9
Proposal
Nathan’s anxiety couldn’t be abated by pacing. However he did so, as he waited for Carrie to change for dinner. Tonight they would be dining in his new apartment as privacy would bring the intimacy he wanted. Since passing the bar and acquiring his assistant prosecuting position, he’d purchased his own place, deeming it time to move out of his parent’s house. While studying he appreciated the convenience of living rent free but law school was over now. Being almost twenty six, he determined to forge a new life for himself. The apartment was merely the first step, tonight being the second.
Much to his relief, Carrie finally appeared wearing a dark green dress that hugged her curves and flared out at the waist. To Nathan she was an absolute vision. Since their first date and night together, he knew he never wanted to be with anyone but Carrie. Her strength, beauty, compassion and vivacity had captivated him instantly. Never having been fanciful about such things as love at first sight in the past, Carrie changed everything. He couldn’t imagine ever being in love with anyone but her.
“You look beautiful,” he said as his nerves threatening to choke him.
“Thanks, handsome.” She kissed him fervently and as always she left him dizzy.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Oh, how exciting!”
Mixed with her enthusiasm was fear. She loved Nathan passionately but Lucas wasn’t the only one who was scared to love, to allow anyone in. The thought of losing Nathan or Lucas, for that matter, at times, almost consumed her. Continuously pushing the panic aside while falling in love ensured she had a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Staying with Nathan frightened her but the thought of his absence from her life scared her more, just. His thoughtfulness, empathy and solidity over the past years kept her sane and enabled her to move forward with her life. To Carrie he was everything and more.
She jiggled her legs nervously during the car ride. Nathan was up to something and her emotions were mixed. When they pulled up outside his apartment her curiosity became the overwhelming sensation.
“Did you forget something? I thought we were going out?”
Nathan smiled; he hadn’t missed her nervous habit. Would her fears outweigh her happiness?
“I’ve decided to put my culinary skills to the test.”
“You’re going to cook?”
“Yes, I’ve given it a go. I spent a good part of today preparing it.”
She smiled despite her anxiety, simply another reason to love him.
“Oh.”
He asked her to wait in the hall so he could prepare. He came to retrieve her and guided her to the sitting room. What she found took her breath away. An assortment of candles adjourned the room casting a romantic glow. There was champagne chilling in an ice bucket, and the coffee table set with cushions placed around it for sitting. Whatever he’d cooked lay beneath a silver serving dish. The aroma lingered in the room deliciously.
“Nathan,” she gasped. “This is beautiful.”
“So are you. Please come and sit down.” He urged her forward and sat her beside the table before pouring her a glass of champagne. Carrie watched with pride as he served their dinner, awestruck by the effort and thoughtfulness of the evening.
“To us,” he said before clinking their glasses together. “Please eat. I want to know what you think.”
The flavour was familiar and delicious with a slight spicy taste. Her heart swelled, chilli was her favourite.
“It’s delicious.”
“Mum’s recipe.” He shrugged nonchalant.
“I knew I recognised it. Yours is better.”
He smiled proudly. “Thanks.”
They ate in compatible silence. Once her plate was empty, he cleared it, returning with dessert, apple crumble and ice cream, her favourite again.
“Did you make this too?”
“Yes.”
“Wow, I’m impressed, sweetie.” It tasted better than it looked.
Carrie was still savouring hers when Nathan sat beside her, refilled her glass and waited patiently for her to finish.
“Honey, that was wonderful and so thoughtful, thanks.” She kissed him tenderly.
Nathan froze for a moment, now was the time. Nerves besieged his chest as did his consuming love.
Finding his voice, he began, “Carrie, I am so in with love you, words could never express how much. So instead, I’m going to show you.” He reached into his pocket. “I want to love and protect you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”
Her breath caught at the end of his words. His chest beat a fierce rhythm as he waited for her answer. The wait would kill him. Her gaze went from the velvet box in his hand to his eyes and back. The fear was there. He could see it in her rabbit in the headlight expression. All he could hope for was that love would beat fear.
The ring was one she’d admired in a window one afternoon whilst they were shopping and her heart gave out at his continued thoughtfulness. Unfortunately fear was winning the race in the emotional sprint.
“I ... Nathan ... I don’t know.”
“Baby, I know you’re scared but I can promise you one thing, I will always be here for you.” He stroked her hair with a gentle caress.
“I know you will but this won’t prevent anything from happening to you. I’ve moved on as best I can. Being with you and constantly worrying about losing you has been hard enough, if we were married ...”
“If you want to think about it, I’ll wait. I don’t care how long it takes. I want you to be my wife and that is never going to change.”
His declaration allowed love, and taking a chance to win. Tears of joy filled her eyes.
“Yes, Nathan, I’ll marry you. I love you so much.”
She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with everything her heart possessed. Removing the ring from the box he slid it onto her finger before kissing her again. His hands became buried in her tumble of curls before he sought out her clothes and removed them with haste. His mouth never left hers as he eased her slowly down upon the cushions. With a newfound passion he trailed his kisses along her neck and down her body. Nathan took each nipple in turn into his mouth and she groaned her assent so he continued his path until he reached her inner thighs and teased her with light kisses until she cried out for more. He pleasured her with his mouth until her moans intensified and she was brought to the peak of desire. She begged for release which he gladly fulfilled.
Anxious to feel her, he plunged inside her, and she cried out his name as he tenderly yet passionately loved her. Her fingers probed his shoulders while his were buried in her fiery curls. Their mouths fused together in fervour as they reached their climax together.
“I love you,” he said as he held her close.
“I love you more,” she whispered, never wanting to be away from his loving arms.
He carried her to bed and the start of their new life.
Nathan watched her as she slept, her lips parted and cheeks rosy. He vowed at that moment to never allow anything to hurt her again.