Love Letter

Such a perfect day...

"Right this way, Mr Hiddleston, Miss..." The waiter guided them to their table by the waterfront.  The restaurant was small but, as they say, perfectly formed.

The little seating area had whitewashed boardwalk planking, canvas sail sunshades, rope dividers, and wicker furniture adorned with blue and white striped cushions. It was, quite simply, perfect.

The sun shone, and pelicans dived into the blue waters of the bay as they sipped their welcoming icewater. Tom looked across at Ali as she perused the menu.  Her lips moved silently, and occasionally, she bit her lip and crinkled her nose as she concentrated, trying to decide what to have.

Tom felt them emotion and love surge in his chest. "Ali?" She looked up, a smile lighing up her face.

"Yes?"

"I love you." he felt a single little tear roll down his cheek, and he wiped it away a little self-consciously.

Ali reached across the table and grasped his other hand. "And I adore you.  That's why we're getting married, you big softie!" She wasn't mocking him. She was just bowled over by this open display.  "What would Loki say if he saw you being so sweet?" She smiled and picked up her water, sipping it as she looked at him.

"Well.....," Tom thought about it for a moment.  "I suspect he would tell you that although Tom is a good and true hero, he would sacrifice you to save the world.  Loki, on the other hand, would tell you HE was the kind who would sacrifice the world to save you." His gaze was intense, his voice low and familiarly godly.

Ali smiled, her eyes glittering. "And who do you think is right? What kind of man ARE you?" She asked quietly, already knowing what he was going to say.

"Oh my Pet. Do you really have to ask? After all, there ARE no men like me!" He smiled, a devilish glint to his eye. "And anyway, I intend to lock you away in my golden palace and never let you out again! MWAHAHAHA!"  He laughed loudly, and Ali shook her head.

"Yup, no men like you right enough!" She laughed, and the waiter came over. "Could we have two lobster salads and a bottle of Pinot Grigio, please?" The waiter nodded and retreated.

Tom turned to, looking like he had a question. Which indeed he did.

"Now, since we are to be married, don't you think you should have a ring, my love?" Tom smiled and took her hand, raising it to his lips softly.

Ali grinned and blushed delicately. It still seemed so surreal. "But you got me a cheetah!" She giggled, "as long as I get a little gold wedding ring, I'm happy, love!"

"Ah well, you can hardly wear a cheetah on your hand now, can you?" He laughed and shook his head.

"No, I guess not." Ali nodded and shrugged. "But don't worry, it can wait. I know I have to go home tomorrow morning, but we can maybe look when you get back."

Tom was yet again, blown away by her. Here she was, given the opportunity to expect - quite understandably - the world from him, and all she asked was a little band of gold. And not even right now. He smiled inwardly and outwardly.
Just as well, he had been prepared!

"Well, you see, that's where you're wrong, my modest little kitten." He held onto her hand, feeling it start to shake. "Y'see, I was so upset because I felt I'd let you down. I know... shhh kitten..." he stopped her objection before it started. "I know now, and it's ok. So... I have to confess I have one last surprise." He looked over at the waiter who brought a silver salver over with a snowy white napkin where a large closed clam shell was sitting on it.  "Open it, darling." He released her hand.

The salver was placed in front of her, and she lifted the shell in her small hands. The two halves were held together with a red ribbon. Releasing the bow, she undid the ribbon and lifted the 'lid'.  With a puzzled expression, she looked inside.

Tom watched, hardly daring to breathe as he watched. She looked from the shell to him and back to the shell, her face a study. "Oh, Tom!" She whispered. "Oh, Tom!"

Hands shaking, she put the shell down and lifted out a beautifully delicate gold and diamond ring. It sparkled in the sunlight and was matched by the sparkling tears on her cheeks.  "You had this already?" She held in in the palm of her hand as if it was the most precious relic. Her eyes shone with surprise and delight at the implication

"Yes, yes, I did." He stood and walked round the table, coming to kneel beside her.  Taking the ring, he slipped it onto her finger. "I love you so much, Ali. I can't wait to marry you."

"And I you love, and I you. "

They kissed tenderly. There was nothing now stopping them from having their happy ever after.

This was perfect.  Their life was now perfect.

Wasn't it?