Named after a character in her parents' favourite Jane Austen novel, Ellie is living and working in England to connect with her ancestral roots. One day by chance she meets a young jobbing actor and falling in love with him makes her question what s...
Ellie made a sound that was part gasp, part sob. "Tom." A slow trickle of tears rolled down her cheeks and his breathing stilled at the terrifying thought that perhaps she was going to say no.
He placed the hand he was holding on his chest. "Darling, I..."
"Yes."
Not sure he'd heard the softly spoken word correctly or if his heart was playing tricks on him, he stuttered, "Say it again."
"Yes."
Heart beating now faster than ever, he rose, pulling her into his arms as he kissed away her tears. "So these are happy tears?" he asked, still needing reassurance.
"Yes, love, they're...indescribably happy tears. I love you."
"I love you." Her kiss told him all he needed to be sure, finally, that she had agreed to be his. He felt as if he were floating, almost giddy with happiness. Releasing her, he reached into a trouser pocket and withdrew a small blue box, holding it out before her and slowly opening the lid. She gasped again, hand over her mouth as she gazed in astonishment at the antique diamond ring. "It was my grandmother's, but if you don't like it or would prefer something new..."
"No," she shook her head, "Tom, it's...exquisite. I love it." It was delicate and dainty, small diamonds intricately mounted on the graceful shoulders holding the central stone.
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"She had long slender fingers like yours." He slid the ring down her finger, relieved to find it was an almost perfect fit, then kissed her knuckles, looking deep into her eyes. "You're sure?' he asked, his question encompassing more than just the ring.
Ellie nodded, her smile lighting the room as she wound her arms around his neck, gently pulling his face closer. "I'm sure," she whispered, and he lost himself in her lips once more.
A door opened behind Ellie and three people came in, clapping and calling congratulations, smiles on their faces. The restaurant manager carried a tray bearing glasses of sparkling wine, passing them around then offering a toast to the happy couple. The ring was admired and congratulations offered again, and Tom assured them of his sincere gratitude for their help in his proposal plans. Then he felt it was time to leave.
He had another request to make of Ellie and fervently hoped her answer would be the same.
---
Walking into the kitchen Ellie had a feeling of déjà vu; her family were all gathered around the dining table and instantly stopped whatever they were talking about to look towards she and Tom. Even Bailey, comfortable on his cushion in the corner, seemed to look their way as if waiting. She couldn't dismiss the notion that something was happening that she wasn't aware of but it all became clear a moment later as Tom stood close behind her, put his arm around her waist and said simply, "She said yes."
The resulting uproar would have drowned out a pneumatic drill – chairs were scraped back only seconds before they found themselves hugged, squeezed and kissed by five excited and enthusiastic adults while one dog, animated by all the excitement around him, pushed into everyone's legs demanding petting. There were cries of joy and loud congratulations as well as tears from the ladies and huge smiles from the men; her mother and sisters oohed and aahed over the ring and Tom was welcomed to the family by all. Ellie felt as if her heart could burst with happiness.
Later as they sat in the Dux de Lux, her favourite restaurant and bar in the city, and toasts had been made and drunk to and everyone had at last tempered their euphoria somewhat, Tom turned to Ellie looking a little nervous and cleared his throat. "Darling, there's one more thing I want to ask you." Putting down her water glass, she noticed her family were now as quiet as church mice and the feeling that they knew something she didn't returned in force. She gave Tom her full attention as he took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips. "Will you marry me here, now?"
Ellie gasped. "Tonight?"
"No, I mean...here with your family, before you go back to India."
Stunned, she stared open-mouthed at his face. He appeared nervous, excited and hopeful all at the same time, while she couldn't quite put a name to the emotions tumbling around inside her own body.
"But...it's less than two weeks..."
"The licence is sorted," her father said. "Tom and I did that this morning." Ellie blinked at him and then at each of her family members as they offered help.
"Your Aunt Janie is happy to officiate," her mother added. "And I'll shop with you for a dress."
"I'll arrange the venue and flowers," Marianne offered.
"And I'll make the cake, of course," Maggie, who had once done a cake design and decoration course and was always making delicious cupcakes to take into school, chipped in.
"I can arrange transport," said Johnny, "and help Tom."
"What...what about Christmas?" she asked her mother.
"It's all organised," Sophie replied, "Just a few fresh bits and pieces to pick up tomorrow – I can make a list for your dad."
She turned to Tom, murmuring weakly, "Your family..."
"Are ready to jump on a plane here the moment I give the word," was his astonishing reply.
They seemed to have thought of everything and Ellie knew they were all holding their breaths waiting for her reply, yet she didn't feel pressured; she knew that if she said no, her family would understand and accept her decision, Tom too. So she had only to ask herself whether she was ready to get married right now, ready to be Mrs Tom Hiddleston so soon. Ready to spend the next eight months apart from her husband rather than her fiancé. She tried to imagine what that would be like and knew, with complete and utter certainty, that the question really was a no-brainer.
"Yes," she said firmly, a huge smile on her face as she looked at the adorable man beside her. "Let's do it."
Pandemonium reigned once more as all her family members spoke at once, but she blocked them out and concentrated on Tom. "Are you sure?" he asked her for the second time that day.
Ellie cupped his cheek and looked deep into his blue eyes, willing him to see the certainty in hers. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. Are you?"
He placed his hand over hers, his face looking to her as if it were lit from the inside as he echoed her words. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
