After waiting for what seemed like a lifetime of waiting for the right moment, Stefan was convinced that he would have to make the right moment rather than it falling into his lap. If he looked back, he could admit that part of it was stalling - not because he had any doubts about Tinsley being his one, but because he personally had been on a trajectory of transition and for a moment there things felt like they weren't on as much solid ground as he'd thought. He wasn't a quitter and neither was Tinsley because they'd weathered what felt like a million rough patches together and the blonde didn't want to wait any longer on asking Tinsley to be his wife. So the moment he'd decided that he was ready he worked around the clock planning a proposal that may not be perfect but would be perfect for them. Of course, Stef had to go through the proper channels of getting grandmother Chadwell's approval which was the easy part considering the woman loved him (or rather what he represented in her eyes), then Tinsley's parents which was also an easy lay up. The gathering part was a little tougher as Stef wanted to strike a balance between having a proposal intimate enough that it didn't feel like just another Rosewood spectacle, but having an audience large enough to share the moment with (after all, they both loved an audience). Once he'd sat down and written it out, between his friends (his real friends like Amelie, Diego, and Siobhan) and hers plus close family the number akin to a decent sized dinner party provided the perfect excuse to gather.
Stefan of course looked stunning in a custom Kiton Cashmere, wool, and silk Tuxedo in navy blue that was perfectly tailored. The 8.5 carat cushion cut diamond flanked by epaulette side stones in a platinum setting that cost him a little over $1 million was practically burning a hole in the inner pocket of his jacket. Prior to Tinsley's arrival, Stefan had a moment alone where he was able to get out all of his doubts and nervousness allowing him to be the picture of calm once he was out in the main dining area. Everyone there knew what tonight was as they awaited Tinsley's arrival, and Stefan found it helpful for himself to work the room with his effortless charm.
When she walked in finally, Stefan's heart stopped for a moment. As per usual, she surveyed her surroundings with the scrutiny of royalty and he supposed he did a good job as he could see on her stilled features that she was indeed impressed. Marina had nailed her assignment because Tinsley was stunning in an outfit it was only right that she seized to be his girlfriend and transitioned into his fiancée' in. He excused himself from speaking with Bunny's mother and went over to her, "Fashionably late, my love?" He smirked as he kissed her cheek because she arrived right on time, meaning this dinner was one she was looking forward to. For the next 20 minutes or so, things concluded as any large gathering would, then the time for stalling was done and Stefan stood and clinked his glass for the attention of the room. "I'd like to thank everyone for coming out tonight first and foremost. If you are in this room it is because you mean something to myself and Tinsley and that is by design. As most of you know tonight is special and I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making the cut." A chuckle spread across the room. He was sure Tinsley was confused because she was not a part of that 'most' yet, in fact she was the only one unaware of why they had gathered. He didn't want to lose his nerve or concentration she he didn't looked down and to his side at Tinsley just yet, getting addressing the room out of the way first and foremost to make way for the moment that was to be just for the two of them. One more deep breath in, and Stefan did look down at Tinsley and held his hand out for her to take. Once she did, he walked the two of them a few feet away from where they were seated, in the center of the two massive long tables where their guests resided. It was time.
Stefan's eyes no longer scanned the people in the room but rather they were wholly fixed on the blonde, the love of his life and Stefan, after writing and rewriting what he was going to say threw it all out of the window and spoke from his heart, "For as long as I've know you, you've always been the center of anyone and everyone's attention, it's just inherent to you, so saying that from the moment I met you I couldn't stop thinking about you isn't a unique experience although it is very true. What is unique though is that I felt a pull that we were two incomplete parts of the same picture so I didn't feel the need to pursue you romantically at first, I just wanted to know you. Every conversation we've ever had, even the combative ones where you told me it would never happen only served as confirmation for me somewhere deep down, I never panicked about you because in my mind I knew we'd be in each other's lives, it just felt that inherent to who I was. We grew together first as friends, then more once you came to your senses and stopped fighting fate." More subdued laughter, but it barely registered to Stefan, so absorbed in committing her to memory. "Baby, I'm so proud of us, we've grown as not the people anyone thinks we should be but as ourselves and we've grown together even when it was hard you never gave up on me and I never gave up on you and I never will, which is why…" Stefan let go of Tinsley's hands then and reached into his suit pocket, producing the velvet box and got one knee then opened it. Cameras flashed (of course he hired a professional photographer) and the people in the room gasped at the ring which was pleasing because of course this was their night, envy was to be inspired - Stefan was in love, not common. "Which is why what I knew on a primal level all of those years ago what solidified as we built this life together, that you and I were made for each other and there isn't a woman in this world that I could give my love to other than you - it's always belonged to you. So, Tinsley Randolph Chadwell will you move into the next phase of our inevitable amazing life together, rule the world as my partner for forever and always and become my wife? Will you marry me?" @queen-tinsley
