Conflict of Interest

Chapter 20

As Dom's flight was making its way back towards the terminal in Auckland, Dom could feel his chest start to fill with anticipation. He couldn't wait to see Jackie again. The past week had almost killed him not being able to be the one to ease her concerns, and kiss away her tears. He missed Jackie immensely and worried about her. He had been calling her any chance he got, and they had talked about his father. Dom tried to get her to see that he was happy if he never spoke to his father again, but he sensed that she was still upset about what had happened. He wanted to drop everything and rush to her side to calm her fears, but also respected that she needed time to work things out too.

Dom had arranged a few apartments to view over the week-end. He wanted Jackie to be with him when he had a look as he hoped that she would be spending a lot of time with him in his new place. He wanted her to feel that it was as much her home as it was his. He had planned on talking to her about moving in together but was afraid that it may be too soon and drive her away. He never wanted to be with anyone twenty four seven before and was struggling to work out what to do. He decided to leave the decision of living together up to her, for now.

As he walked out towards the awaiting sea of faces that were waiting for their loved ones he noticed Jackie immediately. That sixth sense had kicked in again and he rushed over to her, dropped his carry-on bag and lifted her off the ground as he twirled her around in his loving embrace.

"Hi beautiful." Dom didn't rest her back on the ground until after he placed his lips on hers and tasted her sweet breath. He was fighting the emotions that were welling up as he kissed her like there was no tomorrow.

"Still not into voyeurism Dom." Jackie managed to mumble as he finally let go.

Dom pulled back to look at her and drink in her sweet honey colored eyes that were framed by her shimmering chocolate hair. He saw the tears on her cheeks and gently rubbed them away with his thumb. "Sorry, I just can't help myself when I'm around you. You have this intoxicating spell over me."

"Well, I have been called a witch many times before, but I'm not sure I have the ability to cast anything."

"If not a spell, then it's got to be a fishing line because you've hooked me for life."

Jackie cringed at the cheesy line. "Has that actually worked for you before?"

Her eyes were laughing and they way she looked at him  sent sexual messages all the way down to his manhood. "Let's get out of here." Dom grabbed her hand and was parting the sea of people for Jackie to be able to follow him. He had called ahead and asked for the family driver to pick Jackie up so that she could be the first face he saw when he arrived back in the country. The driver had already collected his bags and was waiting for them by the car. The both hopped into the back of the car and were passionately kissing before the driver had even managed to leave the airport.

The next day Dom had arranged for them to see three apartments. Two were in Auckland city and one was in Devonport.  A little up-market historic village just a short ferry ride across the harbor from the city. It was also the home of the naval base. Dom liked the idea of the Devonport apartment as it was situated a short stroll from the ferry terminal and overlooked the harbor. It was a two bedroom apartment that was tastefully decorated in neutral tones. It was a similar layout to Jackie's current apartment however a lot more spacious.

"Well what do you think?" Dom and Jackie were standing on the private patio of the Devonport apartment, overlooking the sparkling blue water.

"I like it."

"Do you really like it? Could you see yourself spending time here?" Dom was digging for answers about whether Jackie saw herself spending a lot more time with him.

"Oh Dom. I love Devonport! It just such a beautiful place with its quaint villas and old world charm. And it has the best fish and chips in the country." Jackie had a look of amazement on her face. She could never imagine that she would be able to even see inside one of these properties, let alone actually have the possibility of being able to stay in one.

"So it's not just the navy boys you would get to see running around all the time."

Jackie playfully slapped his upper arm. "Dom you know how I feel about you. No matter where you choose to live, it wouldn't matter. As long as you were there."

"Good. I'll have a talk to the agent on Monday and see if we can do a deal before it goes to auction."

"Yay! This is so exciting, your first home away from your parents."

"Much better than having to live in a hotel." Dom had been pining for New Zealand. Dom didn't consider the Sydney apartment where he was staying home, and he was looking forward to having Jackie help him set up what he considered their first home together.

It was a little after 6pm when they left the apartment. They spent some time exploring the historic Mt Victoria war tunnels and Dom pretended to be a general commanding his army to attack, sending Jackie into fits of laughter. They then walked along the numerous tracks around the hilltop, hand in hand, taking in the views all around the Hauraki Gulf. Dom decided to take Jackie back down to Devonport to the Queens Parade Reserve for a stroll along the waterfront, that looked back over towards the city skyline. They had stopped and bought some of the world famous in New Zealand fish and chips and sat down on the lush green grass to try and eat, while fending off the seagulls. It was idyllic and Jackie was floating on air.

After they had eaten they walked over to the children's playground and Dom was pushing her on the swings. Everyone that had seen them throughout the evening smiled as they could see that they were extremely in love with each other.

Dom walked around to the front of the swing and grabbed the chains to stop Jackie from swaying back and forward. Kneeling down in front of her, he fumbled around in his pocket. Nervously, he looked up into Jackie's eyes and pulled out a small red velvet box.

"Jackie Prescott, after only knowing you for a short time, I feel like I have been with you through a thousand lifetimes. I knew from the first time I met you that we are meant to be together. You are like no other person I have ever met before. Beautiful, Strong, Sassy, Opinionated - " He smiled that playful smile that made Jackie's knees buckle every time. " I hope that you do feel the same way and that you can see yourself with me for the rest of your life, as I see us growing old together."

Jackie could feel her heart beating against her chest. Her hands were trembling and she felt giddy. She was glad she was still sitting on the swing. Was this what she thought it was? A small crowd had gathered in the distance as people stopped to watch. Neither Jackie nor Dom noticed them.

"Jackie Prescott............................Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Dom opened the box to reveal a stunning cushion cut, solitaire diamond ring.

After what seemed like an eternity Jackie looked away from the ring and down into Dom's face.  She could see the slight panic in his eyes as she realized that she was still sitting there without saying anything. She was in complete shock. Mouth hung open she silently whispered, "Yes." A whisper was all she could muster as the tears of happiness started to stream down her cheeks. Dom pulled the ring from the box and nearly dropped it on the sand as his hands had been shaking. After a nervous giggle from Jackie, he thread the ring over her finger. Dom stood and pulled her into his arms. They could hear the small crowd that had gathered, cheering and clapping as he kissed her.