Page 90 of A Seaside Escape
‘I thank you,’ Greg laughed and did a little bow. ‘Right, now guys, as you know, this rollercoaster year is drawing to a close and I’m happy to be sharing this special evening with yous all tonight. I won’t be doing much blethering. So enjoy the music, and dance if you have the room around you, but remember…’
‘DON’T SING ALONG!’ the audience shouted back in unison at the smiling and nodding man holding the guitar.
Greg sang an eclectic mix of songs and the audience revelled in the wonderful music, defying his orders to stay quiet at every opportunity; never more so that when he sang ‘500 miles’ – Mallory’s favourite Proclaimers song. The pub was in uproar and the atmosphere was electric. Mallory glanced around at the smiling faces and saw joy that mirrored her own and it dawned on her that never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she could ever be so happy again. There she sat, surrounded by friends old and new, in the wonderful place she now called home, listening to the dulcet tones of the man she adored and she knew right then that nothing could top the elation she felt right then and there.
*
When his set was over, Greg announced that it was five minutes to midnight and there was a huge cheer. He grappled through the crowd, his sights set on Mallory and hers on him, but it was like he was swimming against the tide. She watched as people grabbed him to hug him, pat him on the back and congratulate him on a brilliant show, but ever defiant he locked eyes on Mallory, clearly determined he would get to her in time.
When he finally reached her he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door, a grin fixed on his face. She glanced over to Josie and Brad questioningly but they were too caught up in each other to notice. Someone announced over the PA that there were four minutes remaining. They made it outside and he was virtually dragging her along with her giggling uncontrollably.
‘Greg! Where are we going? We’re going to miss the countdown.’
He said nothing but continued on, pulling her behind him, teetering on her silver high-heeled shoes. It was evident he was on a mission.
They arrived at the midpoint of the Atlantic Bridge where they could still hear the ruckus in the pub; the announcement came that three minutes remained.
‘I think we should celebrate here, Mallory,’ he said as he pulled her in for a lingering passionate kiss that had the usual effect on her legs.
‘Two minutes to midnight!’ came the voice over the PA.
Greg gazed deep into Mallory’s eyes with such love and adoration. ‘Mallory… I love you more than anything in this world, do you know that?’
A wide smile spread across Mallory’s face as she stroked his cheek.
He took a deep breath. ‘I love your laugh, I love your body, I love how you make me feel… and I want to feel that way for the rest of my life…’ His words came out in an emotional rush and Mallory’s giggles subsided as she melted into the sincere gaze of the man she loved.
‘One minute to midnight!’ came the announcement in the background.
Greg’s chest heaved and his eyes fixed on hers as he stood before her. ‘Please will you make me the happiest man alive? Mallory, Am pòs thu mi?’
Mallory was confused by his words; presuming they were Gaelic but not quite sure what he was asking; she could tell it was a question by his inflection. But then he held out a small, black velvet box and she gasped, her brow furrowed.
‘Ten, nine, eight, seven,’ could be heard from the pub.
Greg dropped to one knee holding the box aloft. ‘Mallory, will you marry me?’ His eyes sparkled with unshed tears and hope as he gazed lovingly up at her.
‘Four, three, two.’
Her mouth fell open and her hands reached her face. ‘Oh Greg… YES!’
‘Happy New Year!’ Loud cheers and whoops came from the pub as people began to celebrate.
Greg rose to his feet and pulled her into his arms to kiss her as people spilled out of the pub cheering and singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
Greg and Mallory only had eyes for each other, both out of breath as if they had been running and both with tears tracing warm tracks down their faces. The enormity of the wonderful situation warming them both against the bitter winter chill in the air.
Greg realised he was still clutching the box. ‘You haven’t even seen the ring,’ he laughed as he opened the lid.
Mallory gazed in awe at a single princess-cut diamond, set on a white-gold band engraved with Celtic love knots. It was simply stunning. He took the ring out of the box and she held out her left hand for him to glide it onto her finger.
Suddenly someone at the pub saw what was happening on the bridge. ‘I think Greg’s proposed to Mallory!’ the onlooker shouted. ‘He has! He’s proposed!’ A cheer rang around the cold midnight air and everyone ran to join them on the bridge.
Colin was the one who had shouted and he was the first on the scene. He hugged Mallory and told her, ‘You’ve become like a daughter to me and Christine these past months, Mallory, and we’re so very happy for you, love.’
Mallory’s tears were relentless. Josie squealed in delight and Brad lifted her and spun her around. People were hugging Greg and congratulating him. But through all the excitement and furore Greg and Mallory still gazed at each other lovingly, smiling; beaming. Greg mouthed the words ‘I love you’ and she reciprocated.
‘Back inside for champagne,’ Stella announced.
