Will You???????

Posted on Fri Jul 10th, 2026 @ 10:11pm by Caretaker Thea Matthews & Senior Medic Roman Quinn

1,886 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Winter's hope
Location: Thea's cabin
Timeline: After the Storm

It was the morning after the big winter storm and Roman was on his way to check on Thea. With her due date rapidly approaching he wanted to make sure nothing unexpected suddenly popped up.

He also had another reason. Rene and Vienna's news about getting married and spurred him on and to his decision. He reached into his pocket and felt the ruby signet ring his mother and father had given him for his birthday but now it was about to serve another role.

He reached Thea's front door and gave it a firm rapping as he waited for her answer. As he stood there he realized just how nervous he was and the butterflies in his stomach weren't helping. He took a deep breath and forced himself to relax plastering a smile on his face.

Getting up to answer the door took a little longer these days for Thea, as she walked to it and opened it she smiled warmly. “Hi Roman, you don’t need to knock you could have just come on in. I trust you.” She smiled as she motioned him inside. “Come on in and get warm.”

Roman beamed at her. "I know Thea and I am glad you do but this is your cabin and it is only right that I knock. But i will take up the offer to get warm." he moved further into the cabin. "How are you feeling? Any problems?"

“Odd twinges, false labour pains and all that, but nothing major, or new.” Thea added as she walked back to her chair by the warmth of the fire.

Roman nodded, "Okay. That's good. How are you sleeping? Or maybe I should say, are you sleeping?" He studied her, "Your color is good." He noted.

“Sleep isn’t exactly comfortable these days, but I do sleep mainly because I’m so tired.” She gave him a wry smile. “Guess I should get used to sleepless nights.”

"You won't have to do this alone. I'll help you. I can watch the baby so you can get some sleep or take a shower. Anything you need." Roman answered earnestly.

“I know” Thea nodded. “I’d gotten so used to being alone, until recently anyway. I’m glad I joined this group of survivors it’s given us the home we needed. Plus I got to meet you.” She grinned.

"I'm glad you are here." Roman answered. And I got to meet you as well. For which I am extremely grateful for."
He paused as his hand closed around the ring in his pocket. "What in the world?" He said to get Thea to look away for a moment. In that time he was on his knee in front of her. "I know we haven't known each other long. But ever since I met you I've felt a connection with you. A connection that has only gotten stronger and one I don't want to lose. I love you Thea and I want to go through this crazy world with you with beside me. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

Thea had looked away, turning back to see Roman on his knee along with his proposal she stood open mouthed completely shocked. It took a few moments before the reality of the situation sank in. “Roman I…I…” She looked for a moment like she was going to shake her head, but instead she nodded. “Yes!”

Roman's smile lit up the room at Thea's answer. He pulled out his ruby signet ring and took her hand. "This will have to do until I can get you a proper engagement ring." He said as slipped the ring onto her finger and then stood up and leaned forward to kiss her. "We don't need to rush as you have more important things to deal with coming up."

Thea looked at the ring on her finger, wiping away a few happy emotional tears. “It’s lovely, and I truly can’t believe this! I never thought I’d ever fall in love again, let alone so soon. I know we don’t need to rush.”

"Not as lovely as you." Roman answered not hiding his feelings for Thea. You have made me very happy. I can't wait till tell Vienna!" he finished as he brought a hand up and gently brushed away her tears. "I love you Thea. Now and forever."

“I love you too” Thea smiled as she looked into his eyes. “I truly do! You make me feel like there’s hope in this crazy world, hope for normality and a family life.”

Roman continued to beam at her, "As long as we have each other we can have a family life as well as a degree of normalcy. Besides, like the Beatles said, all you need is love."

“You really are a true romantic at heart aren’t you?” Thea looked at Roman curiously. “I have a lot to learn about you.”

Roman gave her a silly grin. "Yes, I guess I am. Suppose that is why I am a doctor. I want to help people." He met her gaze, "We have a lot to learn about each other and I am looking forward to learning all I can about you."

“Then I guess you should see this..” Thea picked up a nearby album. “This contains all the pictures I had time to save. It’s kind of a mix of me when I was young with my family, up to more recent times. I lost a lot more than I managed to save, but at least I have these.”

