I glanced at Phoebe. “You were in on this?” I blurted out, but she only nodded and encouraged me to go to him. Lex did the same and we met upon the centre of the bridge.
“Lex? What are you doing here?” I said, not understanding. He put his finger to my lips and I couldn’t help but tremble from the spark that shot into me from his touch.
“Shh. Don’t speak. I’ll explain everything. I promise. But first I have to say something.”
I frowned, but nodded.
“God, I missed you so much,” he whispered, taking me in as his head tilted to one side.
He paused and inhaled. “Sorry it took me so long to get back but I am determined that this will be the last ever time I have to say that horrid word to you. But I am; I am truly sorry, Aimee.”
“It’s OK, you don’t—”
He smiled. “I said don’t talk.”
I beamed at him. I wanted to stick my tongue out but held back, knowing this wasn’t the time for immaturity.
“I also regret not doing this properly the first time round. You deserved so much more, and I want you to know that although it was said in a moment of passion, I truly meant it; you are my everything, and there’s nothing stopping us now.”
Was he talking about what I think he was talking about?
Sound around me became focused as if my body had switched to high alert, and I could hear the beat of tiny wings that flew by and the tinkle of every passing water droplet that swished along in the stream beneath our feet under the bridge.
Lex tilted his strong chin down to look deep into my eyes, as if trying to make me realise how much he loved me, and my legs quivered in response.
Message understood, loud and clear.
I marvelled at how he made me feel, that he had this effect upon me even when he wasn’t touching me. The air between us vibrated, filled with electricity.
Lex took hold of my hands and with a smooth grace lowered himself down onto one knee.
Oh my god. Oh my GOD!
Letting go of one hand he searched inside his trouser pocket.
“Aimee, you have made me a better man; I was a shadow of a person before you came into my life, and whenever I’m around you, everything is made clearer. You give me a reason to be, and there is no other way to say this, but I can’t dream of a life without you.”
He lifted up his hand, and clasped gently between his thumb and forefinger glinted the most magical ring I had ever seen. I gasped; it was beyond perfection.
“Will you do me the pleasure of becoming my wife?”
Behind me I heard a squeal of delight and light rapid clapping, and I imagined Phoebe jumping up and down.
This was it, I thought. He was everything I ever wanted, and this time there was no doubt, I wouldn’t allow myself to second–guess his intentions again. So what if I lacked money, family or status? All that mattered was that he was ready to take me as I was. He didn’t care about my troubled past or my bank balance… he just wanted me.
Lex looked at me, his smile faltering, panicking perhaps. His eyes pleaded with me as if to say you can’t keep me hanging again.
“Yes! Of course I will marry you,” I said proudly, and I heard a holler of happiness as Phoebe cheered.
People would say you take a leap of faith when you accept a proposal, but not me; I knew exactly what type of man I was getting, and we were made for each other. I knew there would be no one else, for either of us, for the rest of our lives. I was so lucky that I’d found the one I was meant to be with at such a young age.
I gave my trembling hand to Lex, and he effortlessly slipped the large diamond onto my ring finger. It was a perfect fit, and my heart did a little dance; how had he figured out my ring size? Once again, he never ceased to amaze me.
I watched as the light was caught and refracted within the diamond as I moved my hand to admire it; the ring looked like it had already been on my hand for a lifetime.
Lex pulled my gaze away from the engagement ring using the tips of his fingers upon my cheek. He took my mouth passionately with his, and slipped his other hand up into my hair at the base of my neck. My insides melted, so much so I had to lean against him, letting him take my mouth for his own. Swirls of joy rose up through my body, making the top of my head tingle. I felt him stiffen as our bodies pressed hard together but could sense several pairs of eyes upon us; surrounding us.
We both gasped as Lex broke off the kiss and he whispered into my ear, “I have one last surprise for you. A very special engagement present.”
I looked around and caught Phoebe’s eye; she stood alongside Steve, who had magically appeared, and she grinned at me, her eyes moist at the corners. Lex led me, not towards Steve and Phoebe, but over to where he had been standing on the other side of the bridge.