I’ve been keeping busy with decorating our new house, furniture shopping and meeting the builder Nick hired out there a few times to go over what we would like. He and his crew have worked hard to have it finished quickly and ready to be moved into next week. When I walk in through the front door it feels like home, which is what I wanted, to feel a vibe of warmth and being welcome. Charlie’s room is everything a little wannabe princess could imagine, my favourite place in the house besides our bedroom would have to be the upstairs hallway where I have framed and hung photographs and some of Charlotte’s artwork, I love walking past them, it always puts a smile on my face and will remain a timeless reminder of her childhood.
We’ve settled into a routine, Nick takes Charlotte to school in the mornings and I pick her up. The school we chose is not far from the house, she has made new friends and seems to be doing well so far. With my days free I have been spending time working on charity events alongside Mary. There’s a fundraiser coming up for the children’s hospital which I’m enjoying helping to organise, I’m proud and grateful to be able to help out but it’s made me realise how much I miss the world of interior decorating. We’ve settled in quickly and without any major issues so I don’t see the point in waiting to get back to work doing what I love.
Speaking of work, last week I emailed an old colleague which I had kept in touch with over the years and who I considered a friend. Tiana was always so nice and sweet to work with, so every few months we would correspond. I put it out there asking how things have been since I left and that I may be interested in returning if there are any openings. She called me back later that day and after chatting put me through to the head of human resources, a lovely lady named Linda, she knew of me and of the work I used to do for the company and was more than willing to meet with me, so I have a job interview next week. I made Nick promise not to interfere, he just said they’d be crazy to not want me back.
Waking up on a sunny Saturday morning I turn my head towards Nick’s side of the bed to see it empty except for an iPad that has been left on his pillow with a post it note stuck to it.
We’ve gone out for breakfast, thought we’d let you sleep in.
Watch this to put a smile on your face.
I’m a little hurt they went without me but I’ve been fighting a cold and not sleeping very well so I understand Nick wanting me to rest. I sit up in the bed, adjusting my pillows and leaning against the headboard I bend my knees, place the device on my legs and get comfortable to watch whatever it is that’s on there.
The screen comes to life with Nick and Charlie sitting at the piano, he starts to play a tune then I hear their voices as they start to sing a duet. I recognise the tune as You and Me from Oliver and Company. They’re swaying to the beat and give each other a high five once the song has finished.
“Come meet us at the house at eleven o’clock, baby,” Nick says then the screen goes black.
That was amazing, the cutest thing ever, my cheeks hurt form the large smile on my face. I love seeing these kinds of moments between them. He has been such an amazing father to Charlotte, he would do absolutely anything for her, suffice it to say she has him wrapped around her little finger and she looks up to him so much. The way they have bonded, you would never guess that he has only been in her life for less than a year. It’s been almost one whole year since he reappeared in our lives. That day he showed up and I laid eyes on him again I could have murdered him in cold blood there and then, I had no idea what would have transpired afterwards and that we would find ourselves here, so much can change so quickly, life is short and sometimes there are no second chances, I guess we’re one of the lucky few.
I try to call Nick to tell them I loved their little performance but he doesn’t answer. That’s very odd, he always answers when I call.
I shower, dress in a red sundress, flats and long black cardigan. I enjoy time alone as much as the next person but being here on my own this morning is weird, I miss them and the apartment is too quiet. After a quick breakfast of yoghurt and muesli I drive myself in my brand new silver BMW, a surprise gift from my Nick, over to the house. As soon as I pull up in the driveway my phone beeps with an incoming text message. I pull my phone out of my bag.
Nick: Follow the rose petals
What?
Opening my door, as I step out of the car I look down at my feet where I notice the red, pink and white rose petals making a winding path around the house leading to the back. Their scent is wafting in the air around me. I walk over them following the flowery path halfway across the backyard. The path stops at the steps of a white gazebo. When was this placed here, it wasn’t here last weekend. It’s decorated with twinkling fairy light and white flowers. I take the three steps up to the centre of it, an outdoor glass table and white wicker chair setting has been placed in it. It’s so beautiful. I feel like I’m in a fairy tale standing here surrounded by all the romance created by the sparkling blooms.
I find another iPad which has been placed on the table with a white card on it.
Watch me, it reads.
I shake my head, how many iPads does this man have?
Picking it up in my hands I remove the note and play the video. A familiar tune starts, my heart launches up into my throat upon hearing the first lyrics from What Makes You Beautiful, one of my favourite songs.
Photo after photo of Nick and I from when we were first together appear before my eyes, we look so young and carefree in them to more recent ones with Charlotte. I didn’t even know he had some of these. So many great and happy memories pass on the screen before me. Charlie pops up on the screen smiling. It looks like she’s standing in Nick’s study, I’m just able to make out the edge of the couch in the corner of the screen.
“Hi, Mummy,” she waves, “I’m helping daddy with a surprise. Ready?”
When did they do this? She’s wearing the purple top she had on three days ago but I don’t recall them disappearing.
She kneels down then comes back up holding up large pieces of cardboard and begins showing them to me one by one, letting each one drop to the floor at her feet every few seconds as the song continues to play in the background.
Hi Mummy! Guess what?
You’re amazing in every way.
Everything you do for us makes us feel special and loved.
I love our family but there’s something wrong.
You’re not a Moore.
That just doesn’t seem right.
You know what else?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I was your flower girl?
I would be so cute.
So…
Will you marry daddy?
Turn around.
Tears started falling down my cheeks after reading the fifth card Charlotte held up when I caught on to what was happening. I’m shocked and surprised. My mind has gone blank. My legs feel numb.
Putting the iPad down with shaky hands I turn around on my heels and there Nicholas is looking all handsome and sexy in a suit and white shirt, the top buttons undone revealing the skin of his upper chest. I cover my face with my hands sobbing, suddenly becoming overwhelmed by my feelings and what’s occurring.
Usually I know the exact moment he is in my proximity, this time I didn’t even feel him come up behind me. He pulls my hands away so he can see my face, taking one of my hands in his wiping the tears away with his other one.