The fire in the room had almost died. Austin and Alina lay close together on the bed, her head resting on his chest and his arm wrapped around her.
She could feel him thinking. His heart was racing. Instead of asking him directly, she waited.
"Can I ask you something?" he asked, slowly moving his fingers over her shoulders.
"Since when do you need permission to ask me anything?" Alina smiled.
"Because it is important," he replied.
She lifted her head and looked at him. Austin sat up slightly and took both of her hands.
"Do you want to marry me?"
Alina's breath hitched and she just stared at him. It took her a few seconds to come to the realize that her delay in answering was making him anxious.
"Why are you asking? I mean…didn't we discuss it already?"
