Many Happy Returns.... Again...

Deja Vu

The next night, the taxi drew up in the familiar courtyard. The light glittered, and the fountain sparkled as it tinkled over the Lalique glass centrepiece.

The doormen, in their morning coats and top hats,stepped forward.  Opening their doors, they helped Tom and Jenny alight.

"Good evening, Mr Hiddleston, Good evening, Miss Grey. Happy Birthday, Miss. " The doorman tipped his hat, and she smiled broadly.

"Thank you, Michael, it's so lovely to be back." She turned to Tom, and as she looked up at him, his heart leapt in his chest. She still had no idea.

They'd had a quiet couple of days, just letting her rest and get better. Now, Friday evening, dressed in their glad rags, they were out. Dinner at the place where they'd met.

At first, Jenny had been a little reluctant. Not because she didn't love the hotel, she just didn't want Tom spending too much on her. She still didn't really settle with being the girlfriend of someone who was technically a millionaire. To her, he was just Tom. Or Tommy when he was particularly cute.

They walked into the lobby and were greeted by Franc, the executive manager. "Mr Hiddleston, Miss Grey, so wonderful to see you on such a special night."

For a second, Tom faltered. Had Franc unwittingly given the game away? Seconds later, it seemed not. Jenny smiled, "Thanks, Franc. It's the best birthday surprise ever. Even more than last year. This time, he'd well and truly pulled the wool over my eyes.  Bit, here he is. Birthday dinner as promised." She turned and looked up at Tom, gazing adoringly into his face.  As she did so, she missed the sly wink. Franc gave Tom the briefest of acknowledgement back.

"Please, come this way." In an echo of the previous year, they made their way to The American Bar. As before, they had a table to the rear, next to the piano.

This time, however, the drinks were already waiting. Chilled champagne and a selection of small canapes.  As they sat, Franc poured their champagne, then with a final "happy birthday," retreated to advise the restaurant they'd arrived.

Tom lifted his glass and smiled. "Happy Birthday, my darling," he toasted her, and she gently touched her glass to his, then sipped the drink.

As if on cue - which actually it was - the pianist began to play. "Groovy Kind of Love" by Phil Collins.

Tom reached and took her hand, "when Im feeling blue? All I have to do is take a look at you, then Im not so blue...." he sang softly, his eyes glowing in the low light.

Jen could hardly contain the emotions that threatened to swamp her.  It didn't get any easier as he continued and ended.... "Baby, you and me? Wouldn't you agree, we got a groovy kind of love....."

She nodded, unable to speak. "Yes," was all she could squeak. As the music died away, Tom kissed her hand but didn't let it go.

"Say that wonderful word again.... please? Marry me, Jenny...please?"

"Wh...what?" Her eyes widened, and her mouth gaped. Then she nodded, in absolutely no doubt. "Yes. Yes, I will!"

Tom grinned like a lunatic. He'd planned to wait till after dinner, but as he'd looked at her. Heard her say the magic word. He just knew he had to ask her there and then. The ring? It was in an oyster shell on their table, but it could wait. What mattered was this moment.

"Thank you, my love.  I can't promise I won't be infuriating, sometimes a tad unreliable, always dreadfully untidy, but I CAN promise to always love you. And I definitely promise to NEVER miss another birthday." He half stood and leaned across the small table. She matched his action, and they kissed softly.

"Thank you, Tommy. Thank you for the single best birthday I have EVER had."