A Tough Choice

Chapter Twenty

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?" I asked Ethan for a third time.

He shook his head and handed me a parcel.

"What's this for?" I asked him.

"You'll need it." he grinned.

"Is it something that will help me put up with you?" I teased him.

"Funny." he grinned sarcastically.

I stuck my tongue out at him and opened the parcel. I gasped as I saw that it was a beautiful dress. I looked at the elegant stitching on it. It was beautifully made.

"Wow, it's beautiful." I said as I held it up.

I felt tears prick my eyes. I couldn't believe that he had brought me something so beautiful. He was so thoughtful.

"It must have been expensive." I breathed as I turned to him.

"Don't worry about it." he said dismissively.

"Ethan.." I protested.

"I'm allowed to treat my girlfriend." he grinned.

"I don't deserve you." I told him as I pulled him into a hug.

"No you don't." he chuckled.

I slapped his arm playfully, causing him to chuckle.

"You need to wear it tonight." he told me.

"What time do I have to be ready for?" I asked.

"About half hour." he said as he looked at his watch.

"No seriously." I sighed.

"I am being serious." he frowned.

"What?!" I exclaimed.

"Half an hour is plenty of time." he said rolling his eyes.

"No it's not, you're such a guy!" I exclaimed as I frantically applied my make-up.

He laughed at me as I tried to get ready at a record pace.

"Stop laughing, this is your fault!" I cried.

He held up his hands in surrender and gave me his puppy face. I smiled slightly.

I sighed in relief as I dressed in record speed and glanced at my watch and saw that I still had five minutes to spare.

"I knew that dress would suit you." Ethan said quietly.

"You don't need to buy me things." I smiled at him.

"We'd better get going." he said.

I smiled and followed him.

After what felt like an age we eventually arrived at a hall.

"Have you organised a party?" I asked, as we walked towards the hall and I heard music.

He mimed zipping his lips closed. I rolled my eyes and followed him.

"Ethan tell me." I pleaded as I took his hand.

"The guys from work have organised you a party for being at the hospital for a year." he sighed.

"Is it that long already." I whispered.

He nodded.

"It'll be fun." he grinned.

"I thought you hated parties." I smiled at him.

"I do, but I'm making the effort." he chuckled.

I smiled at him and made my way into the hall.

I blushed as everyone cheered when I entered the hall. I glanced at Caleb and saw him chatting to a beautiful blonde girl.

"Who's that Caleb is with?" I asked Ethan.

"His girlfriend Taylor." he told me.

"Since when did he have a girlfriend?" I frowned.

"He's always got a different one, I have trouble keeping up with it." he admitted.

"You gonna do a shot?" I asked as I handed him one.

"Nope." he grinned shaking his head.

"Live a little." I winked at him.

He sighed and quickly downed the shot. I laughed as he had a coughing fit.

"I have to speak to Lofty, I'll be back." he said as he gently kissed my cheek and walked away.

"Hey Emma!" Robyn exclaimed as she pulled me into a hug.

"Hey, how's it going?" I asked her.

"Good, thanks how's things with Ethan?" she asked me winking.

"Good, he's a sweetie." I told her happily.

"I don't think I've ever seen him so happy." she told me.

I smiled at her and looked across the room to where Ethan was talking to Lofty. He beamed at me as we locked eyes across the room.

I smiled as he walked over to me.

"I need to speak to you in private." he whispered in my ear.

I nodded as he wrapped his arm around my waist and led me outside.

"What's wrong?" I asked him when we were outside.

"The stars are beautiful tonight." he stated as he pointed at the sky.

I looked up and saw that he was right. I looked back down at him and saw that he was holding a ring.

"Ethan..." I started.

"Marry me." he whispered softly.