Love At First Joke | Sal Vulcano

9

Sal parked up in the car park of the restaurant they were visiting. Cassie got out of the car, still feeling nervous about what was to come. She knew she loved Sal, but something kept crossing her mind. What if he forgets about me when he goes back to New York, she thought.

Sal and Cassie walked hand in hand as they met the others at the table.

"Hey guys!" Joe, Murr and Q called, getting up to hug them both.

"So how's your day been Cassie?" Q questioned, giving her a slight wink.

"The usual," she laughed, "working. How have your days been?" She asked to the group.

"Murray and I got belted with soccer- I mean, footballs this afternoon. No thanks to these guys!" Joe chuckled, gesturing towards Sal and Q. Receiving a laugh from the rest of the table.

Sal took Q up to the bar and ordered the drinks for the rest of them. He sighed, "Bri, I can't do it man...she may say no...I don't want to lose her." His face sank down, looking towards his feet.

"Bud, c'mon. You guys are meant to be together! We look at you and all we can see is love. I know it's only been a couple of weeks but it's meant to be." Q replied, patting his hand on Sal's shoulder in comfort. Sal nodded in response, trying not to let the nerves get to him.

As they returned to the table, he saw that Joe and Murr had kept Cassie entertained whilst they were gone. Cassie threw her head back in laughter, after hearing about the events from the punishment.

**

The evening was spent with the guys telling Cassie about all of their stories, some leading all the way back to when they first met in high school. Cassie had never laughed so much in one evening. The bond in which these boys share, just screams out. It's magical.

As the evening drew to a close, Sal and Cassie grabbed their belongings and returned to the car. Sal was driving, when Cassie noticed he had turned down the wrong road.

"Sal?" she spoke, "this isn't the right way to my house." She giggled.

"I know baby, I've got a surprise for you." He grinned, placing his hand in hers and resting them on his thigh, as he drove.

He pulled into the side of the road, a place which looked familiar. It was where they spent their first date. The beach.

Sal walked Cassie down the winding path, with his arm wrapped around her shoulders, guiding her down the dimly lit walk.

"Oh the sky is beautiful" Cassie spoke, looking up to the stars.

"Reminds me of you babe" Sal smiled, placing a kiss to her cheek.

As they walked along the beach, hearing the deadly silence, aside from the small crashing of the waves every so often. Sal stopped at a bench, and gestured for Cassie to sit down. She did as he asked and sat down on the bench, leaving enough room for Sal. Although, he didn't sit down, instead he got on one knee and pulled out a small black, ring box. Sal opened the box, to reveal a golden diamond ring.

"Now," he started. Cassie could sense the emotion in his voice. "I know we've only been dating a couple of weeks, and I know that moving to New York with me is a massive step." He continued, fighting back the tears. "I want you to know Cassie, that I'm in love with you, have been since the moment I laid eyes upon you. You're absolutely beautiful and make me the happiest man alive." His emerald eyes began to gleam and sparkle, with the reflection of the moonlight, through the tears forming in his eyes. Cassie sniffled, as a tear ran down her cheek. "I want you to be mine Cas, and so..." His voice began to crack through his anxiety. "Cassandra Ivy Gatewell, will you do me the honour, of marrying me and one day, becoming my wife. So I can spend the rest of my life by your side." Sal's eyes met with hers, tears streaming down both their faces.

Cassie let out a giggle, before saying, "My parents are going to kill me, but f*ck it. Yes. I'll marry you, you dope" He beamed, sliding the ring onto her finger. Cassie wrapped her arms around his neck, as he stood up. Their lips met, as they shared a kiss. Their lips moulded together, as though they were made for each other.

In the distance, they heard a faint sound of cheering. Cassie looked over Sal's shoulder to see Joe, Murr and Q cheering and throwing confetti. Murr held his phone up and took a photo of the couple.

Cassie locked eyes with Sal, causing him to smile from ear to ear, his dimples as deep as the ocean. The way his nose scrunched up, causing his glasses to raise up his face. She leant forward and placed her lips onto his. She rested her head on his chest, as his arms wrapped around her waist. They slowly danced, rocking back and forth, under the moonlight.

"I love you to the moon and back, forever and always." He whispered into her ear.

"I love you too Salvatore Edward Anthony Vulcano."