Roman took the album gingerly, holding it like the treasure it was. He placed it in his lap as he turned to Thea. "Thank you for sharing this with me." He said softly as he opened the album and looked at the pictures within. There were family photos of Thea with her family, where she was smiling and happy. Some from high school where she was in a dress. He assumed they were prom pictures. Then more current ones with he guessed her late husband. In all Thea was smiling, happy. Roman closed the album and took Thea's hand. "These are lovely memories. Always treasure them. I hope I can give you memories to cherish and be proud off." He squeezed her hand gently. "You have a smile that lights up a room. In time I hope you can find reason to smile more."

“You give me that reason, you make me feel like there’s hope at long last. When all this started I was afraid for the what future held, but now I feel like there’s hope, a light at the end of the tunnel so-to-speak” Thea offered a warmer smile. “Actually, would you like to move in here with me? I like having this space, but it’s lonely on my own, and now we’re engaged it makes sense.”

Roman was quiet as Thea spoke. When she finished he answered her. "Nothing wrong in being afraid Thea as long as you don't let it get the best of you. You are far stronger than you give yourself credit for. As for hope, there is always hope or so I believe for without it we are lost. As for moving in with you are you sure? I mean I'd love to and it's a good way to keep a closer eye on your pregnancy."

Thea smiled and nodded. “I’d love the company, plus now we’re engaged we need to get used to sharing a space and make sure we can get along alright. Not that I’ve got any doubts about that.”

Roman nodded and grinned, "Then it is settled. I will move in. I don't have a lot so it won't take up much space." He grinned again, "I have absolutely no doubts on us getting along. Not a single one. Plus being here, I can monitor your pregnancy closer."

Thea nodded. “Sounds good to me, I don’t have much as you know, so there’s plenty of room here for you.”

"Love it ." Roman replied. "With both of us not having a lot we can add to what we do have and it will be our things. A new beginning."

Thea nodded. “I like the sound of that. Call me enthusiastic but how does moving in today sound?”

Roman's face exploded in a bright wide smile. "How does it sound?" He repeated. "It sounds absolutely fantastic! Let's get this move started!"

Thea grinned. “I’ll start making room for your things.”

Roman leaned over and kissed her softly. "Sounds great! You do that and I'll go and collect my stuff. I should be back in twenty minutes or so."

“Wonderful” Thea nodded. “I’ll be waiting.”

*Twenty two minutes later*

Roman had a box and a small duffel bag containing his meager personal belongings a medical bag full of medical equipment but he was in high spirits. He was moving in with the woman he loved and they were embarking on a new life together.

Thea had cleared what things she had spread around and made room for Roman’s belongings. She could barely believe this was happening, but she was happy it was.

Entering Thea's cabin again he spoke a smile on his face, "Where would you like me to put my stuff Thea? As you can see it isn't much, clothes, a couple of pictures of Mom, Dad, Vienna and myself and some medical equipment."

“Right over here” Thea smiled as she motioned to some empty drawers. “We pretty much have the same so I made you some room. There’s a space in that cupboard there for your medical equipment.”

"Thanks." Roman replied as he began to unpack his belongings. he looked in the direction Thea indicated and saw the cupboard. "That will be perfect, easy access and out of the way."

As he continued to unpack, Roman asked, 'Are you sure I'm not taking space from your things? I don't want to do that."

“Don’t worry I’ve got enough room. We both have the bare essentials right now with the exception of the extra things you brought over for me, so don’t worry.” Thea smiled warmly.

Roman stopped his unpacking and turned back to face Thea. He walked to her and placed his arms around her. "I want you to know how incredibly fortunate I consider myself in meeting and falling in love with you. I will do everything in my power to protect you and your baby." He paused "And I will always love you."

Thea smiled. “I am a very lucky woman to have you. I have no doubt you’ll make a wonderful father.”

Roman leaned forward and kissed her softly. "And you will be a wonderful mother, I am sure of it."

“I plan to be just that” Thea nodded. “Can I help you finish unpacking?”

Roman smiled broadly, "I never say no to a woman's help. I would appreciate all the help you can give." As he gestured to his duffel bag.

“Then let’s get it sorted” Thea grinned.

Roman returned the grin. "By all means let's get started and get this stuff put away."

 

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