Angel Rose

Chapter 23

Buzzing and chiming woke me from my fitful sleep the morning that began the second week of my mating season. Cracking open an eye, I saw an incoming call lighting up my communication lacrima. Sighing, I picked up the magical phone and answered. "Ever? What's up? Why are you calling so early?" A glance at my bedside clock told me it was actually almost noon.

"I wanted you to be the first to know and I have a question for you."

"Okay... what's up?"

"Elfman took me out for brunch, and then we went for a walk around Magnolia. We ended up at the florist where I turned him to stone during Fantasia. He proposed!" I'd see it coming for a while now, but didn't know when the Strauss male would be 'man enough' to do it. A moment after I'd processed it, I squealed in delight and bounced in my bed as much as my body allowed.

"That's amazing! It's about time. Oh, I'm so happy for you!"

"Ugh... I was having such a good dream. Why am I awake?" Laxus' growly morning voice startled me a little as he threw his arm around my middle and sat up enough to see Ever on the lacrima.

"Angel, I wanted to ask if you would help me plan and be my maid of honor."

"Of course, Ever! I'm so happy for you! Ooh, we'll have to meet for lunch next week to start planning. I'll leave you to call Mira, because we're gonna need her planning skills for sure. Do you think you'll want a color scheme for the bridal party or will we be choosing our own dresses?" I asked.

"I haven't decided yet. All we know for sure is we want a short engagement and that we only want the guild involved. If we invited all our friends we'd need to clear out half the forest."

"That's true. And that would end up sending monsters into magnolia. We'll make sure nothing ruins your day. Your wedding will be the talk of Magnolia, I promise."

"Thank you, Angel. I've got to go now, but when you and Laxus are back we'll have a lot to do. I'm sorry for waking you."

"Don't be sorry, Ever. I've been waiting for this call for months."

"What do you mean?"

"Elfman's been carrying that ring in his pocket since that day at the beach. He grabbed at it nearly every hour." Laxus spoke up.

"Why didn't one of you tell me?" Ever demanded hotly.

"Elfman would have been upset if someone ruined the surprise. And if you'd known, you'd have been upset it took him so long. Don't worry about it now, Ever. You're engaged, enjoy it. I'll let you go, you and Elf have some celebrating to do." I cut off the call when Evergreen turned red before she could shout at me.

Laxus' nostrils flared and his pupils dilated. "What do I have to do to show you my worth?" He asked in a low husky voice.

"Nothing. Never stop being you." I placed my hand on his chest.

"I need you to be completely sure you want this not just because it's what your body is telling you. If we do this, it will be forever." I chewed my bottom lip while I waited for him to answer. The silence was like a boulder that had fallen on me and held me trapped. He said nothing as he walked to the bathroom and shut the door behind him. My mind threatened to panic but my heart... I knew in my heart that he needed time to think. This was a big decision to make - probably the biggest decision our kind will ever make in our lifetime. I already knew whatever he chose I wouldn't try to sway him and that I could wait for him. The door opened and I let out a slow shaky breath as I looked up; his sleeves had been rolled up.

"Come here." I didn't ask why or argue it, I just got up and let my feet carry me to the man that I loved. The scent of spearmint, eucalyptus, roses, and something unfamiliar greeted me as I got closer to the bathroom. Laxus held his hand out and I placed my hand in his and let him pull me into the room. My heart fluttered as I looked around.