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By the end of the dessert, I’ve heard tales and stories from everyone at the table, all about Jayce and Finnan. My heart feels full at hearing such joyful and fond accounts of their adventures, and I wish I’d known him then.
The evening is a true celebration, punctuated with fantastic food and company.
Just as I anticipate the end of the evening, Jayce clears his throat, taps his glass with a silver spoon and stands.
The table and even the rest of the restaurant descend into silence.
“Thank you,” he starts. “Thank you for being here and marking this day.” He raises his glass, and he’s greeted with cheers and grunts of support. “But… if I may say a few words.” He looks at me and then back towards his audience.
“Finnan picked me up and turned my life into what it is today. There’s no other way to look at it. I owe him everything. He was my idol, my best friend, my brother. He’s not here to see me today, but I hope he’d approve. You see,” Jayce pauses, giving me a moment to blink my tears away, “Finnan teased me about you, Zennor, for so many years. All the guys did. When I took them to Tregethworth, they thought I was waiting for my imaginary girlfriend.” Bear and Archie laugh a little, and I feel a rush of heat to my cheeks as I look at them both and smile.
Jayce looks back at me. “But you’re here, with me today, and not in my imagination. Finnan taught me so much in my life, but one of his most important lessons was you’ve got to take your shots because you don’t know what’s next. He can’t be here to see this, but you all can. Zennor Williams, will you marry me?” He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a ring.
My breath catches in my throat as I look between him and the ring.
“I bought us both bracelets when we first met, and I still wear that silver bead from mine around my neck. I got this at the same shop, although I did pay a tad more for this.” Murmurs carry around the table, but I’m still in shock, looking at a beautiful diamond set between what looks like two waves of gold.
He crouches down next to me. “So, what do you say?” This time he’s speaking only to me.
“Yes.” I look up at him with tears in my eyes. “Yes!”
He slides the ring onto my finger, and the whole restaurant erupts into applause and shouts of congratulations.
“I can’t believe you did this. I had no idea.” He pulls me to stand as he does.
“Finnan would want me to take my shot, and this way, I’ll be able to think about him and how happy you make me. It’s a win-win.”
“I’m sorry I never got to meet him.”
“So am I, baby.”
“To Jayce and Zennor,” Archie toasts.
“And Finnan,” Jayce and I toast together.
If you enjoyed falling in love in Cornwall, head back to Tregethworth in New Tides.
