Chapter 19: Percy

“I love you,” I said, reassuring Laura that I was here and not going anywhere. It didn’t matter how screwed up this situation was. I was in this for life.

Laura must have sensed something of this because, all of the sudden, she went down on one knee, took my hand, and said, “Let’s get married.”

After saying the words, Laura sucked in a nervous breath, as though she was momentarily trying to pull the question back in, fearful of the answer.

“What did you say?”

“You heard me, let’s get married,” Laura repeated with a nervous smile.

“Why?”

“Why not?”

“Because I think you only asked me to marry you to get back at your father. Laura, I love you, but proposing to me to defy your father is not the right thing to do.”

I could see her lips tighten.

“I hear what you’re saying, but I’m not a teen anymore. I’m not proposing to you because I want to piss my Dad off. My father’s visit made me treasure what we have built here. It helped to open my eyes and realize what I have here with you. You are sincere, loving, and I know that you truly care for me. I want us to start a family. When I look at you, I can see myself with you, and, as much as marriage scares me, I want it.”

She paused to let her words sink in. Laura realized I still had my doubts, so she continued defending her case.

“I want to marry you because we love each other and I want to spend the rest of our lives together. Now, are you going to keep me hanging, or are you going to say ‘yes’?”

“You know I love you too, and I want to say yes. However, this is not the right way of doing this,” I insisted.

“To hell with the right way! We’ve done a lot of things wrong since the beginning of our relationship and yet, here we are. What do you say? Will you marry me?”

“I say you’re crazy, but I think you’re right. Yes, let’s get married.”

We melted in a long passionate kiss.

“I love you, Laura.”

“I love you too, Percy.”

Molly took one of her golden rings off a finger and handed it to me. “No proposal is complete without a ring.”

“Thank you, Molly, I’ll get a better one tomorrow.”

Molly waved my words away, “It’s my gift for you, for bringing so much joy into this old maid’s life.”

I slipped the ring on Laura’s finger, and we kissed again.

“Can I say something?” Molly asked when our lips finally broke apart.

“Of course, you can,” we both said at the same time.

“I know you may have doubts, but I’ve watched how Laura behaves around you, Percy, and you know what I saw?”

I shook my head.

“I saw a woman who loves her man with every bone in her body. You two make me believe that it doesn’t matter how you got together, but what you do once you have each other is what counts. Whatever journey you and Laura are on, it’s the right one. I can see nothing but happiness for you in the future.”

“Thank you,” I said with a voice full of emotion.

Laura hugged Molly tightly. “You’re right.”

Molly gave Laura another squeeze. “I usually am. Don’t forget that!”

“Thank you, Auntie.”

“For what, Darling?”

“For being here for me when I needed you. For bringing Percy back into my life.”

“He makes you happy, Darling. That’s something I haven’t seen in a very long time.”

I held Laura tightly in my arms. “You are beautiful, Laura. I love your smile and sparkling eyes. I love you with every fiber of my being.”

“I love you too, Sir Percival.” She gave me a sassy smile and said, “We have a wedding to plan.”

Oh boy!