Fifty-Nine

Mark straddled his Vespa, parked tightly along the curb of Vere Street, a wide smile permanently etched across his stubble. “What’s your favourite so far?”

Alex snapped a burst of photos, capturing the twinkling Christmas lights that stretched high above the Oxford Street intersection. She bounced back to Mark’s side, ignoring a honking black cab swerving past.

“I loved the massive reindeer in Covent Garden—oh, and the huge boughs of mistletoe dangling over Apple Market.”

“Yeah, I know you liked that one. I still can’t feel my lips…” Mark swayed to his left, avoiding Alex’s swatting hand.

Several feet away to their right, four teenage girls stood near the entrance of a Debenhams store, taking sly photos and considering whether to approach. Alex was so mesmerized with London’s festive finery that she didn’t clue in.

“I liked Carnaby Street, the disco balls, but way too many people. I thought we were going to get swarmed.”

Mark put on his helmet. “Yeah, we escaped just in time.”

“The paps caught you, though. I bet those photos are online already.” She took her helmet from Mark’s hands. “Nice getaway-driving skills, babe.”

“It’s easy on these wheels.” He glanced at the girls starting to stir. “Hop on, Lex! Let’s get a closer look at the lights up ahead.”

Alex climbed behind Mark and put on her helmet. “Ooh, can we head to Trafalgar Square after? I want to see the big Christmas tree.”

“Yep, it’s easy going from here. Ready?”

Alex squeezed his waist.

Mark revved his scooter and joined the flow of vehicles through the intersection. High-end New Bond Street, with its pricey boutiques and world-famous labels, sailed past as they travelled southwards on their Christmas lights hunt.

Reaching the short, pedestrianized stretch of the street, Mark slowed his Vespa to a stop, allowing Alex to jump off for more photos. Huge sprays of glistening lights, fashioned into peacock feathers, fanned out across the night sky, creating a magical archway over their heads. Still wearing his helmet, Mark walked anonymously alongside his scooter, weaving through upscale Christmas shoppers as Alex flittered back and forth across the pavement, taking photos and babbling excitedly.

“Wow! It’s SO beautiful!” She climbed on the Vespa. “This is definitely my new favourite.”

Photos happily snapped, they drove past Tiffany and Chanel and down a few side streets until they were zooming up The Mall with Buckingham Palace at their backs and Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square beckoning ahead.

Alex fondly remembered this route from their first date: their Vespa ride around London and the two hours they had spent in the sun, lounging on the green and white striped deckchairs in St. James’s Park. An excited flutter tickled her stomach, just like it had almost three and a half years ago. She squeezed Mark’s waist, prompting him to turn his head slightly, acknowledging the relevance of their whereabouts. That hazy June day they shared stories, ‘took the piss’ out of each other, and began a friendship that would blossom into the kind of love Alex had only read about in books.

Cheese sandwiches…rollercoasters…the photos and texts that had followed an hour later—Mark’s words: “London is definitely better with you in it”…

Passing under Admiralty Arch, the wheels of the Vespa jolted over a pothole, bouncing the happy memories from Alex’s mind. Her soft gaze snapped into sharp focus.

Except for a few lights illuminating the fountains, Trafalgar Square and its four bronze lions were plunged into almost complete darkness. A huge Christmas tree stood in the centre of the public space, but no lights dazzled from its boughs. Only a shadow of Alex’s smile remained. Mark slowed his bike and parked by the curb.

She laid her chin on his shoulder. “Booo! Didn’t Traf Square get the invite? They’re totally late to the Christmas party.”

Mark turned his head. “Now that I think of it…these lights get switched on after the others. We’re probably early by a week. Sorry, Mouse.”

“It’s okay.” She laughed. “Gives me a reason to come back when they’re lit.” She lightly pressed her lips together. “So…home, then?”

“Tell you what…I know a pretty place you’ll like, but it’s a bit of a drive.” He winked. “Hold tight?”

Alex perked up. “Holding tight!”

Mark retraced their journey, flying through Admiralty Arch and back down The Mall. Passing Buckingham Palace, he veered off in a different direction, joining Park Lane as it stretched north along the east side of Hyde Park.

Alex spotted the Animals in War Memorial, a beautiful bronze sculpture including two mules, a horse, and a dog, but Mark zoomed by so fast, she barely had time to blow the pup a kiss. Watching it disappear over her shoulder, she faced forward for the drive along the north side of Hyde Park. She cuddled into him, clasping his waist tighter as she laid her head on his shoulder.

After a few minutes and several traffic lights, Mark reduced his speed. Alex took it as a hint that they were near his intended destination.

Mark tilted his head back. “Welcome to Notting Hill, Lex!”

Alex knew the name but wasn’t familiar with the area at all, so rolling along its posh streets was a welcome adventure. Twinkling fairy lights blinked from the windows of candy-coloured terrace houses and quaint shops peddling on-trend jewellery and clothes.

As the Vespa slowed, a flapping black and white awning above a large shop window on her right stole her breath—Biscuiteers! The café famous for its exquisite hand-iced cookies, like the heart and bird-shaped treats Mark had bought for their second anniversary. So sweet…he must have remembered me saying I wanted to visit!

He parked along the curb and pulled off his helmet, his hair pointing in all directions. He peered over his shoulder with a mischievous smile, looking ridiculously adorable.

“You did good, babe! I could murder some cookies.” Alex eased her leg over the scooter and gasped at the festive window display of a gingerbread Santa riding a whimsical cookie train around a colourful—and edible—North Pole.

