“Don’t cry.” He whispers with a smile. Looking into his eyes they are emanating nothing but adoration. I’m certain the same look is being reflected back at him from my own. I swallow the lump in my throat, I try to speak but nothing comes out. I honestly had no idea this was going to happen today. Sure we have talked about getting married but I figured he wouldn’t propose for a few more months at least, trust Nicholas to not want to wait. “You look beautiful.” He tells me while tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Thank you. Where’s Charlotte?”
“Inside with Wade, probably watching out one of the windows.” I chuckle because it’s most likely true.
“Did you like the videos?” He asks shyly.
“I loved them, both of them.” I say cupping his cheek.
He takes a deep breath in and out before taking hold of my free hand.
“In my life I’ve lived, I’ve loved, I’ve lost, I’ve hurt, I’ve made mistakes but most of all I’ve learned. I will never take for granted this second chance you’ve given me. It’s always been a mystery to me how two hearts can come together and how love can last forever but we have that. From the first time I laid eyes on you, you owned me. Even over the years that we were apart my heart still beat only for you. I've never been so sure of anything in my life but you. I was sure the first time I did this but even more certain now. You are everything I need, you make all my dreams come true because you are my dream come true. I’m a better man for having you by my side and I promise to be everything you need. I promise that wherever you may go, wherever life may lead you, with all my heart I’ll be there too and from this moment on, I want you to know that I’ll never let anything come between us. I love you. Mind, body and soul. It belongs to you. I will love you more with every single passing day. We will grow old and grey together and sit here under this gazebo reminiscing over the many memories we are going to make. I will make sure you have a smile on your face every day. You’re for me and I'm for you because my world just can’t be right without you in my life. Besides your heart, you have given me the greatest gift possible, and that’s Charlotte. When I looked into her eyes for the first time my whole world was changed. I felt a love I had never known before, she matters more than me or anything anymore next to you. I didn’t know what I was missing, now every day I’ll hold her close and cherish every moment. So thank you, Alannah. She and you are all that I live for.”
“Nicholas…” I murmur not quite knowing how to respond to such heart felt words.
He kneels down before me, my heart is about to beat out of my chest, these damn tears won’t stop falling, making my vision blurry. He is saying such beautiful words which I want to remember forever.
He releases my left hand then pulls a ring out of his pants pocket presenting it to me between his fingers. The white gold, oval cut diamond ring is shining with perfection as the sunlight hits it. I can sense his nerves through his unsteady hand.
“Alannah Stewart, will you marry me?”
Trying to get my emotions under control I nod. “Yes… absolutely.”
As soon as he slides the ring on my finger he stands gathering me in his arms, crashing my body into his, his hands wrap around my waist, I lean in kissing his warm lips, he plunges his tongue into my mouth turning the kiss passionate and fiery. I lift my hands and slide them through his hair. His body heat radiating into mine and I feel alive.
“I love you so much, Lana,” he whispers across my lips, my heart flutters at his voice.
“I love you too.” The world falls away as we continue to kiss, in our own private little bubble in our backyard. This kiss is a promise, a promise of love and devotion and of more to come.
I hear Charlotte squealing as she runs up the steps of the gazebo towards us in a pretty silver dress to match her father. Nick pulls away and picks her up bringing her into our embrace. Her grin is infectious as she wraps her little arms around each of our necks.
“Our surprise worked, kiddo,” Nick says to her then kisses her on the cheek before laying another soft kiss on my lips. “My girls.” He says in awe. “Let’s go to the house, I think some people might be waiting to help celebrate.”
He made this a perfect moment. I love the fact that he had Charlotte help him in proposing, making it all the more special and magical. I know the last few years cannot be undone or totally forgotten but they can be let go and left in the past where they belong. We have our future to live.
Chapter 36
Alannah
Five weeks after Nick’s amazing proposal we find ourselves in Fiji on a private island. We arrived two days ago with our families and friends. I slept most of the way here, making the most of the four hour flight, feeling exhausted after the past hectic month.
The past weeks have indeed been busy. On top of planning this wedding I had my job interview which went great, better than I even expected. I was offered a job to come back as an assistant associate until I got the hang of things again that same day, I was ecstatic, as soon as I had stepped out of the doors I did a little happy dance there on the foot path. I had to double check and make sure that Nick didn't play a part in them taking me on so quickly but he assured me that it was all due to me. I can start when we return home. There was no point commencing to only take a couple weeks off and they were willing to wait, I'm certain marrying the owner might have had something to do with that but regardless I'm super excited about getting back into decorating.
Nick and I also had an appointment with his doctor about having more children and the risk of passing on the heart condition. He was nervous and I was anxious as we both sat in that waiting room. After a ten minute consultation he basically told us that there will always be that fifty percent chance that it can be inherited, that we were lucky that our daughter doesn't have it or perhaps my genes were just more dominant that time around. Then he went on to say there is no guarantee, but even if it does get passed on we can manage it, and there is always progress being made in the medical and scientific fields which may help. At the end of the day it's our decision and how much we truly want this.
Back at home that evening we had a lot to think and talk about and we told each other that there was no rush or pressure to make that choice now. The next day Nick asked whether we can start trying on our honeymoon and I agreed, so we pretty much had our answer. No matter what happens I know we'll deal with it together. After all I don't really want too much of a large age gap between Charlie and her sibling. So I threw my pills away two weeks ago when I got my period. He's determined to make a baby during our honeymoon.
Today is our wedding day. We finally made it here. I wake up alone with a giddy smile on my face that will not disappear.
Nick and I spoke about what we wanted and decided that we didn't need the big fancy wedding. The people who are most important to us are here to witness this and that's all that matters. He did some research then showed me photos of this place and I fell in love with it. We get to get away with our families, relax and get married at the same time. It was perfect.
The first time we were engaged I did the whole bride going crazy with planning and stressing out ensuring that everything was perfect but I didn't get to see that day come around. Now, none of that matters, who cares or pays attention to the colour of the napkins or if the ribbons match. The only important thing is me marrying the man who has my heart and the rest are minor stupid details.