Ropes

Chapter Thirteen - His Rightful Bride

I woke up hearing muffled feet scuffling by the hall. I groggily prepared for my day as Sarai came by to assist me.

"What's the fuss downstairs?" I inquired Sarai.

"Everyone is in a hurry miss. The Rossfields are here."

"Where is mother?" I asked again. I hurriedly finished dressing for the day and rushed to the garden towards mother.

"Hello my love, good morning. Bright and early I see." she greeted me as she checks the decorations for tomorrows events.

"Mother, what is this that I've heard that the Rossfields are here?" I hurriedly asked.

"That very much is true. Now I know you're excited to see him but I advised them to rest first so-"

"They're a month early, why?" I asked, the unhappy tone dripping.

"My, you don't seem happy about it?" A slight frowned formed on mother's lips.

"I- I just don't know what I should feel mother." I said with a sigh.

"Understandable, but I do think you should hear him love. They will be joining us for lunch. Please do try."

She gave me a warm smile.

I tried so hard to settle my beating heart. But as they step closer to the dining area, I can't help but clutch my chest. It was Aldrich's sister, Susan, who approached me first.

"I haven't seen you since my wedding Adellyne and that was two years ago." Susan smiled warmly.

"You've not aged a day." I complimented.

"And you, you have grown into a gorgeous young lady."

"She's so perfect for our Brian." Mrs. Rossfield interjected. "Isn't she Elounor? I believe so William." She turned to my parents.

We sat down by table father and mother sat at the both ends as I sat beside Ms. Susan, across Aldrich and Mrs. Rossfield.

Our parents did much of the talking and I spent my lunch avoiding his stare. I busied my self-sneaking ribs to Crabbe under the table but for a moment I didn't felt him near my feet and to our shock he jumped at the table and ate the piece of steak on Aldrich's plate.

"Oh dear!" I shouted as I quickly jumped out of my seat and scooped Crabbe away from the table.

I muttered my apologies and excused myself out of embarrassment. I walked myself throughout the garden, lunch now forgotten. I placed Crabbe down on the grass and I was about to scold him when he ran towards the fountain like he knows what was about to ensue and just wants to save his arse.

He jumped into the fountain and struggled to swim with his chubby legs so for the second time I scooped him up leaving my dress soaked.

"Oh goodness me. Why do you have to be so hyperactive?" I muttered to myself.

Just before the chills kicked in a wide brown coat was draped around my shoulders. I annoyingly still recognize the scent even after years. I froze with my back turned away from him.

"I get that you're unhappy with what I have done Adellyne," his voice seemed to have been deeper since the last time I've heard it "but at least hear my explanation, I beg of you."

This I wanted from him, an explanation. I walked a few steps and sat by the swing with Crabbe still curled up underneath the coat. Aldrich sat by the other. We remained silent and when he finally realizes I wasn't going to give him any reaction at all, he started and I kept my silence.

"I did it for us."

There was never an us. I stole a glance of his now tanned skin glistening with sweat under the sun.

"You deserved better."

I did.

"Your grandfather, he was a military man," he stared at me and after garnering my courage I met his eyes. I miss him so much. "before he died, he asked me to."

He gave a deep sigh.

"I'll be honest with you. I was arranged to be married before I went to join the military."

It was a deafening silence but I heard my heart rip. I broke the stillness.

"I'm offended that you never invited me to the wedding considering I was invited to your sister's." I forced a smile.

With the audacity he has, he laughed at me. He laughed so hard his belly ached. I scoffed. Look at him not caring about me.

Crabbe jumped out of my lap and started running after which I stood up and started walking back into the house. But he quickly grabbed my arm and stopped me in my tracks. I clutched my hands into fists, anger brewing.

"Your grandfather asked me to join the military before I marry you."

I spun back around that I almost felt dizzy.

"Pardon?"

"I knew we were still young back then and I was an arse to not even inform you. I was just so desperate to have it done already and be ready to ask for your hand in marriage so that I don't feel so empty-handed if you reject me or not. I was scared you'll reject me."

"I was left confused for two years and if I hadn't seen your cousin, I wouldn't even be aware of your whereabouts." My voice raising.

His hands clasped with mine.

"I'm sorry. I'll never leave you like that again."

"Where were you when I needed you?" I moved to hug him.

Was I too easy? Was I too forgiving? No, I was too glad that he was home in one piece. I was too in love to even consider other men.

"Please promise me you won't leave me." He said as he tightens his arms around me enclosing me between his broad shoulders.

We stayed like that for a few minutes until he broke it off to wipe my tears. I suddenly pushed him away from me realizing what I must've looked like clinging to him like he had done nothing wrong.

"Look here, just because I hugged you doesn't mean we're back to what we used to." I crossed my arms.

He chuckled and took my hand once again placing a ring on it.

"Your hand looks better but I do have to buy you another ring."

I stared at the ring.

"What is this made of?"

It had a dark metal and a seemingly green stone. Unusual.

"Melted kettle and sea glass."

"Why would you buy this?"

I wondered. Aldrich is the type of man you splurge into the grandest things.

"I didn't. I made it myself." He stated filled with pride as he beamed at me.

"You never even asked the question." I scrunched my eyebrows.

"I did. Two years ago." His wider.

"You never thought of the possibility that I might have changed my mind?" I said which changed his demeanor all together. His smiling face was drowned with worry.

"Wait, please tell me it didn't." He said desperately.

I called my puppy and walked back inside leaving him dumbfounded.