I've Missed You | CHONI |

Chapter 23

The flight back to Riverdale was smooth, the girls just chatted the whole time. Toni had finally spoke to Cheryl before they got to the airport apologising that she couldn't get anyone to pick her up from the airport. Cheryl told her it was fine and that they'd get a cab, she'd be okay because Veronica had come back to visit with her. It was early afternoon and they had around another 15 minutes until they would arrive at Cheryls and Toni's new home. Cheryl was nervous for some reason, maybe it was because of how short Toni had been with her over the weekend. She tried to talk with Veronica but she was too busy on her phone.

They pulled up outside the house. 'Wow Cher this is beautiful' Veronica smiled. 'Thanks Ronnie, are you coming in for a look?' Cheryl asked. 'Yeah sounds good, I'll just get another cab to the motel later'. They unpacked their bags from the trunk and made their way to the front door, Cheryl tried to open it but it was locked. She huffed as she reached into her bag pulling out her keys and unlocking the door before pushing it open.

'Welcome home!' Was yelled in unison by all their friends. Cheryl smiled 'what are you guys doing here?'. 'We wanted to surprise you babe' Toni said as she kissed her lips and pulling her into a hug 'is this too much?' she whispered in Cheryls ear. 'No it's perfect, is this why you had been so busy?' Cheryl looked at Toni. 'Yeah sorry about that babe' Toni looked a little guilty. 'CHERYLLLL!' Carter ran up to the red head with his arms reaching up so she could pick him up. Cheryl didn't hesitate 'hey little man' she hugged him. Betty was going to stop the little boy as she didn't want Cheryl hurting herself lifting him up but she noticed the red head mouthed that she was fine. She popped Carter back on the ground and said hello to all their friends.

The little welcome home party was in full swing, Jughead was stood talking to Fangs and Sweet Pea, Betty was in a full conversation with Kevin, Veronica and Archie were flirting with each other and little Carter was sat with a plate of chocolate cake. Toni took this opportunity to pull Cheryl to one side. 'I've really missed you babe' Toni said pulling Cheryl close to her 'are you happy to be home?'. 'I couldn't be happier TT, thank you for the party, it's nice to have friends again' Cheryl leant in placing kisses on Toni's lips.

Everyone was indulging in the the fancy buffet Toni had ordered and laid out on the table, Carter had passed out on the couch probably from all the food he had eaten. Everyone was is high spirits and the chatter was pretty loud. Toni tapped on her glass to get everyone's attention. 'Hey guys could I have your attention for just a sec?' When everyone had quietened down she began to speak again 'I just wanted to thank you all for coming today. You've all been a godsend these last few weeks, Cheryl and I couldn't be more grateful' Cheryl smiled and moved over to Toni to hold her hand while she spoke. 'These last few weeks have been an awful nightmare which have now turned into a fairy tale. I thought I'd lost the love of my life but she's a strong and beautiful women who I'm lucky enough to call mine. As you all know Cheryl and I have been blessed with another chance to make each other happy after being childhood sweethearts. And I truly believe we are meant to be together' Toni turned now as she smiled at Cheryl. 'That's why I want to take this opportunity here and now to show this amazing woman what she means to me' Toni reached into her back pocket pulling out a box before going down on one knee. Cheryls hands immediately clasped over her mouth as tears formed in her eyes. 'Cheryl Blossom would you do me the honour of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?' Toni was looking up into Cheryls eyes with pure love and admiration. The room was silent waiting on Cheryls answer. Cheryl vigorously nodded her head 'Yes, of course I will'. She grabbed Toni's face pulling her up to kiss her. Toni slid the ring on her now fiancé's ring finger. Their friends bursts into cheers. Cheryl was crying as well as Toni, in fact everyone in the room had a tear in their eye. Their friends hugged them congratulating the newly engaged couple. Cheryl couldn't believe what was happening, she couldn't recall a happier time in her life than this moment.

The party carried on a little later, everyone was more than happy. The boys had picked Toni up cheering and laughing after all she was one of the boys. Where as the girls and Kevin gathered around Cheryl to compliment her engagement ring. It was white gold with a single chunky diamond, it was elegant and gorgeous. The love in the room was powerful between lovers and friends which were more like family. Veronica had secretly filmed the moment Toni proposed to Cheryl, she was prepared after Toni had confided in her with her plans to propose to Cheryl. She couldn't wait to send the couple the video so they could cherish it for the rest of their life's.

The party was coming to a close now with Jughead and Betty leaving first so they could take Carter to bed. Sweet Pea, Fangs and Kevin were next to leave followed by Archie and Veronica who unsurprisingly left together. Cheryl kind of wished Veronica would give Archie a real chance so they become a real couple. The house was quiet but the feeling of pure happiness was radiating in every room. Toni was sat on the couch a blissful smile on her face, Cheryl walked into the living room from the kitchen immediately smiling at her girl. She walked up to Toni and pushed her back against the couch before straddling her. She kissed her deeply 'I love you Toni, I can't wait to marry you'. 'I love you Cheryl, I can't wait to marry you either'. The thought of marrying each other gave them both butterflies. 'How about I show you how much I love you' Cheryl smirked standing and pulling Toni towards the stairs by her arm. 'I'd love that' Toni smirked back. They giggled in between kisses as they tried to get up the stairs while removing each other's clothes. As soon as they reached the bedroom Toni pushed Cheryl on to the bed before kicking the door shut. Even after all these years they were still like love struck teenagers.