Beyond The Glowing Whirlpool

Chapter 65: NEW BEGINNING

Stunned by what was happening, Stacie just froze up staring at the ring with eyes wide and mouth drop open, as if her brain malfunctioned at that moment. She was so still, it seemed as though she even forgot how to breathe.

-I promise you, Stacie, I will not keep you away from Atlantis and even your world. We will arrange something when the time comes, but right now, all I know is that I want to spend every single day with you by my side, to love you, and to cherish you. So, will you accept me?... Um, Stacie?... - He tilted his head and peered at her dazed, face. - Are you alright?... Did I do it wrong?...

-N-no! - She suddenly gasped as if coming back to life. - A-and yes!... I-I mean no, you didn't... a-and yes! YES! I will marry you, Ivar! - She broke into a huge grin pouncing at him.

Ivar caught her and lifting her up along with himself gave her another twirl with an overjoyed laugh.

-Hah, you sure you don't wanna think it over? - He teased.

-I'm sure! - She laughingly returned. - Very, VERY sure!

-Then there is no going back, little girl! you're mine now! You agreed to it! That means you can't run away from me anymore like you did that time, I hope you realize that.

-I wouldn't dream of it! - She replied with a goofy, overjoyed smile as her eyes sparkled with wetness.

-Well, now, according to your custom, I'm supposed to put this ring on your finger... Or so Janice said... - Ivar looked at the little box. - Does it matter which finger though?

-It's this finger. - Stacie held out her left hand to him, pointing to the ring finger. - So, it was Janice's doing? She's behind all of this? - Stacie suspiciously squinted at him. - I was wondering how did you know about the ring and... how to do it.

-Of course, I had to do a little bit of research if I wanted to do it properly. - He replied slipping the ring on her finger and giving her hand a soft kiss. - As expected, it looks very pretty on you.

-It is such a beautiful ring! - She brought her hand up to her face for a closer inspection. - I just love that it's a sapphire and not a plain boring diamond. But how did you even get the ring? Did you have to custom order it?

-No, Janice volunteered to help me to acquire it from your home planet. And this was her choice. So, if you like it so much, you have her good taste to thank.

-What, really?! She did?! When did she even have the time to go ring shopping?! - Exclaimed Stacie. - Just how long the two of you have been scheming all of this behind my back?

-Heh, not too long, trust me. It was a very quick decision. I simply asked her advice and she volunteered to do this while we were on the expedition, and was able to have it ready almost by the time we returned.

-Oh wow! She is such an awesome friend... - Suddenly Stacie bit her lip, realizing something. - I feel like I took her for granted... I will need to come up with something to show her how much I appreciate her...

-Indeed I agree, my love. - Ivar pulled her into his arms. - She has also saved your life multiple times among other things, I'd say yes, you do owe her quite the great deal. But then, so do I. - He stroked her face as he kissed her.

⚜️

Amyleah was asleep on her couch, surrounded by books, notebooks, and paperwork in general. She was in the middle of her study for college when the battle with exhaustion and boredom got the best of her, and she couldn't keep her eyes open anymore. Ever since Stacie left, she had a difficult time keeping up with her schoolwork. That and also because of Jacob. Her cute, nerdy coworker at the bookstore. When Stacie left, Amy took her advice and got the courage to fess up and let him know she liked him, and the two have been dating since then. And Stacie was right too. Turned out, Jacob thought she was cute, but he felt he was out of her league since she's much younger than him, so he was too afraid to approach her. Then he met Stacie and got side-blinded by her for a brief moment. But then he found out from Amy that Stacie already had someone, and that she left with her man, he was over her in an instant, and his attention was turned back to Amy again. And after Amy told him that she liked him, he completely forgot Stacie even ever existed.