There's Always Second Chances

Chapter 41

Aaron accompanied me to the store. We actually closed up early because he deemed it such an important event. I rolled my eyes at his antics. I know it was important but I'm pretty sure I could do it myself. I had been searching for weeks on the internet trying to get the perfect one. I couldn't find any so I thought I'd look in shops instead. "This is like the fifth store today!" Aaron complained as we walked towards the shop window. I ignored him. This was important. 

"How do you know if it's the right one?" asked Aaron staring at the sparkling silver behind the glass. I tried to concentrate on looking at each individual one. There was one. I took my phone out to take a picture. "Hey Aaron, look at this one," I remarked. I pointed out the ring to him and grin took place on his face. 

"Oh Nat's gonna love that one!" he declared. I eyed him warily. "Will she?" I asked. I didn't want to mess it up. I only have one chance to do this. I walked into the store and waited at the desk. Nerves were already riling up and I couldn't believe I was this nervous. "How can I help you sir?" she asked. I showed her the picture on my phone and she beamed at me. The sort of smile she gave me was when someone knew exactly what was going on. Was it that obvious?

"I hope all goes well for you, sir," the woman spoke. The payment finally processed after a long time of waiting. I nodded in thanks and took the box from her. I high tailed it out of the store, I needed to plan and I needed to get out of there. It was so nerve wrecking and I felt like everyone was watching me. Can't a man get a piece of jewellery without everyone assuming everything?

Aaron was impatiently tapping his foot as he waited by the entrance. "Did you get it?" he questioned as soon as he saw me. I nodded in response and we left. I sat in the passenger seat as he drove. "You're not going to get her flowers with that?" he asked. "I don't know. She's not super high maintenance but I guess I should." I responded. I really didn't plan this. I know she likes flowers, I know she likes chocolates but I just kind of wanted to walk with her on the beach and then ask her. 

I dropped Aaron off at his place and then headed to pick Naomi up from school. I explained to her that she was going to stay at her Nanny's house for tonight and I'll pick her up tomorrow. Naomi was delighted to learn that she could stay over at her Nan's. 

"See you tomorrow Mimi," I cooked. She hugged my legs tightly and then gave mum a quick hug before running inside. "Thank you for looking after her" I spoke. Mum just smiled. There was a glint in her eyes as if she knew what I was going to do tonight. 

The drive over to pick up Nat was nerve wrecking. How was I going to ask her. There wasn't any words that I could think of that explained my love for her enough. Should I make it short and sweet? Should I make a speech? I don't know. 

"Hi Addy," she called out as soon as I walked through the door. Her smiling features turned quizzical as soon as she saw that Naomi wasn't next to me. "I took her to Mum's so that she could play with the others." I responded. Smooth save, she won't suspect a thing. I took a minute to look at Natasha. She looked tense and maybe even nervous. Did she know? 

"Wanna go for a picnic?" I asked heading towards the kitchen. I pulled out the bag we normally take to picnics and started packing some snack food. We'll probably get chips from the beach front store if we're super hungry. "I'd love to," she responded. "Then go get ready. Doll yourself up a bit," I mused smacking her bottom playfully. She practically skipped back into the room. I'd need to get changed too. At least put on something semi-formal. 

Soon we were on our way to the beach. I was glad that it wasn't raining or too hot. "What made you want to suddenly have a picnic?" asked Nat as we straightened out the blanket. It was a nice spot to see the stars and the waves crashing on the shore. "Just thought we could have some alone time together." I responded. I hope she'd buy it. I didn't want the whole plan to go to waste. 

The sun faded into the horizon and the night grew bright with stars. 

"Adrian, I need to tell you something."

"Natasha, I need to ask you something."

Clumsily, we spoke at the same time overlapping each other. "You first," I muttered sheepishly. I didn't mean to interrupt her. A grin spread across her face as she pulled my hands towards her stomach. My own was filled with butterflies. Did she really mean? 

"I'm pregnant," she spoke. As soon as the words left her mouth, I pulled her into a tight hug and kissed all over her face. "What did you want to ask Adrian?" she questioned softly. I pulled away from her and delved my hand into my pocket to procure the ring. I held it up in front of me, the smile on Nat's face grew wider, tears welling in her eyes. A hand came up to cover her mouth. 

"Adri-" she started unable to continue speaking. I got down on one knee. "Natasha, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" I asked. She flung herself at me in a hug, I dropped the ring into the sand as we both crashed down onto the floor. 

A long, loving kiss pressed to my lips was all the answer I needed. We'll find the ring in a minute or two.