The Verdant Proposal

by Steven Dantus
(Brentwood, NY)

Picking it from a nearby bush, Tyrese handed her a white rose. “I want you to know that this white rose symbolizes the purity of love I’ve had for you. I’ve loved and accepted you completely and would never try to change who you are.” He then lifted her hand and placed it on his heart so that she too could feel what he was going through. By the motion of her hand movements, Tyrese could tell that she felt the drumming staccato of his heart. He stood there quietly, frozen for a few seconds, staring at her without saying a single word. “I’m actually doing this” he thought to himself.

From a bush right side the first, he picked a pink rose and handed it to her. “This rose symbolizes how beautiful you are, and I’m not talking about your physical beauty.” Tyrese stopped dead in his tracks and gently touched her face. Tracing her lips with the tip of his finger. “I’m talking about what’s on the inside; your inner beauty. How you always seem to put others and I before yourself. Always wanting to please everyone and leave them smiling.” He spoke softly.

He then picked a red rose from a third bush the stood aside the previous ones. “And last, this rose symbolizes all the love which fills my heart that I have for you. It represents how much you mean to me and how passionately I want to share the rest of my life with you. I’ve enjoyed every single moment/day I’ve spent with you. You know everything there is to know about me whether good or bad. Even the moments where I’m down you always seem to figure it out. I’ve never had to tell you when I didn’t want to be bothered with because you automatically took that stressed feeling away. I love you for those reasons and trying to understand my ways. I know that I’m not perfect or anything; and probably will never be, but what I do know is that I love you and want you to claim the title that will only ever be able to be yours, my wife Mrs. Lincoln.” Tyrese felt a bit of hesitation coming along as he gazed nonstop into her eyes. “You once said that if one had something important to say to another, they should go for it. That they should overcome his or her obstacles and triumph over them. Well, this is me overcoming my obstacles, something that I wanted to let you know and show you, what I have felt up for a very long time. What I want to know is - will you take this journey with me, will we grow old together, spend the rest of our lives together?”

Blinded by tears, her fingers felt the cool gold band awaiting her on the bottom of the rose; dangling there was the symbol of his love, the strongest stone, matchless in purity except for his love- an emerald cut radiant diamond. Noticing she was too nervous to take the ring from the stem, he performed the traditional routine of marriage proposals; reaching for the ring, he bent down on one knee and asked “Jasmine Claire Monroe, will you do me the honor? I want us to spend the rest of our lives together as one. I want us to raise a family together. When I open my eyes in the morning, it’s you that I want to see.” She couldn’t stop crying, “The greatest man in the world, whom I adore and love dearly, has just asked me to be his wife.” That’s all she could say at that moment. He could tell that she needed some time to take in all that was said.

Finally, she caught control of her emotions and whispered gently “No”. His heart dropped, tears welling as she gently took his hand, brought him to his feet so they were standing eye to eye, he barely heard her repeat “the honor is mine.” “You have always been there for me no matter what occasion. You were always there to help me through my ups and downs, and all this without a single complaint. From the day we first met until now, you have been nothing but a true friend. You’re remarkable, patient, loyal, respectful, and honest. You and I know both that you are capable of sweeping any girl off their feet. But you chose me.” A sentimental smile worked its way across Jasmine’s face.

Looking at her with an eager expression, Tyrese swiftly picked her up from where she was standing swaying her from left to right in joy. Bending down once more, gliding the ring on to her finger he breathed “My Love.” Rising, he then embraced her passionately.

As they strolled through the garden, amid gorgeous flowers she began to notice the gardenias. “When I said that I overcame my obstacles, I meant it” he said with a confident smile on his face. In amazement Jasmine exclaimed “Oh my God.” In disbelief she ran towards the gardenias to get a better look. “They’re beautiful” she exclaimed softly. “Look closer” he urged. It was then she realized the flowers had been planted in the shape of words. She stepped back and began to see that the gardenias spelled out: I love you Jasmine Claire Monroe.

Bringing his lips to her ear, he quietly vowed, “I love you more than life itself. I promise to be the best husband and friend that the Lord allows me to be, and I promise to try and be understanding in all aspects of our lives together. I promise.” As she looked at him, she paused and smiling said, “From you I could expect no less.”