Page 195 of Destined Lovers

We pass a few more. Then I see a beautiful quote I recognize Fitzgerald wrote to Zelda.

“I love her, and that’s the beginning and end of everything.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

“It’s the truth, Angel. I’ve loved you ever since I met you, and the feeling that’s so ingrained in me has never once wavered. Not for one second, of any day,” his low gravelly voice whispers breathlessly against my ear.

I swallow the lump in my throat, unable to speak, so I meekly grin in agreement and continue to the last one.

“I ask you to pass through life at my side—to be my second self, and best earthly companion.”

Charlotte Bronte

What?!

I gaze over to Declan as he gets down on one knee, and a flutter of excited nerves runs through me.

“You are my best friend, my first and only love, my destined lover,” His smile is bright, his dreamy chocolate eyes hopeful. “Will you do me the privilege of marrying me? To spend the rest of our days in pure bliss, side by side, as my rock and partner in life?”

I roll my palm's heel over my heart to calm my emotions. This man is always surprising me. I was not expecting this today.

I bow my head and look into his eyes, “Yes. One hundred times, yes.” I bite my bottom lip and take a deep breath in. “I’ve wanted this since I was six years old and knew even then that there was no other man for me. I would be honored to be your wife, Declan Buckley.” We both smile at one another, and there are cheers in the background.

He grasps my hand in his, and I bend to run my other through his hair, pushing back the bits that have fallen in his eyes.

I want to tell him more, to express my feelings for him, and I know there is only one way how.

“From the land and sea to the stars in the sky….”

“There will ever only be you and I,” He finishes. “Do you know how much I love you, Pip?”

I nod, emotions getting the better of me, stealing my ability to speak.

I can feel the love seeping out every inch of his body, a love so strong and unconditional that I could live a million lives and still be loved by this man.

“I lie awake at night sometimes, watching you, wondering how I got so lucky to experience a love like ours.” He smiles, “I—I” He chokes up and shakes his head, not finishing his sentence.

He lifts my hand, kisses it softly, and places the ring on my finger, and within an instant, my eyes widen, and my breath catches.

I pull my hand from Declan and bring it up to my face to ensure I see this right.

I can’t control the tears streaming down my face as I drop to the floor, coming face-to-face with Declan.

I frantically rip at the collar of my jumper to find my necklace and press it to my heart for comfort. “H-How is this possible? How did you get this ring?” I cry before an unattractive sob rips through my body.

I don’t need confirmation since I’ve admired this ring most of my life, considering it sat on my mam’s finger for as long as she was alive.

“I gave it to him, Nora.” A familiar voice says from beside me. My head flies up, and Agnes stands there with a somber look.

“Come here, my child. I need to tell you a few things.” I look between her and Declan, and he gives me an encouraging smile and nods in her direction.

I walk over to the couch, unable to take my eyes off the green sapphire ring on my finger. It’s a small oval with two small diamonds on each side and a thin gold band.

Agnes pulls me into a tight, comforting hug but pulls back all too soon. I didn’t realize how much I needed her until now. I spoke to her all week and after the trial, but it’s not the same.

She smiles, “Congratulations…to you both,” she looks between Declan and me, and when she notices my red hair, she runs her fingers through it. “This suits you much better.”

After a moment, and the shock starts to disappear, I can feel my annoyance building because no one is saying anything or giving me answers.

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