Two months later, Adrien walks into a jewelry store and asks how much the ring is worth.  He finds out this heirloom is why more valuable than he ever imagined!  He is pleased. He is unsure what to think about this new information though.  He knew the ring was important since it has been in the family for many generations.  However, he never knew until today, its exact value. Why the ruby alone is worth millions of dollars!  This is amazing!  As amazing as it can be for a such a treasure.  To think it belongs to him to do with as he pleases.  He is ever so happy.

     Marinette remembers today is Adrien's birthday and wants to do something special for him.  She tries to think of what would be good for this. She decides to make him something. She gets to work. She makes him a light blue hat and a pair of gloves to match. She figures this way his head and hands will no longer get ridiculously cold in the cold winter months.  She places them into some boxes. Then, she wraps them in some cute wrapping paper that has blue seals all over it. She can hardly wait to see the look of surprise on Adrien's  face when he opens his birthday gifts!

   Adrien arrives at Marinette's place at four pm.  He is smiles at her. She smiles as well.

"Happy Birthday, Adrien!"  Marinette says, as she hands him the gifts.

"Wow, is this for me?"  Adrien says.

"Yes, they are for your birthday!" Marinette smiles.

Adrien opens them and sees the homemade items inside. 

"Thanks, Marinette!  I really appreciate the gloves and the hat!"  Adrien says.

"Your welcome, dear!" Marinette says.

"Where did you get them?" Adrien asks.

"I made them!"  Marinette says.

"Really?" Adrien replies.

"Yes, really!"  Marinette says.

"Wow, you are the best!" Adrien says. He hugs her and she returns the hug.

  Adrien and Marinette go on a walk.  He holds her hand in his. He thinks, we have dated for a long time now.   He decides today is the perfect day to ask her something, I have longed to ask her forever.  He thinks, I only hope I don't mess up and that she will be happy when I get around to it. 

   Marinette can tell he is nervous. She wonders, what is going on through his head?  I mean why does he seem so nervous?  It is just us two together on a date. There is nothing wrong with this as we love each other. I mean he does not plan to dump me, right?  She thinks so many things. She is not sure what to think to be honest. 

  Marinette's POV:  What ever could it be that troubles my dear, Adrien?  He knows by now that I love him and always will.  So, what could it be that has him, so nervous his hands are all sweaty?  His face is all flustered and he seems to be about to faint.  Does he feel as if all our love is for naught?  Does he feel like we have need to separate for some time?  Oh, what is it?

 Adrien's   POV:  I am not sure how to go about doing this.  I mean, what is the proper way to ask the one you love such a question?  I have no experience in this kind of thing, and it is not like I have someone I can talk too that knows how to help.  I suppose, I will just have to wing it and hope for the best.  I feel so silly because I can feel the sweat drip down my forehead and towards my chin.  I can feel sweat all over the palms to my hands.  I don't want to make Marinette think I am upset, or at odds with her.  I mean it is anything, but that!  I love her !  I know she loves me!  So, what is it that makes this whole ordeal, so difficult?

   to be continued in Chapter 16  The Question?