A clear sky hung over London that night, barely a wisp of cloud disturbing it. The stars glittered in their numbers above, and the moon cast a silver light as far as the eye could see. It was a beauty the city rarely saw, and for a moment, I marvelled at it.

    The night was quite still for a change, as James and I wandered slowly along the streets…well, he wandered, I sort of hobbled. He had my arm around his neck and held my waist to give me support. The walk did me some good though, I could feel my feet remembering how to work again. After a while I was able to move mostly by myself, although he kept hold of my hand just in case.

    “Feeling better?” He asked as we came to the park, “…We can sit down if you like?”

    “No, no…I’m fine. Much better, actually.” I assured him and smiled.

    He had been an absolute wonder since I had woken up, keeping me company when I could barely walk, helping me around when I could; we had talked more in the last couple of days than I think I have ever talked to anyone before. I had even woken up this morning to find that he had left a bunch of fresh lilies in the vase on my windowsill. I honestly do not know how I had spent so much time denying my love for him…it seemed crazy now, but to be honest, everything was at that moment, and I would not have it any other way.

    “I’m glad of that.” He said, smiling back. He held my hand tightly, as if he never wanted us to be parted again.

    “Thank you, by the way.” I said after a few moments of silence, “For everything. I owe you my life, you risked your own for mine…my own knight in shining armour!”

    He laughed and kissed my hand, “I love you, silly. You don’t have to thank me for anything.”

    “I love you too.” I replied, the words coming out so unexpectedly easy. I had never thought I would ever say those words to somebody again…I suppose it’s nice to be proven wrong once in a while.

    We walked through the canopy of trees onto a centre green; James was oddly silent all of a sudden. It was unusual for him, he was usually so talkative. I looked at him, wondering why, and noticed he looked somewhat nervous, though he tried to hide the fact that he appeared to be collecting his courage.

    “James?” I asked after a minute, deciding to prompt the conversation myself. He looked inquisitively back at me, “Before we left you said something about…?”

    “Oh, I wanted to ask you a question!” He grinned mysteriously, though the nerves weren’t completely gone. Interesting…

    “And what might that be?” I replied, and he stopped walking.

    We slowly came to a stop; he put his hand on my shoulder turning me to face him. He took both of my hands, and planted a small kiss on my lips, “Well.” He began…”It’s rather an important question…more like a life changing question actually...”

    He got down on his knee, still holding one hand and looking up at me with that glint I remembered so well. I felt my heartbeat quicken eleven fold as I realised what he was doing. He wasn’t, was he? My eyes must have looked like tea saucers I was so surprised.

    “Miss Cybelle Marrie DeHamphir.” He said slowly, taking a deep breath before he continued, reaching into the pocket of his trench coat with his free hand, “Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?” At this, he held out to me a ring, a thin band of gold setting two small diamonds and an emerald.

    I was so shocked, to the point where I could barely speak. My lips seemed to have forgotten how to form words!

    “I know, it’s maybe a little soon.” He continued, getting up and pacing nervously, listing off a number of apologies and excuses, followed by counter arguments in an inconsistent blabber.

    “James, calm yourself, I can’t get a word in edgewa-!” I started to interrupt, but my legs gave way beneath me as I stepped into his path. Luckily, James broke his monologue just at the right moment to catch me under the arms just before I hit the grass. I winced at my corset digging into the healing wound across my chest; he lowered me down so we were both kneeling together.

    “I’m sorry…” He whispered gently in my ear for the tenth time.

    I took a moment to recover from the sharp pain before I found my voice again, “No, It’s not at all…I mean…I…” I took a breath before I could continue without stumbling over my own words. “What I mean to say is…yes! Goodness, of course I will marry you!” I blurted hurriedly. I could barely give my answer fast enough.

    He smiled softly, helping me get back on my feet and sliding the ring onto my finger, “You, Miss DeHamphir have just made me a happy man.”

    I had this ridiculous grin all over my face by then, “And you, James Lovett have just made me the happiest woman alive.”

    He laughed and kissed me again, a long, soft kiss. My heart started its palpitations once more, to the point I worried it might just burst through my chest. I could never remember being happier, more content than I was at that moment. Everything suddenly seemed worth all the pain, the misery, for this dream-like moment in a deserted little park.

    I wrapped my arms around his neck, wishing it could last for an eternity.

    “Are you sure I didn’t ask too soon?” He murmured again, his face close to mine. I pulled back, allowing our eyes to lock.

    “No.” I said softly, “James, I have loved you for longer than you know. My only regret that I did not trust myself to tell you sooner.”

    He smiled again, I could feel his warm breath at the short distance, “Let’s forget regrets.” He suggested, and then he placed his hand gently on my cheek, “I have loved you every day for a thousand years.” He said, the sincerity in his eyes was enough to make my heart melt. I could have cried for all my happiness.

 

    Mrs Cybelle Lovett. Has a ring to it, don’t you think?