A very close call

Chapter 3

Zoe's POV

After a group talk about who knows what my leg started to feel uncomfortable cramped on the small seat with Pin so I suggested that we head to mine for the evening.

Since I couldn't go on a horse and couldn't walk I just looked at every one with an awkward smile.
"What?" Jade asked with a laugh.
"I can't walk back." I said with an unimpressed scowl. Pin chuckled and picked me up bridal style. I had no energy to argue with Pony squad whilst they awwed so I just shoved my face in the crook on Pins neck with an embarrassed groan as he carried me home.

When we arrived Gaby called for my grandpa so we could explain what was going on.
"Zoe?! What happened!"
"Long Story involving a Race to the stone and an old WW2 bomb." I replied casually. He looked shocked but welcomed everyone inside nonetheless. After I had explained the situation to my very surprised grandpa, Pin carried me up the creaky stairs to mine and Gaby's room. He set me on the bed and made a move to stand but I grabbed his hand before he could.

"Stay?" It came out much more weak than intended but Pin still smiled and climbed under the covers with me. He tucked me in his safe embrace and I cuddled under his chin.

"You know I just realised I didn't reply to you at the beach." Pin suddenly announced in a whisper tone. Confused I looked up at him with a face saying 'what do you mean?' He chuckled softly. I am not ashamed to admit the sound made my heart flutter.
"I never got to say I love you too. But to make it up to you I have a Valentine's gift for you."
"Pin I know how you feel about Valentine's. Don't force yourself to do something you feel uncomfortable about for me." I told him reassuringly. He gave me a soft smile.

"I know but this is something I would give you wether it be Valentine's or not. Besides, there is a lot of stuff I felt uncomfortable about before I met you. I always stayed away from people in fear they would hurt me like my mum but you have helped me to realise that I am so much more than a stable boy who doesn't talk to others. You have changed my life for the better and I can't imagine spending another day of it without you. That's why I freaked out about the bomb. I love you Zoe Phillips."

He reached into the pocket of his hoodie and brought out a ring box, which he opened to reveal a beautiful ring. It shone in the moonlight through the window and sparkles. It was simple yet beautiful and I felt it sums up Pin perfectly. I only noticed now I was crying when a droplet of salty tears landed on the hand I had threaded through Pin's.

"I know we are not ready quite yet to get married but I wanted you to think of it as a promise. I promise to always love you and care for you and one day ,when you are ready, you can become the duchess of the island." He said quietly. I was too emotional to speak so I could only reached out my left hand for him to place the ring on. He accepted the gesture though and slid the ring on my finger with a beaming smile.

With one final "I love you" we turned off the lights and cuddled into one another. I had never felt happier than I was now, snuggled in the arms of my fiancé.

Let's just say I was grateful Gaby slept in the guest room as it would be hard to explain being curled up in the arms of Peter Hawthorne, Duke, Rider and now fiancé.

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Pin's POV

I woke up in the morning with a smile on my face. Zoe was still laying peacefully in my arms and I allowed myself to watch her steady breathing whilst reminding myself that she was alive and safe. A while later her eyes pealed open to reveal the most gorgeous brown.

"Morning my beautiful fiancé." I said with a chuckle as she groaned at the light flooding into the room. She mumbled a reply before I rolled out of bed to get ready for my day at the stables. Zoe held on though and fought for me to lie back down.

"Zo, I gotta go." I said with a chuckle.
"Okay" she replied.  "I'll come down to the stables with you."

"Zoe you know you are not allowed to ride."
"I know but I would feel better sitting on the hay bales or something and chatting with the girls than being cooped up in my room. The fresh air will do me good." I finally agreed and helped her get up. I left her to get ready and eat breakfast before going to the stables ahead of her. It would be pretty awkward if someone realised I had stayed with Zoe all night. Besides, we agreed to keep the ring thing quiet for a while and allow ourselves to enjoy a little privacy for now. I just reached the door when...

"Where have you been?" I turned around to see Gaby with a smirk on her face. I felt myself blush but explained that I had stayed to keep and eye on Zoe. She gave me a knowing smile so I turned to leave.

"Oh and congrats!" I turned back with a confused face. "I saw the ring box in your pocket yesterday." She explained
I panicked for a second.
"Please don't tell anyone!" I begged.
"Promise I won't." She said with an honest smile, "Just promise me you will look after and do everything in your power to keep my sister safe and make her feel loved."
I smiled one of the most genuine smiles I ever have.
"Trust me, that is all I live to do." She nodded so I left to go take care of the horses.