CHAPTER 14
Faith
I’m completely shocked. My heart is racing and I barely know where I am.
I already fainted for the first time in my life today, and I sure don’t want to try it again…although the aftermath certainly was nice. It did bring me here after all.
Or at least that’s what I thought before this bombshell.
He came to the park to see…me?
I’m so confused and excited I start laughing.
“I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable,” he says. “I just wanted to tell you the truth.”
“No, it's’ not that. It’s just…I don’t know how to react. I’m sorry, it was completely involuntary. You couldn’t understand how powerful and amazing your words are.”
“If you think those were powerful wait until you hear these.”
He stands from his chair and reaches for his trousers. He hikes up the material from his thighs up to his groin and kneels down in front of me.
He whistles.
“What in the world?”
I hear the pitter-patter of small footprints across the marble floor and out of nowhere a little Jack Russell Terrier appears. He’s holding a rose in his mouth and there’s something attached to his collar.
Prince Alistair reaches for his collar and unhooks whatever it is.
The dog sits obediently and Alistair turns to face me.
His hands are clasped until suddenly he opens them, and the little black box inside and my eyes open wide as saucers as I stare at a huge pink diamond.
My arms go numb and my mouth drops.
“From the minute I saw you I knew we had a connection. It may seem crazy, but the only crazy is how I am for you. I’ve been waiting all my life for something that I didn’t think even existed, until you. You make me feel like no one ever has. Not even close. And I want to take your advice, but to do so I want you to guide me, as I’ll guide you. Hand in hand, forever. Faith, will you marry me?”
It’s incredible to think what can happen when you just go out to walk your dogs in the morning.
It’s the most difficult question I’ve ever been asked. I haven’t had any time to think or prepare and this is just the first time we’ve really ever spoke. But that’s why it’s also the easiest question I’ve ever been asked too.
I already know this is the man for me. It may sound crazy, and it may seem like it’s just me living out a crush, but it’s so much more than that. I’ve cried for him and I’ve felt like I’ve known him for awhile now. Meeting was just a formality in my crazy foregone conclusion.
The conclusion that now has the chance to become real.
“Yes,” I say. I bring my hands to my face and the tears flow uncontrollably.
He presents the ring in front of me and I remove my left hand. He carefully slides the ring onto my finger. A perfect fit.
I lean in and kiss him right on the mouth.
I’m crying and laughing and can’t even believe what’s happening.
“Wait a second,” I say.
“What’s wrong?”
“This is truly the old fashioned storybook romance.”
“You mean marrying the prince?” he says. He lifts an eyebrow as if to say, “really?”
“Well, yes, but that’s not even what I was thinking.”
“What were you thinking then?”
“The virgin bride.”
“You’re?”
I nod my head. “I’ve been saving myself and am I ever glad I did.”
His eyes narrow and suddenly it’s almost as if he’s become a hunter.
“So you’re telling me you’re not interested in heading up to my room?”
“I’m not saying that. I just said I was saving myself. I didn’t say for marriage.”
I wink.
He scoops me up and seconds later he’s carrying me upstairs.