AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She’s still so young fer her age. I don’t want ta ever think of Ma bein’ gone. I know I’ll still have Callia and Aine with me, but the idea of losin’ Ma doesn’t sit well with me.
“When ye ask her, make sure she says yes,” Ma teases me with a smile on her face.
“Aye, I’ll tie her up and keep her in the house until she does,” I throw back, shakin’ my head.
I have no doubt that Callia will say yes, but then again, nothin’ is guaranteed. Ye never know what someone else is thinkin’.
With Aine in bed, and Ma watchin’ the telly, I take Callia’s hand and lead her out onto the patio. It’s not far to the beach, and as we make our way down the steps that lead ta the sand, I know she can see the flickerin’ candles.
“Have you planned a romantic dinner, O’Connolly?” Callia teases me when we step onto the soft white beach.
The night is lit by a million stars, and the moon hangs in the sky, half way ta full, illuminatin’ the earth just enough so we walk ta the table that’s been set up fer us.
“I thought since it’s our last night in Italy, we needed ta celebrate.” Even though the ring is burnin’ a hole in my pocket, I haven’t given her an inklin’ as ta what we’re doin’ here. It’s just a date. Nothin’ more.
“Aye, celebrate indeed. This is the most beautiful settin’ I’ve ever been in,” Callia says with a sigh.
I pull out the chair and wait fer Callia ta sit before helpin’ her scoot closer ta the table. Then, I take my own seat across from her.
The dinner plates are already in front of us, covered by large silver domes. Ma’s friend, who owns a restaurant, helped me set this up. We even have a server who’ll come ta pour the drinks and clear the table once we’re done eatin’.
White wine fer Callia, and a beer fer myself. She should be drinkin’ Prosecco, I know it’s her favourite, but that’s fer after dinner.
I lift my glass and say, “I want ta thank ye fer bein’ my partner in this journey. I didn’t expect ye, and I didn’t ever think I’d find ye, but now I never want ta lose ye. Sláinte.”
“Ye’ll never lose me, Ro,” Callia whispers with a smile and tears shimmerin’ on her lashes. “We’re in this together. Fer as long as we’re breathin’.”
I didn’t think I could allow myself ta love her, but all those years, I’d been lyin’ ta myself. My heart was hers from the night I saved her life, and it’s never been anyone else’s. Everyone around me knew, they saw what she’d done ta me, but my focus wasn’t on love or a relationship.
“Are ye all right?” she asks me as she tips her head ta the side, her gaze takin’ me in.
“Aye.” I shift in my seat. “I’m just thinkin’ about how long it’s taken us ta get here. I was so focused on everythin’ else, rather than allowin’ my feelin’s ta show. But all this was worth that wait.”
I wanted ta do this after we’ve had our supper, but I can’t wait anymore. I’m a nervous feckin’ wreck, and I know if I delay it, I’m goin’ta be a mess fer the rest of the night.
Pushin’ ta me feet, I round the table and stop beside her. I know if I don’t go down on one knee, Ma will have my arse fer it, so I do.
I lower to the sand and slowly pull out the ring that feels like it’s completely burnt a hole in my jeans.
Callia gasps in surprise, her eyes widen as she looks at me and then tears start ta fall. I’m not sure what ta make of it, but it’s now or never.
“Callia,” I murmur her name as I take her hand in mine. “I know ye’re mine. I knew it since the moment I feckin’ saw ye standin’ there in yer short skirt and tank top, tryin’ not ta burst into tears outside that warehouse. It was then I realised I’d never want anyone else, because I knew I needed ta keep ye safe. Even if it was from me.”
I look into her eyes, watching those beautiful orbs glisten from the tears. She’s smilin’, which is a good sign. I’m thankful fer that, and it gives me the courage ta continue.
“I don’t want ta live my life without ye, and I know ye know that. I’m never leavin’ ye, and I’m never goin’ta want ye ta leave me. So, with that said, I’m askin’ if ye want ta perhaps marry me?”
My voice lowers when I say the last few words as uncertainty takes over. My confidence isn’t high right now, but my desire ta make her happy, no matter what, is as strong as ever. It’s a surety I can count on.
