Fuelled by Forever

Ch. 1

Imogen

Jude proposing is not on my bingo card, nor is the silent shock that overcomes me. The romance of it all is heartwarming, and I never believed I would ever get this moment, most of all to someone who loves me like Jude loves me. But I swear my brain is malfunctioning right now, and it's at the worst possible time.

I'm happy—so thrilled—but my legs are wobbling enough for me to want to sit on the sand.

I don't, though, only just balancing on my feet as Jude watches me from his bent-knee position.

The effort he's put into this moment is overwhelming. It's the most beautiful scene, along with his loving gaze that doesn't waver.

What do I do?

How do I act?

Oh, my goodness, is this really happening?

I see him grow more nervous the longer I leave him down on one knee, but I'm so overcome with emotion my voice is too shaky to understand.

Jude looks like he might get a case of the chuckles at any minute–have to say something–It's been at least fifteen seconds of dead silence.

My hand constricts my mouth, squishing the words I want to say inside. Jude's eyes stare into mine, and his love pours into me.

It's solid and rock-steady.

All the hardships we've faced boil down to here and now, and I can't help but feel proud of how far we've come.

This is all a bit quick, though, isn't it?

Of all the things, my mind has to take the sensible route.

Sensible or fact?

Yes... Well, maybe it is quicker than usual, but we've been through a lot in that short time.

There's so much I have to say to him, but that's for later. The poor bloke is literally waiting for my answer.

I love him so much it hurts.

It's time to speak—this feels like the best moment of my life, but it's hard to ignore my brain screaming a lot of things at me right now.

Too many.

Good and bad.

Don't you want to be sure he's not rushing things?

This romance has definitely been a whirlwind. You can't deny we've been through the wringer, but I know Jude's heart and how much he loves me.

This is moving too fast.

You know he's the one.

I'm slowly stealing the joy from his face, and it's horrible.

"Meeting you that night in Electric was the best thing to happen to me. We were meant to meet that night and create our precious daughter because she gave me you in my life forever. Well, forever is what I'm hoping for. You're the best thing to happen to me. I love you. I cherish you, and I've never been so sure of anything. Please marry me?"

The beautiful words he uttered to me are already branded into my soul.

You want this with him.

Forget those niggly fears... What a time to worry about this when Jude lays his heart out on the table.

Marriage— he wants it with me.

And I want it with him, too.

It feels so right, regardless of all the other stuff.

I want to be with him forever.