A Secret Vow

25 A Secret Vow

Me and Clive stood a few steps back from each other, fixing ourselves as fast as possible. Fearing the worse of the worse.

I try to fix my hair back into place, ashamed at every misplaced strand. Patting down my dress, embarrassed by its ruffles. Constantly having to repeat myself but with a worse stutter every attempt.

As I placed the last annoying hair back into place,  as confidently as possible, I tell him   "you know what. I'm, I'm going back to the picnic. I have been gone for far too long".

Sweating, he nods and adds "I will go get the wine".

Parting, I rush back to the field. I slowed down my pace and started blotching my face with my dress.

Looking in the distance, I saw all the guests sitting at their benches and the Leightons sitting with my parents. Laughing away, not having a care in the world.

I blotched the sweat again and again and again.

That was...

I look up and see Edmund waving at me.

That was amazing. Every part of that was simply amazing. I've never felt so alive before. So loved. So wanted!

Edmund runs up to me and grabs my hand.

"Come on honey! I have a little something for you!" He exclaimed.

As he held my hand and guided me towards everyone, I forced my brain to remember every part of that kiss.

Please. Please never forget what seemed to be a dream. Just another fantasy to wake up to and forget.

"Everyone! May I have everyone's attention!" Edmund excitedly pleaded.

"I would like everyone to gather around near the lake, I have a surprise!" He loudly announced with a beaming smile.

I looked around and noticed all the tired sweaty faces turn into excitement.

Confused, I look at Edmund and he holds my hand tight.

I look at my parents and my mother points her fan toward the lake.

I turn my head.

The lake.

Ah. The marriage proposal.

He pulls me with him and I follow.

"Why are we going to the lake?" I asked him.

"Lilium that's why it's called a surprise silly! But I had to do it here! I loved playing with my sister here with my parents!" He laughed.

As we sprinted I looked at Edmund's sweaty face and quietly added "...you probably ran around with Clive too"

I heard the sounds of the birds so crystal clearly at that very moment.

That was no mistake. Every part of that was intentional.

I watched as his smile slowest died and our pace matched.