Tides of Destiny

Part Twenty-Two: The Engagement

Part Twenty-Two

The Engagement

Mathias Stoltenberg

"Three broken ribs, twelve missing teeth, minor fractures, a major concussion, tons of bruises and, a punctured lung. You really did Claude Hege a number, I find it a miracle that he can still speak. But he'll be fine, once he's fully recovered, he'll be sent to jail in no time. The captain however has been banned to sail any boat or aquatic vessel. He'll be rotting in prison too. The angry environmentalists you helped also played a huge part in closing the whaling season. Although the Presidente del Gobierno is requesting to see Alfina to discuss matters regarding his execution, I told him that she is still recovering," Theo informed.

"She's been sleeping for a week. I'm getting anxious over here," I said.

Matt placed an arm on my shoulder, assuring me that everything will be fine

.

"Relax, she's just recovering. She and the baby are fine. I already did some tests earlier. Although she didn't really find out about the baby until later. I'm surprised that you also haven't noticed that she was pregnant. But you on the other hand, you look like shit," Theo added.

"Gee, thanks for reminding me that I look terrible," I said with a sarcastic tone.

"I never really knew. We were just always making love with one another. Did she tell you about any plans about the child? I do want to be a father but if she wishes to abort it then I'll accept it. It's her body and her choice," I asked as I gently grabbed Alfina's hand.

"Hnng..." Alfina gently groaned as she slowly opened her eyes.

"She's awake!" I exclaimed.

Theo checked Alfina's vitals and asked a few questions. Alfina seemed to respond well which satisfied Theo.

"I'll leave you two for some privacy, but call me when something happens," Theo said as he immediately excused himself.

"Am I home? Where's Zahria?" Alfina asked.

"Yes, you're home. You were asleep for seven days. I thought that you were never going to wake up. Zahria went to the Queen, she wanted to pay for her crimes but she gave her a pardon on the condition that she will continue to manage the estate and businesses left by the late Count Donatello Delgado," I said as I gently kissed her hand.

She let out a sigh of relief before remembering something else.

"The baby! Is the baby fine?" she panicked and abruptly got up.

"The baby is fine. Theo and I have been monitoring your condition. He did tell you to relax and take the time off before going back to work on your father's empire," I assured her.

"Matt, I'm sorry I never got the chance to tell you sooner that I was pregnant. I want to keep the baby, but if you don't want to its fine. I can raise my child alone. You don't have to send any spousal money or child support we will be fine," she blabbered.

I let out a laugh which made her look confused.

I then got on my knee and pulled out a small velvet box from my pocket.

"I think the fact that I'm on one knee is proof that I want to be in your lives forever. We may not have a great start and we didn't date properly but I want to do it with you for eternity. I want to prove my love to you by being your husband this time. What do you say? Will you marry me, Alfina Guerrero?" I asked her.

She nodded and then pulled me into a tight hug.

"Yes! I will marry you! You are the love of my life and I want to be with you forever. I want to stay by your side and I want to have a family with you," Alfina cried.

I pulled away from the hug and then inserted the beautiful but simple custom made golden 40 carat ring that I pestered the Devereux Jewels branch near me to make in three days. I chuckled on how I scared the poor branch manager with my request. It was all worth it since it suited her perfectly.

I got up and kissed her gently on the lips.

"So do you want to get married later or next week?" I asked.

Alfina gasped and looked at me in horror.

"That quick? But you just started earning from your business. Won't you get broke from spending too much?" Alfina asked.

"Not really, with investors popping from left and right, the shipping business that I got from Claude and your friends' help is now earning more than before. It's now one of the fastest growing businesses in the world. I even made the Tønsberg port a bustling fish market for trade and commerce." I proudly told her.

She gave me a proud smile and hugged me again.

"I wish that I was able to introduce you to Padre before he passed away, he would have loved you," she told me.

"How come we're not invited to the celebration?" Danielle said with a sad tone. Our celebration was cut short when her friends barged in the room. Her friends immediately screamed in happiness after seeing Alfina was awake, they quickly ran to her and hugged her.

They were all speaking at the same time and giving her updates about life and hot gossips on what's in and out in polite society business. She was sure happy to be surrounded by the people she loved. She was laughing at the different stories that her friends had for her. She even showed them her ring which they were all at awe.

Theo also peeped inside the room and gave me a hearty smile. I couldn't have done this without him.

It was truly an amazing moment in life.

Almost a year ago I remember saving this beautiful runaway bride. I was skeptical that she would be able to recover her memories but now she's a totally different person. She's now stronger and more capable than before. She has also changed me to become a better person and to be a man worthy for her. I was once a man with no values and morals but she opened my eyes to see that there was more to the world than just whaling. She made me who I am now.

 She's changed me for the best and I plan to be with her until the end of our days together.

We may not have had a romantic start than most fairytales do, but now I can say that the tides of destiny sure brought us together.

Fin.