Forever yours

Chapter 14 Part 15

The past three months had been bliss. They were so wrapped up in each other that they barely knew when other people were around. Jeff had the ring made when he was in Japan and had been waiting for the perfect time to ask her but that perfect moment never seemed to materialize. He would take her out in the evening and do it the way a man is supposed to propose to a woman. He had always pictured proposing to her in a romantic setting but she was not that kind of woman. He had already called Robert out of courtesy and all he was told was 'It's about bloody time. I thought the twins would get married before you asked her. I'll come down for the weekend. I could do with a dose of your crazy family. Best you do it before then.'

When he got home the next evening, Allison was visiting which put a damper on his plans. He sat working while they spent them time together and tried to work out another plan but his nerve was fading fast. He waited until Allison left and then started pacing up and down and raking his hands through his hair, trying to find a way to start

'You are going to wear a hole in the floor. What is wrong with you?'

He took a box out of his pocket and opened it up. 'Will you marry me?' He lifted her chin so that he could see her eyes and then let her go.

The ring was a platinum band encrusted with diamonds and in the middle was a perfectly shaped heart. Marie looked at him. The encryption on the inside read. 'Forever yours' He knew exactly what she liked. It was perfect. Not big and flashy but dainty but elegant. He took the ring out of the box and slipped it on to the fourth finger of her left hand.

'Do you like it?'

'It is perfect.' She had her hand stretched out studying it.

'Is that a yes?'

She nodded, unable to speak. She loved him with all her heart.

His phone rang at that moment. It was Robert calling to find out if he had proposed. He was tempted not to answer it but knew his brother-in-law to would call her next and she would not ignore the call.

'I am trying to propose to you sister, do you mind.'

'You actually grew some balls. I win, got to call Ray. He reckoned you would chicken out.' Robert had become one of the gambling Logan's.

'Goodbye Robert, I'll see you tomorrow.'

'Wait, let me speak to her.'

Jeff handed her the phone reluctantly. The moment was broken.

'Are you happy sis?'

'Yes I am.'

'Did you accept?'

'I would accept his proposal if you got off the phone.'

'Oh yeah, ok, see you tomorrow.'

'Now where were we?' Come here.'

She walked into his arms. 'I love you.'

A month later, Marie got out of the car stood outside the chapel nervously. She was about to walk down the aisle to marry the man she loved and her brother was about to give her away.

Her father and Mattie each had a twin on their arms and walked in first.

Aimee was jumping up and down excitedly in her flower girl outfit and Val was standing at the door waiting for her to give the signal that she was ready. She nodded smoothing the cream satin wedding gown and checking her hair one last time.

Taking a deep breath, she took Robert's arm and walked through the open doors. Jeff and Sam looked handsome in their tuxedos. She watched as his mouth dropped open and his chest expanded with pride and love when she walked towards him. Robert kissed her on the cheek put her hand into Jeff's shaking his hand in the process.

'You beautiful.' He leaned down to kiss her

The minister was quicker than him. 'Whoa tiger, first you marry her and then you get to kiss her.

Jeff almost shook the man to rush him through the vows; he was taking his own time. When he finally pronounced them man and wife, he waved his hand at Jeff, 'Now you can kiss your wife.'

The reception was held at a hotel that Mattie had chosen and they had gone all out with no expense being spared. There were fairy lights and candles lighting the ballroom which looked more like a wonderland than a wedding reception. Marie had not had a hand in it at all. Mattie and the girls had insisted that they do it while she spent time with her father. She had been happy to let them do it. Planning a reception was not her strong point.

Robert was the first one to give a speech followed by Sam.

'To my sister and best friend. I don't think there is another man on earth that will ever love you more than the one at your side. This is all I have ever wanted for you. Today is the start of a long life filled with love and happiness. My sister and I grew up with no family and we were welcomed into Jeff's family with open arms. Today she gains a husband and I gain a brother, and we gain a family. And by the way Mattie, you owe me 200 dollars. If you checked the list on the fridge accurately you will I was spot on with the proposal and out a week on the date of the wedding. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.' He did a little dance. Marie cried at his speech until he mentioned the bet.

Sam was the more serious one.

'Jeff fell in love with Marie the night they were in my restaurant and has never wavered once. They had a bit of a wobbly but love brought them through it. I have never met a more beautiful woman inside and out. She is caring, genuine with integrity and talent. It an honor knowing her and I cannot be more happy that my best friend has not only met his match but a strong woman who is able to withstand anything life throws at her. I salute you little one.' He lifted his glass in her direction.

She blew him a kiss.

She danced with Robert first but he handed her over to her father. 'This is a father/daughter dance. You should do it with our father.'

'You look so happy Marie.' Douglas told her while holding her. He was still awkward with showing them affection but had not trouble with the twins.

'I am happy. I have everything I have always wanted. And now that I met you, I have a complete family and that is all I need.' She kissed him the cheek, making the old man cry.

The DJ accounted their first dance and Jeff led her on to the floor and pulled her close. 'Mrs. Logan may I have this dance?'

She laid her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat. They were like two puzzle pieces that fitted together perfectly.

They forgot about dancing and stood kissing each other.

'I love you.' she said.

He smiled. 'Forever?'

'Forever.'