To Love a Kennedy

Chapter 17

The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the private terrace of John's favorite restaurant in the West Village. The space had been transformed for the evening into a small, intimate celebration — twinkling string lights overhead, a scattering of white and pink peonies, and the soft murmur of laughter and conversation filling the air. The guest list was small, just a few close friends and family members — the people who knew them best and who had supported them through this tumultuous journey.

Betsy stood near the edge of the terrace, looking out over the cityscape, her heart still racing with the memory of what had just happened. Just hours ago, in the quiet of his apartment, John had dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. The words had tumbled out of him, filled with sincerity and love, and she had felt her entire world shift.

"Betsy," he had said, his voice thick with emotion, "I know this all started as something we didn't ask for, something we were pushed into. But somewhere along the way, it became real for me. I love you. I don't want this to be an arrangement or a performance — I want it to be a choice, our choice. So I'm asking you, from the bottom of my heart... Will you marry me? Not for them, not for our families, but for us?"

She had felt tears in her eyes as she looked down at him, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst. And she had answered, without hesitation, "Yes, John. Yes, a thousand times yes."

Now, standing on the terrace, she was still basking in the afterglow of that moment. She felt his presence before she saw him, his familiar, comforting warmth as he came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"You okay?" John murmured softly into her ear, his voice laced with tenderness.

Betsy leaned back into him, a smile spreading across her face. "More than okay," she whispered back, tilting her head to look up at him. "I'm perfect."

John grinned, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "Good," he said, squeezing her gently. "Because tonight is all about celebrating us — the real us, not the one everyone thought they knew."

Betsy turned in his arms, her hands moving up to rest on his chest. "I still can't believe you did that," she laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. "You're full of surprises, John Kennedy."

John chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. "I knew what I wanted," he said simply, "and I wasn't going to wait any longer."

Betsy's heart swelled, and she reached up to kiss him softly. "I'm so glad you didn't."

They turned back to face their guests, who were gathered in small groups, chatting and enjoying the warm evening. Jackie was there, her expression a mixture of pride and subtle amusement. Gloria stood beside her, looking elegant and composed, a glass of champagne in her hand. Caroline was laughing with her husband, Edwin, while their children played nearby. She cradled new baby Jack in her arms.

"I guess you're JFK II, now," Caroline had joked when she introduced John to his nephew.

John took Betsy's hand, guiding her toward the center of the terrace. "I think it's time we made a little speech," he said, his voice low but excited.

Betsy nodded, squeezing his hand. "I think you're right."

John clinked his glass gently with a spoon, catching everyone's attention. "Everyone!" he called out, his voice filled with warmth. "If I could have your attention for just a moment..."

The conversations quieted, and all eyes turned toward John and Betsy, curiosity and anticipation filling the air.

"Good evening, everyone. First of all, thank you for being here tonight. It means a lot to both Betsy and me to have you all here, our closest friends and family, to celebrate this engagement."