Gertie

Chapter 33

Marlena and John arrived at the fish market at Shawn and Caroline's request. They walked towards the entrance, their fingers laced together, enjoying the balmy summer air. Just before they entered, John pulled Marlena back towards him, burying his face in her neck, and breathing deeply. She looked up at him laughing, "John!"

    "Before we go inside," he said in a husky voice, "there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

    "Oh, yeah?" she asked him, staring up at him with besotted eyes.

    "I was wracking my brain, trying to come up with the most romantic way to do this, but our dear Samantha Gene told me, 'stop being a dunderhead and wasting time'," John murmured, pulling a small velvet box out of his pocket.

    "She did?" Marlena asked, feeling her heart begin to race. She didn't care how John asked her, as long as he asked her. Sami was right.

    "So, I was wondering if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife...again? I was wondering if you would be willing to spend the rest of your life with me? Because, Baby, I want to spend the rest of my life life with you," he said softly.

    "Yes," she whispered. "Absolutely, unequivocally, yes."

    John slid the diamond ring on Marlena's left hand, and he bent to kiss her, whispering over her lips, "I have never loved anyone the way I love you."

    Marlena's lips were barely touching his, and she whispered back, "Because we're inevitable, right?"

    "That's a fact," he said, before his lips took hers. His arms pulled her closer, and he could feel the rounded swell of their baby against his body. Resting his forehead on Marlena's he asked her, "So when do you want to do this?"

    "As soon as possible," she sighed, touching his face gently.

    "I suppose then you'll have to let me move into the house."

    Marlena smiled, "John, you know why we had to wait."

    "I know...and I understood it, but I can't wait anymore. I want to marry you, and I want to live in the same house with my family," he told her. "I mean, the Salem Inn is nice and everything, but I miss waking up next to you."

    "Can we get married before the baby comes?"

    "Doc, I will marry you tomorrow, if you'll let me."

    "I love you, John," she whispered.

    "I love you, too, pretty lady."

    They entered the fish market a few moments later. Walking in they found Shawn behind the counter wrapping up an order, and Caroline wiping the tables, just prior to closing. Caroline looked up, and seeing John and Marlena, she smiled, "John! Marlena! What a surprise."

    "Shawn asked us to come by," Marlena said.

    "He did?" Caroline turned to Shawn, as the customer left with their order.

    Shawn wiped his hands on his apron, and then removed it. He walked towards the door to the fish market, switching the sign to closed, and flipped the lock, "I told ye, Caroline, we need to talk about Roman." He approached Marlena, with his arms out, hugging her tightly, "How's that baby doin'?"

    Marlena felt apprehension. If Shawn was worried enough to call them over to discuss Roman, it must be serious. "The baby is fine Shawn. We found out it's a boy."

    "A boy! I will take all the grandchildren ye want to give me," Shawn said with a laugh. "Hey, Johnny."

    John smiled, and asked, "Has Roman done something, Shawn?" He took Marlena's hand, and led her over to one of the small tables.