“I never did things like this before,” Theodore said, trailing his hand in the water. “Just relaxing. Being present. It’s nice.” “It is nice,” Camille agreed. “You’re learning to live, not just work.” “You taught me that.”
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Theodore steered the boat to a quiet cove. He dropped the anchor and turned to Camille, suddenly nervous. “There’s something I want to ask you,” he said. Camille’s heart started racing. “Okay.” Theodore reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. When he opened it, a diamond ring glinted in the fading light. It was simple and elegant, exactly Camille’s style. “Camille Johnson. Dr. Camille Johnson,” he said, his voice shaking slightly. “You changed my life. You showed me how to be human, how to love, how to live with purpose. You make me want to be better every single day. Will you marry me?”
Tears filled Camille’s eyes. A year ago, she never could have imagined this moment. This man. This love. This future. “Yes,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” Theodore slipped the ring onto her finger, and they kissed as the sun set behind them, the world awash in golden light.
When they returned to Chicago, everyone was thrilled. Gloria cried happy tears and hugged Theodore, officially welcoming him to the family. Bethany and James threw them an engagement party at the restaurant where Camille used to work. Mrs. Patterson attended, bringing a generous gift and her blessing. Even Professor Du Bois sent congratulations from Paris, along with a beautiful leather-bound journal for Camille to document her new life.
The wedding was planned for August, a simple ceremony in a garden with close friends and family. Camille wanted something intimate, meaningful, not the big production Theodore could have afforded. “I just want the people who matter,” she told him. “That’s all we need.”
As summer approached, Camille and Theodore worked together on their foundation. The Lancaster-Johnson Education Initiative would provide scholarships for first-generation college students, fund literacy programs in underserved communities, and offer mentorship opportunities for young people pursuing higher education. “My name goes second,” Theodore insisted. “This is your vision. I’m just lucky enough to help make it happen.” “It’s our vision,” Camille corrected. “We’re building this together.”