“It’s adorable! The website doesn’t do it justice. Let’s go inside!” She bounced over to the door. “Oh, noooo! It’s closed…shut at six.”

“Yeah, for everyone else. I arranged extended hours—just for us.” He waved at the woman inside, who promptly opened the door. “Hey, Evie, thanks so much.”

The smiley brunette nodded. “Great to meet you, Mark. Please come in.”

He gestured for Alex to enter first and followed close behind. The shop manager quickly locked the door, preventing the Frank Sinatra holiday classic crooning through their speakers from escaping on the evening breeze.

Alex’s wide eyes darted from the blue and white tissue flowers and snowflakes dangling from the ceiling…to the red bows and fairy lights hanging from the framed mirrors in the seating nook…to the twinkling lights hugging the tree. This café didn’t just do Christmas; it was Christmas. The disappointing dark tree in Trafalgar Square was already forgotten.

“Evie, this is my girlfriend, Alex.”

“Welcome to Biscuiteers, Alex.” The manager grinned. “Please make yourself at home. We have some treats and hot chocolate with marshmallows prepared for you on the table, and if you need anything, I’ll be downstairs. I’ll leave you to enjoy.”

“Thank you!” Alex’s eyes flew around the boutique, its vintage feel welcoming and warm and inviting her to explore. So much pretty. “Where to look first?”

Mark laughed and kissed her on the temple. “Take your time.”

Phone raised, she left Mark’s side and began photographing the beautiful gingerbread houses. Next were the cute snowmen, reindeer, and ice skate biscuits.

She pointed to a familiar blue, green, and pink lovebird anniversary tin. “Mark, maybe we could get this one again? Enjoy them together in front of the TV…?”

“Absolutely.” He smiled.

She skipped back to him, her eyes dancing with delight. “This place is my new Christmas favourite.” She turned away and snapped a few more shots of snowflake biscuits. “It’s a dream come true.”

Festive Frank gave way to a sweet ballad on the shop’s speakers. It wasn’t Christmassy, it was old…and familiar…

Alex spun around. “Mark, isn’t this that song—”

Mark was down on one knee…arm outstretched…an opened velvet box in his hand with a dazzling diamond ring, sparkling under the shop’s vintage chandeliers. His eyes barely blinked, brimming with excitement and hope.

She gasped. Oh. My. God. He’s doing it…! Her hands rushed to her mouth. “Mark!”

He took a deep breath. “Lex, I’m just an actor who reads other people’s words. Most of the time, I don’t know what to say without a script…but tonight, the words are all mine.”

Tears began to glisten in her eyes.

“I never thought I could love someone as much as I love you, Mouse. No matter where I am, what I do, you’re always in my heart.” Mark’s smile grew. “You’re the writer, darling girl. So, I’m hoping you’ll help me write a new story—the story of us. Alex Sinclair, will you hop on, hold tight, and enjoy the ride with me…for as long as we both shall live?”

“Yes!” Alex beamed through her tears. “The answer’s always yes!”

Mark laughed. “That’s my line, Mouse!” Tears shone in his eyes as he stood up, and he barely made it to his feet before Alex lunged to squeeze and kiss him.

“Not so fast.” He licked his lips and removed the ring from the box. “May I?”

Alex, face wet with tears of joy, gave Mark her left hand.

“Lex, this is Mum’s ring, the one Dad gave her when he proposed…”

He slipped on the white gold band with its pretty half-carat diamond. The brilliant gemstone, along with two delicate Celtic love knots hugging it on either side, caught the Christmas tree’s fairy lights and glittered on her finger.

Alex had imagined so many times what this moment might feel like, but nothing had prepared her for this joyous reality. The exquisite ring, the beautiful setting, and Mark’s cheeky, committed grin were perfection. Sometimes real life is even better than your dreams…

“It’s engraved with the title of Dad’s favourite song—it’s about living in the moment with the girl you love.”

Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she stared at her hand…lost for breath, lost for words. She pulled the ring from her finger.

Mark’s shoulders deflated slightly. “Or I can get you something bigger, something new…”

Her eyes pored over the dainty engraving—Here, There and Everywhere—the Beatles song, the one Mark loved, the one playing right then. Alex’s heart melted…the classic ballad, adored by his beloved father, would forever be part of their own story now. So romantic, so perfect…so Mark.

Alex returned the ring to her finger and grabbed his hand in a squeeze. “It’s stunning! It’s exactly what I hoped for. Thank you!” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

A relieved laugh broke through Mark’s lips. “Really? You love it?”

“I do. I love it!” She wiped her eyes. “And I love you!”

“Ah, my darling girl.” He picked her up and whirled her around, careful not to topple the Christmas tree. “I could kiss you forever! I’m never gonna let you go.”

“Tried that once—never again!” Alex held her fiancé tightly.

Mark set her feet back on the floor, but Alex still felt like she was flying. The gorgeous stranger who’d caught her eye over four years ago in the lobby of the Royal Court Theatre was hers. The ups and downs of their flirtation around London, months dating and living together, the separations for work, even their breakup—all worth it.

In that moment, Alex knew: the paths they had taken, though heartbreaking at times, had brought them closer than ever before—stood here tonight in Christmas heaven with Niamh’s beautiful ring on her finger…

She pressed her mouth to Mark’s, gently separating his lips with her tongue, their first proper kiss as an engaged couple. It was loving, tender, unhurried, and—perfect. They had shared thousands of kisses, but this one sealed the promise of a million more to come.

Here, there and everywhere.