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“Nick, listen, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Go on,” he says gently.
I take a deep breath. “I was living half a life before I met you. I was drifting through darkness, numb to everything; it wasn’t a life, it was just existing. Then you came along and saved me. Brought light and love to everything.” I pause as a signal to the waiter. Obediently, he places a chocolate layer cake before Nick emblazoned with the words:Will you marry me?
Nick gawps at it.
Clenching my jaw, I reach in my bag and pull out a small, crocheted pouch. Wordlessly, I slide it across the table. Nick’s lips begin to tremble. Slowly, he opens the pouch and takes out acourt-shaped engagement ring, rounded below and on the top. He stares at it a second, then he lifts his eyes and they look strangely seared; not the reaction I’m expecting. Nonetheless, I persevere.
Taking his hand again, I whisper, “Darling, will you marry me?”
He opens his mouth and moves his lips silently, helplessly. Then he gives up completely. I’ve put him on the spot, and he hasn’t a clue what to do.
My heart is thudding like a machine gun. Scratching the side of my neck, I glance nervously around the restaurant. Dozens of eyes are on us. Clearly, we’ve caught the attention of the other diners, and Nick’s stillness is starting to get embarrassing. Jesus, I just wish he’d say something, instead of leaving me hanging like this.
I swallow painfully, trying to assess the situation. It’s difficult to tell what he’s thinking. Is he pleased or angry with me? Finally, his smile warms up and begins to look a little more natural. He takes the ring out of the pouch, tries it on a couple of fingers before settling forthe one next to his pinky on his left hand. Then with a low sigh, he looks up at me, eyes shimmering with tears.
“I’m completely speechless,” he whispers. “Are you sure this is definitely what you want?”
“You know it is.”
“I-I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes. Make me the happiest woman alive. All it takes is one word, Nick. Please, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
He remains silent, his face tight as a corpse.
A lady at the next table sits on tenterhooks awaiting his decision.
“Nick …” My eyes plead with him. “Say something.”
He licks his lips and gives a small, wan smile. “If it’s certain to make you happy, then yes, I’ll marry you.”
The waiter’s shoulders sag with relief, and the whole room breathes a collective sigh. Then the other diners start clapping, cheering, and stamping their feet. Nick gets up, comes around to my side of the table and hugs me. Now I’m crying, too; I’ve never been so happy. I can’t believe this is really happening.
When the entire furore is over, we return to our seats and finish our desserts. I pour Nick another drink.
“Does the ring fit all right?” I ask anxiously. “The jeweller said we can have another size made if it doesn’t.”
“No need, it fits perfectly,” Nick grins. “Like a glove. You know me so well.” He pauses. “Aren’t you going to have any wine? You’ve been on water all night.”
“I know. I’d love to join you, but I’m on medication at the moment, so alcohol is strictly off-limits.”
He raises an eyebrow. “What medication?”
“Oh, just some antibiotics prescribed by my doctor. You know, for that flu I had?”
“I thought you were all better now?”
“I am, but I’ve still got to take the full course regardless. You know how it is.”
Nick nods and drops the subject.
I’m relieved. I don’t fancy talking aboutmy depression or my increasing dependency on Thurlax.
When the bill comes, I give it the onceover and place my card on the table. Nick bats it away and fumbles for his wallet, but this time I stand my ground. Tonight is all about my wonderful husband-to-be, and no expense will be spared. Reluctantly, Nick accepts my generosity but insists he must make it up to me tomorrow by taking me somewhere equally as swanky. As we finish our drinks, he asks me if I’m going to tell my father about our engagement.
“Of course,” I smile. “I’m going to tell everybody. I want the whole world to know.”
