“Yes.” She wiggled her fingers and said, “See they are fine.”
“Let me see the other hand,” Ethan said.
“You didn’t crush that one,” she teased, but gave him her left hand too. “See, they are fine.”
“No they’re not,” he said.
She looked down at them and asked, “What’s wrong with them?”
Ethan reached in his left front pocket and pulled out what he’d been worried he’d lose this entire trip. “This,” he said. He held up a heart shape ruby surrounded by diamonds. It wasn’t something traditional, but then again, nothing about them was.
He watched her eyes widen as she looked at the ring. “What…what is that?”
Ethan said, “A declaration of my love. Or as many would say, it’s an engagement ring. That is…if you’ll marry me?”
“Marry you?” she said. Taking her eyes off the ring she met his gaze. “You’re asking me to marry you?”
“I am.”
“Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you,” she said kissing him. “Nothing would make me happier than being your wife.”
We’ll see about that.
He slipped the ring onto her finger and said, “I didn’t mean to do it like this, but I couldn’t wait any longer. And…”
“I’m glad you didn’t wait. This is…perfect. But I’m not trying to rush this, because I’d love nothing more than to sit here in your arms, but we can’t forget about Roy.”
Yes Roy.
He sat back and pulled the car back onto the road. There was just one more turn left. With the trees covered in their leaves, it provided a bit of a barrier. But when they turned that last corner, it would be over.
But Kollette wasn’t looking at anything except for the ring on her finger. She never even saw the cabin in front of them. Ethan had thought by now, she’d be questioning what was going on. He put the car in park, but facing the woods. Then he got out and walked around to open her door. She was still sitting there smiling, as though he’d just made her the happiest woman ever. Would she still feel that way in a minute?
“Care to join me?” he asked reaching his hand out to her. She placed her right hand in his and the sun shined down, matching the rings sparkle.
“It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen,” she said.
“It’s nothing compared to how beautiful you are.” He held himself back, knowing if he kissed her now, they’d never leave this spot. “Kollette, I have something I need to tell you. Actually show you. And I really hope, you’re not…angry.”
He pointed towards the cabin and all the people standing there. She grabbed hold of his arm and swayed as she took in the sight.
“Ethan. Your family is here. And it looks like a…a…”
“Wedding?”
She turned to him and nodded. “Yes. A wedding.” She looked back and then saw her father standing there in a tuxedo. “Dad?” She turned back to Ethan. “This is…our wedding?”
“I would like it to be. That is if you don’t object.”
“Why? How?”
“Actually I had a lot of help. Mabel and Roy of course, but your father as well. But if you don’t want to do this. If it’s too soon, or if it’s not what you wanted, I’ll understand,” he said, holding her hand.
She said, “No. It’s exactly what I would’ve wanted. Our families here. What else could I ask for?” Kollette kissed him briefly and said, “I love you Ethan. And yes, I want to marry you. Today. Here. Now.”
It was the first time he relaxed. Although he had done everything he thought she would want, he really wasn’t sure. A surprise birthday party was one thing, but a surprise wedding, that was totally different.
“Well then, I guess we should go and get dressed,” he said.