The Rose Proposal

February 26th, 1905. New York City, New York. 

Drip, drip, drip.

The rain has finally let up ever since it started raining this morning, Elizabeth thought as she strolled through the streets of New York.

Cudgel asked me to meet him in Time Square, Elizabeth thought again, Where is he?

Elizabeth turned and turned, looking in one direction then to another; wondering where her handsome lover is. Until her vision went black.

"Hello, love," a voice purred in Elizabeth's ear.

With a smile, she tugged his hands down from her eyes and turned to face Cudgel Miles, the handsome bachelor (now in a relationship), and Irishman.

"Cudgel," Elizabeth grinned, embracing the young man.

Cudgel happily accepted Elizabeth's embrace, hugging her back.

"I am glad you accepted my offer, love," said Cudgel, "I have a lot in plan today and a surprise."

"Oh?" Elizabeth replied, hooking her arm with Cudgel's.

"If I tell you the surprise then it won't be a surprise," Cudgel grinned at her, tugging Elizabeth closer to his side. 

"Cudgel," Elizabeth whines, jutting her lower lip at him.

Cudgel laughs he leaned in close and captured her lips with his. 

The world faded away. It was just her and the man in front of her, sharing a breathtaking kiss. Just two lovers sharing a loving kiss while strolling around in Times Square. No big deal. 

Sadly, Cudgel broke away smirking at Elizabeth's pouting lips.

"Don't you worry, love," said Cudgel, "You will be receiving more than kisses tonight."

Elizabeth blushed as Cudgel guided her away from the busy streets.

"Where to?" She questioned.

Elizabeth squeaked when Cudgel pulled her out of the way from a carriage. His arms wrapped around her smaller frame, tucking her under his chin. 

She felt so safe whenever she's in his arms, savoring the defined muscles under the many layers of clothing. He's always there when she needed him the most.

"If I told you, it'd ruin the surprise," said Cudgel, "But that will be for later. For now, I am taking you to dinner."

"You didn't."

Cudgel smirked at Elizabeth, allowing her to pull away far enough for her to see his smirk.

"Cudgel Miles, you did not!"

Cudgel laughs, holding his arm out for Elizabeth to take.

"Oh, I most certainly did." He chortled.

Elizabeth hooked her arm with Cudgel while shaking her head.

"You've gone mad, Cudgel. How in the world did you even get a spot? It takes weeks, months even, to get a spot!"

"I have my ways, dear Elizabeth," said Cudgel.

Cudgel held the door open, allowing Elizabeth to enter then entered after she did. He helped her take her coat off and hung it up before taking her hand.

Apparently, he didn't need anyone to guide him to the table nor did any of the waiters stop him.

Cudgel pulled the seat back for Elizabeth and she took a seat, he then pushed her back in then took a seat across from her.

"Go ahead and order what you wish, love," Elizabeth arched a brow at him, "This is your night, Elizabeth. Take advantage of it."

Elizabeth snorts.

"Be careful what you say, Mr. Miles."

After dinner, Elizabeth clung onto Cudgel's arm as he led her around Time's Square

“Where are we going now, Cudgel?” Elizabeth questioned. 

“Somewhere,” Cudgel said, “Be patient, mhm?” 

Elizabeth pouts. 

“You also said I’ll be getting kisses. “ 

“Say “please” then.” 

“Cudgel.” 

“Ah ah.” 

“Fine. Please?” 

Cudgel smirked and leaned down to kiss Elizabeth. He gently bit down on her lower lip, tugging on it then pulled away. 

“You cheeky bastard.” Cudgel chuckled, pecking her lips. 

“You love me anyway,” 

“Yes, I do.” 

Cudgel laughs, hooking his arm with Elizabeth’s again. 

“Come on, Ms. Dale.” 

Elizabeth playfully pinched his side and laughed when Cudgel shot her a dirty look. In return, Cudgel squeezed her backside. 

“Oi!” Elizabeth glared at Cudgel, “Behave yourself, Mr. Miles.”

“And you are the one who started it, Ms. Dale.” 

Elizabeth stopped walking, watching as Cudgel climbed a fire escape. She pursed her lip, staring at Cudgel’s outstretched hand. 

“Care to join me for stargazing, my love?” 

Elizabeth sighs and takes his hand, letting him help her up and climb the fire escape. 

“Close your eyes for me,” Elizabeth frowned at Cudgel, “Trust me.” 

Elizabeth sighs and closes her eyes, allowing Cudgel to help her the rest of the way to the rooftop. 

“You can open them.” 

The first thing she saw, are roses. Roses all over the place, on the walls, on the rooftop, leaning by the edges of the rooftop with candles lit. She turned around and saw Cudgel on his knee with a velvet black box and a ring. 

“My dear Elizabeth Mary Dale, I’ve been in love with you for ten years. We’ve courted for five years now and I am certain you are the one I wish to call my wife. Will you marry me?” 

“Of course I’ll marry you, you fool!”

Cudgel grinned like one, he swiftly got to his feet and swooped Elizabeth off hers and sealed his lips against hers. 

It’s like fireworks going off in Elizabeth’s mind. Cudgel Miles is her fiance now and she is his fiancee. She will be helping Cudgel run his company, the Daily Mart Inc, and bare his children if the time came for it. 

Yes, this is everything Elizabeth dreamed of. A young, handsome, and wealthy man, a man that can provide anything for her with a snap of his fingers. But that’s not all that’s important to her. 

His personality. Kind, caring, understanding, but also protective and a tad stubborn. In front of his colleagues and his employees, however, is a different story. 

He’s cold and very much serious, but behind the doors of home is when he changes. 

Unfortunately, the kiss had to come to an end. Cudgel pulled away, resting his forehead against Elizabeth’s. 

“I suppose you’ll be writing this story?” Cudgel grinned. 

Elizabeth grinned back, leaning on her toes to kiss him again. 

“Only if you help me, Mr. Miles.” 

“Gladly, Mrs. Miles.”