Salvaged
Maggie
Fifteen Months Later…
I think my rejection last year made Brayden insecure in our relationship and future. Even though we are better than before, I can’t help wondering if he harbors some fear from being put off in his first proposal. He says he is doing just what I asked and fixing himself, and I have been sitting on a big surprise for him for over a year now, so if I give him the gift, maybe he will understand that I believe in him, that I believe in us.
Brayden’s birthday is next week, so I begin to plan a barbeque for him at Ryder’s house. Jake and Ryder have a pig cooking, so we will have some pulled pork sandwiches, smothered in a traditional North Carolina vinegar sauce. Add some coleslaw, macaroni and potato salad, and some hushpuppies, and I am one happy girl. My mouth waters just at the idea.
My parents are coming into town for the barbeque, as well. As a result, it’s the perfect time to unveil the surprise.
The day of the barbeque, we have my family and all of our closest friends around—well, minus Valerie because she’s not in a place to be supportive to Brayden. However, Vanessa comes with her mom and kids.
Brayden comes alive at seeing them. Both women mean a lot to him.
After we all fill up with some great food and a few beers, I ask Ryder to open his back garage for me then take Brayden by the hand.
“Baby, you’ve come so far. I love you and wanted to get you something to show you how much you mean to me. It’s not in the condition it once was, but I’m sure you can bring it back better than before,” I say, anxious to show him.
As we walk around the corner, Ryder removes the cover, and Brayden stares silently for the longest time.
“I know it looks a mess,” I start rambling, tears slowly falling from my eyes. “It’s your Charger, though. Dave’s son wrecked it while driving too fast on a trip in the mountains. The title is salvaged, but the car can be repaired. It’s yours, baby. Just like you, it can come back and be even better.”
He wraps me in his arms and kisses me with more passion, fire, and love than ever before.
“Thank you. No one has ever done anything like this for me. I love you, Maggie.”
“I love you, too.”
***
Brayden
Well, here we sit, all our family and friends together, and I’m working up the courage to ask Maggie to marry me again. I guess we are both full of surprises today.
I never thought I would have the chance to drive that car again. It was Valerie and Vanessa’s mom’s first car. She sold it to me when I got my first job. I never imagined being without it, until I got in such a mess. To have it back is like getting a good piece of my past back.
With everyone standing around us, I immediately drop to my knee, holding Maggie’s hand in mine. “Margaret Rose Lawson, I love you. You’re amazing and full of surprises. My plan for today was to do this later when we’re alone, but I can’t wait. Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife? I promise to love and cherish you always, even above and beyond any car or drug. I promise to be honest with you always and to continue to grow into a man who is worthy of your love. I promise to stay clean. I promise to grow old with you, shower you with love and affection, take care of you, and give you as many babies as you want. I love you now and for always, Maggie.”
She silently cries while the suspense kills me. Surely, she won’t turn me down a second time.
Seconds tick by, and she’s still not speaking, nodding, or moving.
I stand up, feeling embarrassed to be down on one knee with no answer. I mentally try to brace myself to be let down. This is not the end of the world if she doesn’t feel like the timing is right. She loves me. I have to hold on to that.
Finally, Harrison speaks up, “Maggie, will you answer the man?”
She still says nothing.
I lean in and whisper, “It’s okay, Maggie, I understand. You don’t have to say it. I get it. I won’t ask again.”
I feel defeat washing over me for the second time as I start to walk away, when she reaches out to grab me.
“You’re right, Brayden; you won’t ask again. My answer is yes. Yes, I will marry you. Yes, I will stand beside you through all of life’s ups and downs. Yes, I will be honest with you and grow with you. I will love every minute of growing old together, loving you, and showering you with affection. I promise to take care of you and give you lots of babies. I love you now and for always, Brayden.”
Yes! For the first time in my life, I feel elation. This is everything I ever wanted and it’s going to happen. I have a future of love and acceptance. I don’t need to run from my reality with a drug. I have everything in the woman in front of me.
I kiss my fiancée right there in front of everyone, basically making love to her with my mouth.
There is not a drug in the world that could give me a greater high than the one I feel right now. I’m completely consumed in my high on life and love.