Page 83 of Taken from Her
Dr. Erica Hartley approached with her research materials. "Portland State University wants to establish the Marten-Larwood Center for Community Partnership Studies. Your model is being studied internationally, and we'd like to create a formal research institute to support replication efforts."
"We're honored," Lavender replied, "but any center should focus on the community members who make partnership possible, not just the leaders who facilitate it."
Her response drew knowing smiles from people who understood that Lavender's instinctive humility was exactly why their approach worked.
Elena returned to the microphone. "Before we move to the social portion of the evening, Diana and Lavender wanted to share something with all of you."
Diana felt her pulse quicken. They'd planned this moment carefully, understanding its significance for both their relationship and their community.
"Five years ago," Lavender said, "we began a partnership that we hoped would serve Phoenix Ridge. What we discovered was that serving our community together deepened our love for each other, and loving each other made us better at everything we do."
"Tonight," Diana continued, "we want to formalize our commitment. Not just to each other, but to the community that'ssupported us, the work that's fulfilled us, and the future we'll build together."
She reached into her jacket pocket, withdrawing a small velvet box that had been hidden there all evening. Around the room, people gasped.
"Lavender Larwood," Diana said, her voice carrying across sudden silence, "will you marry me?"
The question had been planned, discussed, and agreed upon weeks ago. But kneeling in front of their entire community, Diana felt the weight of five years and the promise of whatever came next.
Lavender's smile was radiant. "Yes. Absolutely, completely, forever yes."
The room erupted in celebration as Diana slipped the ring onto Lavender's finger—a simple band with small diamonds that caught candlelight like stars. They kissed while their community cheered, five years of partnership becoming the foundation for everything they'd build together.
"Speech!" someone called out, and the crowd took up the chant until Diana and Lavender found themselves back at the microphone, the engagement ring sparkling on Lavender's hand.
"We didn't plan speeches for this part," Lavender laughed, "but I want to say that Diana didn't just propose to me tonight. She proposed to our community and the future we'll create together."
"And I want to say," Diana added, "that Phoenix Ridge isn't just witnessing our engagement. You're part of it. This community made our love possible, supported our partnership, and will be part of our marriage."
"To partnership!" Julia Scott called out, raising her wine glass.
"To community!" Georgia Darricott added.
"To love that serves something larger than itself!" Dr. Hassan contributed.
The toasts continued as people mingled, congratulated, shared stories, and expressed gratitude. Diana and Lavender moved through the celebration together, newly engaged but feeling like they were simply acknowledging what had been true for years.
Near midnight, as the formal celebration wound down, Diana found herself on the community center's deck with Lavender, looking out over Phoenix Ridge's harbor where lights reflected off the water like glittering diamonds.
"How does it feel?" Lavender asked, admiring her ring in the moonlight.
"Like everything we've been building was leading to this moment."
"Marriage won't change anything, you know. We've been partners in every way that matters for years."
"I know." Diana pulled Lavender closer, breathing in her unique scent. "But tonight made it official."
Inside, cleanup was proceeding with the same cooperative efficiency that characterized everything their community did. Police officers worked alongside café regulars, city officials packed decorations with nonprofit volunteers, and Georgia directed operations with the authority of someone who'd been organizing celebrations for seven decades.
"Ready to go home?" Lavender asked.
Diana looked through the windows at their chosen family working together, then across the harbor toward the houseboat where they'd built five years of shared life.
"Yes," Diana said simply.
They walked hand in hand through Phoenix Ridge's quiet streets, past the café that had brought them together, toward the harbor where their floating home waited. Behind them, thecommunity center's lights gradually dimmed as their celebration ended and their future began.
Diana smiled, feeling Lavender's engagement ring press against her palm as their fingers interlaced.
Five years in, and every day still felt like a beginning.
