Jo's Friday night had been a busy one. Instead of going out with the girls she'd stayed in and done all her housework & chores. Richard was home tomorrow, just for 1 night. His filming schedule kept him away so much that every moment together was precious to her.
She had been for a food shop to stock the fridge (in case the two of them decided not to leave the flat), cleaned the kitchen, cleaned the bathroom, tidied up, dusted, hoovered, put fresh sheets on the bed and done two washings.
It was 10pm and all Jo wanted now was to sink into a hot bath to relax. Richard always arrived early in the morning with breakfast & the papers and sometimes a new DVD for her movie collection, so bed was calling but she needed to chill a bit first.
She always ran the bath super hot, it gave it time to cool a bit while she lit her scented candles and set up the ipad on the shelf to watch a movie or catch up on her favourite TV programs. The hot water started to relax her tired body when she heard a key in the door.
'Hello' a familiar voice softly called, 'in the bath' Jo replied with a smile on her face. 'Hey babes, didn't want to shout in case you were sleeping' Richard replied as he popped his head round the door, 'we finished early so I came home as soon as I could'. He bent down to give her a kiss, 'I just want to pull you into this bath with me' Jo whispered, 'give me a minute to get changed and I'll be right back' he whispered back with a naughty grin that he had that gave her goosebumps.
She sank back into the hot water feeling happy & relaxed and finished watching the latest episode on her ipad.
'Were is he?' Jo muttered as she got out the bath and wrapped a towel round herself.
She found him, out cold on the bed, only having managed to get his shoes off. 'My poor tired smurf' (Jo's nickname for him ever since she'd got confused between smurfs & hobbits when Richard told her he'd go the part of Thorin) she whispered as she placed a light kiss on his forehead & climbed into bed beside him, she fell asleep almost instantly.
Saturday sunshine streamed through the curtains, it was going to be a glorious day!
Jo slowly stirred and realised the space beside her in the bed was empty, 'Smurf' she called out, 'Kitchen' came the reply, she heard the teaspoon clinking into the sink and Richard appeared with a tea for her & coffee for himself. 'Morning beautiful' he said placing the mug on the beside table, 'morning handsome' she said with a happy smile.
'Ok, plans for today...' Richard started, 'erm..' Jo cut him off, 'where's my breakfast?', 'that is part of the plan' he laughed, 'up and out for a walk on this gorgeous morning then I'll buy you a nice brunch'. 'Aw do i have to?' whined Jo, all she wanted was a cuddle & a long lie. 'No arguments, shift it!' Richard replied, joking but not joking at the same time.
'Fine!' Jo grudgingly agreed, rolling out of bed and getting dressed with the mood of a very grumpy teenager.
Five miles later!
Jo wouldn't admit it just now, but Richard was right, it was a gorgeous morning & the walk together was perfect, they were almost back home and she thought nothing could put a dent in this wonderful mood until......
Black rain clouds appeared overhead. 'Oh crap!' Jo said, 'It's ok, it'll only be a shower' Richard replied.
20 minutes later & they were back at their flat. Soaked! Not just their jackets but right through to their underwear!
After shutting the front door Jo & Richard looked at each other and burst out laughing. 'Get you clothes off luv' Richard laughed and started stripping.
Jo left a trail of clothes through the hall as she ran to the bathroom to jump in a hot shower to warm her already shivering body, 'get in here' Jo shouted, 'no need to ask twice' Richard laughed as he appeared right behind her.
Warmed up, by the shower and by Richard, Jo changed in to her joggies & a sweatshirt and headed through to the living room and the sofa where Richard was already getting comfy, with a table of munchies & juice and the movie blanket that they always use to snuggle with .
'So, I brought a new DVD for you, I know you've already seen this but it's a classic and one of my favourites' Richard said. 'oo oo oo what is it?' Jo asked, intrigued. 'Wait and see, now get your beautiful self over here' he said ordered with a smile.
The rain was still pitter patting against the window outside but Richard & Jo cuddled up on the sofa and stared the movie. An Affair To Remember, 'oh i love this movie' Jo said quietly 'Cary Grant is just so..so..' 'so what?' Richard laughed, hugged her and they both turned their attention to the TV.
2 hours later they both woke up, they'd both fallen asleep about the same time.
'Jo?' Richard saying you name woke you, 'Yes smurf?' you sleepily replied, 'Are you happy? he asked. 'Duh! what do you think' you laughed. 'No, really tell me, are you happy? I mean it's not great me being away so much, us being apart, but do we work, are you truly happy?'
There was something in his question that startled Jo, 'What do you mean? Of course I'm happy, I love you with all my heart, I wouldn't be complete without you' Jo said, and meant it. 'Mmmmm....... good, I feel exactly the same way.' He replied.
'Never doubt how I feel about you, smurf, even if you were away filming for 6 months I'd still be here waiting for you' Jo said. 'It's just....' Richard started 'I was thinking, I need a change'.
'Wait! What!' Jo jumped in, confused. 'No no, hear me out' Richard started up again, 'What i mean is you need a change.... No wait I'm not getting this right, aw crap I'm making such a mess of this' Richard started to get really flustered.
Jo sat up on the couch, completely confused, 'woah, stop, take a breath, and start again' she said and started to laugh.
Before they knew it they both had the giggles, tears started appearing from laughing so much. 'I love you Jo' Richard composed himself, 'and what i was trying to say is will you marry me?'
She gasped, 'Yes yes yes' Jo squealed 'a million times yes'. The tears of laughter turned to tears of joy and happiness.
Jo cuddled back into the arms of Richard as they settled to watch another movie, she kept glancing at the beautiful diamond and sapphire engagement ring he had given her, it fitted perfectly. It really was a glorious rainy Saturday. .
