PROPOSAL

November 2019

Noah wraps his arms around my waist and I spin around and kiss his lips. One hand slips under my jumper and caresses my side. I discard my makeup brush on the vanity in favour of turning around and wrapping my arms around his neck.

He kisses my forehead, then my nose.

"Will you be ready to leave soon? Lea will be mad if we're late and the food goes cold."

"I should be done in a couple of minutes."

"Sounds good, I'll meet you downstairs then."

He steals one more kiss, then wanders from the bathroom. I finish applying my eyeshadow, then twirl my hair into a ponytail and pin some wispy bits back.

I grab a thicker coat and my handbag from the bedroom, then head downstairs. Dad jumps up from the softer and sheepishly grins as he enters the entrance.

"Where's Noah? Are you ready to leave?"

"He nipped outside for something." He awkwardly scratches the back of his head and looks at the ground.

"Is something wrong?" I frown.

"I'm just nervous about dinner. I haven't spent much time with Noah's family."

"It'll be fine once we get there and have a couple of drinks." I chuckle.

"You're right." He nods. "You should grab Noah so we can get this over and done with."

"Okay." I nod.

I leave my things by the staircase and wander outside. Cold wind rustles through my hair as I wander across the deck. The sun is setting in the sky so the twinkly lights on the porch are flashing blue and red.

"Hey, Noah?"

"Charlie."

Noah's leaning against the porch railing, a small smile on his face. There's flowers and twinkly lights surrounding him. He drops to one knee and pops out a small velvet box.

"Charlie Landon, from the moment we met, all I've done is fall deeper in love with you. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you accept this ring?"

I drop to my knees and clasps Noah's hands in mine.

"Yes, I accept this ring." I chuckle.

Noah opens the box and I gasp. He slides the silver band onto my finger and I admire the white pearl surrounded by a circle of diamonds. I grab his face and crash my lips against his.

He pulls me up and takes my hand to admire the ring again.

"It's beautiful, thank you."

"When I found this ring, I knew it was made for you." He smiles.

"It's perfect."

"We should really leave now otherwise we might actually upset Lea." Noah chuckles.

"Once we show her this, I'm sure she'll change her mind."

We head back inside and Dad's waiting in the entry with a big smile.

"I see congratulations are in order." He nods to the ring.

"Yes." I nod.

Dad shakes Noah and pulls him in. He whispers something which makes Noah chuckle. I raise an eyebrow but the pair just smile at me.

"C'mon, otherwise I'll tell Lea it's you two who made us late."

Noah shakes his head and shuffles us out the door.

* * * * *

We're the last to arrive at Lea's house and my stomach won't stop churning. I can't decide if it's nerves or excitement.

Noah hooks his arm around my waist and guides me through to the main living room. Percy smiles and sits up as we enter the room.

"Finally, you're here." Percy sighs. "Do you want a drink?"

"Sure." I nod.

"Before you grab drinks, Charlie and I have something to announce."

Mrs. East perks up while Percy lingers in the doorway.

Noah looks at me and I smile and nod.

"Charlie and I are engaged."

Mrs. East squeals with excitement while Percy laughs.

"Congratulations guys!" Percy grins. "I'll ask Mum for the good champagne and we can celebrate."

"Let's see the ring." Mrs. East clambers off the chair while Mr. East congratulates Noah with a clap on the back and hug.

Lea rushes into the lounge room and swoops Noah and I into a big hug.

"Congratulations! Let's see the ring." Lea admires the ring. "Have you picked a date for the wedding? When you're back from Australia next we should go wedding dress shopping."

"Yeah, I guess we can go shopping."

"Where did we get your dress? I remember that store being good," Mrs. East comments.

"There's a new designer dress shop opening soon, we should go there." Lea grins.

"Designer?" I gasp. "I think we should go more budget-friendly."

"Don't worry about the cost, we will pay for everything."

"Oh no, you really don't need to."

"Mum." Noah gives her a look.

"I paid for Lea's wedding, so it's only fair I pay for your wedding. Now, when you're free, we can check out this designer wedding dress shop. I do love a good shopping trip."

"You're overwhelming Charlie, leave her alone for a minute." Percy shoos them aside and pulls me into another room. I can vaguely hear them talking about more wedding plans.

"Sorry about them, they're just excited about the engagement."

"It's fine... I'm just happy they like me now." I chuckle.

Noah steals a couple of drinks from the kitchen, then we head into the small room with the pot fire. He cracks the can open and hands it to me.

"Mrs. East, hey?"

"Are you okay with it?"

Percy sighs and places a hand on his hip.

"I don't see why anyone would willingly join this madhouse of a family." He laughs. "Least I have you at these parties."

"Your family isn't that bad and you've got a good point. We can help each other survive."

"Does that mean I can call you my aunty now that you're officially marrying into the family?"

"You know the rules." I shoot him a glare.

I sit in front of the fire and Percy joins me. He brushes his shoulder against mine and smiles.

"Will you have kids soon?"

"Kids?" I wrinkle my nose. "I need to obtain a degree and buy a house first. Kids won't be happening for a long time."

"Okay." He sighs, which almost sounds like relief.

"One day, though. Then you'll finally have some cousins to annoy you."

Somebody coughs and it pulls my attention away from the fire. Noah's leaning against the door frame with a small smile.

"I should grab that champagne so we can celebrate," Percy comments.

Once Percy's gone, Noah stands in front of me and offers me his hand. I take it and he pulls me up and wraps his arms around my waist. I lean up and kiss his chin.

"I hope they didn't scare you off."

"They're just having fun, and they're excited and I like that. I remember when Lea didn't like me and now she's planning our wedding."

Noah chuckles and kisses my forehead.

"I love you."

His lips capture mine and I weave my fingers through his hair.

"Dinner should be ready soon."

"Oh good."

"Until then, let's enjoy that champagne."

"Okay, let's go."

He steals one more kiss, then we wander into the dining room. Lea and Mrs. East chatter about wedding ideas, occasionally stopping to ask my thoughts on colours, wedding venues, and guests to invite.

Noah remains by my side, a big smile on his face.

I still can't believe he's going to be my husband, I don't think I'll ever accept the fact this gorgeous man wants to be with me.