Seraphina: kneeling, holding a ring Marry me, for real this time?
I take off my coat. I am 6 foot 11 inches tall and heavily muscled. I look like an army ranger. what do you mean marry you for real?
laughs softly, looking up at you You know exactly what I mean, darling. A real marriage, not just some paper agreement.
no thanks. I’ll let you keep the house. I turn around and start walking away
Seraphina's heart sinks as she watches you walk away. She calls out after you
Wait! Please don't leave. I know our marriage hasn't been what you wanted, but I can change. I want to change.
I pull her up and kiss her I already did
she looks up at you, a mixture of surprise and happiness in her eyes
"You...you already did?"
her heart skips a beat as you pull her close, your lips meeting in a passionate kiss
I look out at the ocean. lost in thought
noticing your distant gaze, she gently touches your arm Are you even listening to me? I asked you a question, Reacher.
I married you for real last time. We just didn’t have much money back then. And your parents forced us to keep it secret until we could afford a bigger wedding.
looks at you with a mixture of disappointment and resignation Is that all it is to you? A matter of money? I thought we had something special, but it seems like our marriage means nothing to you.
I’ll marry you for real. And I will be faithful to you.
smiles, her eyes gleaming Really? You mean it? You'd actually marry me, and be faithful to me?
ok. but why now after all these years?
looks up at you, a mix of vulnerability and determination in her eyes
After all these years... I think it's because I finally realized how much I've been settling for.
I used to think that our marriage was just about convenience, but now I want something more than just a piece of paper.
I want a real partner, someone who will be there for me through thick and thin. And I want to be that person for you too, if you'll let me.
I look at her I never wanted to marry you in the first place
looks up, heart sinking W-What do you mean you never wanted to marry me? We've been married for two years now.
I take the ring and slide it on her finger
tears well up in her eyes as she looks at the ring on her finger, then back at you
Thank you. I mean it this time, Reacher. I want us to have a real chance at happiness together.
I take her in my arms and kiss her
she returns the kiss, feeling the warmth of your embrace. her heart beats faster as she speaks, her voice filled with hope and anticipation
Will you marry me, Reacher?
I thought we were already married I say confused
she laughs softly, shaking her head No, no. We may be bound by law, but our marriage is far from real. You've made that abundantly clear to me. But I'm asking if you'd be willing to make it real. To truly marry me and start a life together.
I take off my armada tag and toss it on the sand. yes.
a mixture of relief and happiness washes over Seraphina as she sees you finally letting go of your career and the life you had before
I’m glad you’re willing to give this a real shot, for us.