queen for a day

Last Chapter Chapter 35

 Queen for a day.

I feel him before I even open my eyes. His warm body beside mine and I feel entirely blissful. “Good morning sweetie. I have a surprise for you. Put this on,” he hands me a t-shirt. “Good morning. What surprise?” I sit up, slip the shirt over my head and ease my feet over the edge of the bed and on to the cool wood floor.

 “If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”

“Jack! At least kiss me.” I demand. Getting to the bottom of the stairs he turns to me and orders “close your eyes.” He takes hold of both my hands, kisses my mouth and leads me to my surprise. “Don’t open your eyes”

“I’m not!”

“You’re peaking.”

“No I’m not!” I hear him chuckle, then I feel his lips on mine, again. I kiss him back but, he pulls away. I feel him wince, from pain.

“Jack, this is too much, you’re still sore.”

“Keep your eyes closed.” He bids. “I’m fine.”

 “Jack!” I’m starting to come out of my skin.

“Ok, open your beautiful eyes, sweetheart.”

As I open my eyes I’m floored at what I behold. It is breathtakingly beautiful. “You finished it, it’s amazing!” Like a sanctuary a big stained glass window, in white creams and clear glass centered above the rustic grey door.  The epitome of peace and tranquility, it is beautiful. On the patio is a white wicker round day bed with maybe ten pillows. Two climbing rose bushes are planted on either side of the platform, and white roses bloom up to the roof. Large mutton pane windows flank both sides of the front door. A sign above the door reads Puccini coup.

I have a surprise for you inside as well.

I feel something on the side of my legs, at calf level, the couch maybe. What could this be about?

“Sit.” He pushes me backwards and I can do nothing sit. I’m on the couch in the living room.

“OH!” I squeal surprised by my sudden drop.

“Sorry, keep ‘em closed. Give me a minute.”

I hear clicking sounds and I smell that freshly brewed coffee aroma. It’s a rich, caramel, earthy smell. “Ok, what’s going on?” I’m anxious for my surprise.

“Shhhh, patients.” He is scurrying around. I can hear the pads of his bare feet on the floor. “One more thing and of course your morning coffee, Miss Whyte.”

 “It’s covered in tiny sparkly white lights, so magical. Hundreds of tiny silver beads are strung from top to bottom. Baby’s breath is tucked in randomly amongst the lights, creating an unadorned charm. Our first Christmas tree. I’m overwhelmed by this gesture that, tears steam down my cheeks and fall softly on my lap. I feel joy, right now in this room, with this man, pure, untainted, unadulterated, complete, love, my heart is bursting with it.

“Jack, what is this all about?”

“Merry Christmas Baby!”

“Christmas, it’s July!” I look at him with one eye brow raised.

“You don’t want to celebrate your birthday so; this is your Queen for the day wish. Christmas with your family. Me.” He whispers nervously. Sitting beside me he takes my hand and kisses the finger tips. “You have presents too. Let me get one for you.” He gets up and picks up a box, brings it back and sets it on my lap.

“This is wonderful but, it’s hardly fair, I don’t have anything for you.” I pout.

“Today is all about you, baby.” Jack winks at me.

“Are we having a Christmas dinner with my family too?”

“Yes, your brother and sister, my Aunt. Enough said." He seems a little nervous.

He hands me a box, wrapped in grey paper, with a red ribbon. 
"This was in my mom’s stuff she kept for you. They are pictures of your Mom and Dad."
"Oh my god!" I over come with emotion.
" Now that you’ve opened this, I don’t know. Seems anticlimactic but, here goes. Will you marry me?"