she handed him his glass.
“Thank you, honey.”
After taking sips at the same time, they each stared into one another’s eyes. After several seconds, Myles was the first to speak.
“Belinda, I’m so sorry,” he said.
At first, Belinda’s instincts were to tell him not to be sorry; just like the good, little girl she was supposed to be. But instead, she closed her mouth, inhaled, and continued to gaze into his eyes. She wanted him to be sorry. She was angry at him for running out on her in her time of need. She was a strong woman now and felt like she needed an explanation as to why such an accomplished man would turn his back and act like such a coward. She decided to let him explain himself.
“About what?” she asked with a steely glance.
Myles was somewhat surprised at her reaction. Belinda had instantly positioned herself as the one with the upper hand. He bestowed himself and answered her—
“For not being there for you… and Lorna…” he answered. “Honey, I’ll do anything if you’ll forgive me,” he poured as he touched her knee.
Belinda did not answer. She looked down at the ground. At this moment, Myles knew it was time for a sermon. He put down his drink on the coffee table, got up off the couch, and started to move about the room in an aimless manner.
“I don’t know what’s been wrong with me lately,” he began. “I guess I’ve been looking for answers where there’s no questions.”
Belinda looked over at him. She was ready to listen.
“I guess I’ve been afraid of doing the wrong things,” he continued. “I think I’ve been afraid that… I might not be a good husband and a good father,” he said, hoping that a nice pile of bullshit might make her feel sorry for him. Hey, Myles is no dummy— His father was in television.
Sure enough, it worked.
“Why would you feel that way?” asked Belinda.
“I don’t know… I think that.. every man feels that way from time to time… Every person has their doubts.” he continued to explain, looking towards Belinda for sympathy.
“Oh, Myles.. You never have to feel that way with me… Come here. Sit next to me,” she coaxed, patting the cushion with her hand.
Myles came over and sat down next to her.
“Whatever feelings we have. Whatever doubts we have… about anything,” she continued. “We’ll go through them together.. Okay? We’ll never be alone as long as we have each other.”
Belinda’s sentiments had an immediate effect on Myles’ heart. Everything she said was true. Everything he ever wanted was right there beside him. The love of his life. The mother of his child. He could no longer contain his emotions. He dropped to his knees in front of her and let his words gush out—
“Oh, Belinda.. I can’t hide my feelings any longer… I’m in love with you and I always will be… Will you marry me?”
Belinda was now officially melting. I mean— this dude is freakin’ handsome.
“OH MY GOD!!” Belinda yelled out. She didn’t even answer him. She just threw her arms around his neck and attacked him with kisses.
Somewhere in the next five minutes, she said ‘yes.’
Copyright 2024
by Clark Wright