Epilogue: Part Deux

 

Gabriel. 12:01 am the same night.

 

After our party ended at Chez Paul, I brought Lexie back to my place. There’s a fire in the fireplace, my twelve foot Christmas tree that Lexie and I decorated is over in the corner, lit and piled high with gifts for our friends and family.

Lexie has kept her gifts at her place, but I hope, after tonight, that’s going to change. When we get to my home, my girl is wiped. It’s been an emotional day for her and I know she probably just wants to head to bed, but I’ve got other plans.

“The night’s not quite over, Lex. Why don’t you go get into your pj’s and meet me out by the fire?” I’ve got something important planned for tonight. I wanted it to happen right after midnight so these memories won’t replace her mom’s anniversary, they’ll just give her something positive to think about when that day ends each year.

“I’m so tired, Gabriel.”

“I know. Just for a little bit. I want to sit and look at the tree with you. It’ll be romantic.”

“Okaaay. I’m a sucker for your romantic side.”

I watch her walk down the hallway toward our bedroom. This only gives me a few minutes to make the magic happen. I quickly dim the lights and grab the bottle of champagne I’ve had chilling in the fridge. Bringing it over, I set it on the table in front of the sofa. Next, I race to my office to unlock my safe. Grabbing what I need, I shove it into my front pocket. “Shit. I’m nervous.”

Stepping back into the room, Lexie is sitting on the couch, holding the bottle. She’s wearing her Rudolf and Clarice (See, I know her name now.) reindeer slippers and a pair of her whimsical holiday pajamas. These are dark green with Santa heads floating every which way all over them. “Champagne? I’m pretty tired, Gabriel.”

“I know.” I don’t want to say anything else. It’ll ruin everything. Without wasting any time, I kneel in front of her.

She blinks at me, her mouth agape. “Gabriel?”

“Lexie.” I take a deep breath of air. I’ve rehearsed this speech a million times, but now that it’s happening, I’m going off script.

“I love you. I have no idea how I got so lucky to find you. I knew you were special I just had no idea how special. You’re sexy, kind, loving, and you’re my best friend.”

She gasps, and I watch as her hand moves up to cover her heart. “You’re mine too,” she whispers.

“I’ve never had one of those before you, baby.” She nods as she wipes a tear from her cheek. I pull out the small box from my pocket and hold it out to her. She raises her hand to take from me. “Open it.”

She slowly opens the lid, and I watch her shoulders slump. I want to laugh but I can’t. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s a key.”

“Yeah, to my place. I want you to move in with me. You and Cy, Ron, Hermione, and Shelly.”

“Gabriel, I can’t move in with you.”

“Why not?” I know why not. She’s not the type of girl who moves in with a guy. She’s the marrying kind of girl.

“It’s… I don’t believe…”

“You don’t believe in living together?”

“I do. For other people. Just not for me,” she says sadly.

As she’s about to get up from the couch, I pull out a second box. “Maybe this will convince you.”

She gasps looking first at the ring box then at me. “Gabriel?”

“Open it.”

“It’s not the key card to the underground parking garage, is it?”

I chuckle. “No. Open it.”

She takes the box from my hand, and I move up to sit next to her. This is going to be emotional for her. I want her to be in my arms when she sees it. Slowly, she lifts the lid of the tiny velvet box.  Peering at the ring, she blinks and blinks again. “G-Gabriel?”

“Yeah, angel.”

“H-how? Th-This is my mom’s ring. She was bur-buried in hers.”

“I had it designed to be just like hers.” Or as close as I could get it.

“How?”

“Your dad sketched it out for me. He said she always wanted you to have her rings, but he couldn’t let her be put to rest without them.”

My girl is sobbing now. “I love it. So much. I loved her rings so much.” Wiping away her tears. “I can’t believe my dad was in on this.”

“Well, I couldn’t very well propose without his permission, could I? What kind of man does that?”

Sniffling, I pull the ring out of the box and slide it on her finger. “I had a wedding ring made to match hers too. I hope you’re going to say yes now.”

“Are you going to ask?”

I get back on my knee. “Move in with me?”

She slaps the side of my head, not heard. “Oops, wrong proposal.” Clearing my throat, I look into her eyes. “Lexie Cartwright, will you make me the happiest man on the planet and marry me?”

“Yes.” She says still sniffling. “I love you, Gabriel. Of course, I’ll marry you.” I grab her around the middle, lifting her up into my arms.  “Now, we can go to bed.”

She’s giggling now, and it’s a beautiful sound. A sound I hope I hear for the rest of my life.  God, how did I get so lucky?