All Things New: Chapter Fourteen

I gave it a day early! 😀

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: THE PROPOSAL

“Why did you leave?” Arundelle asked.

“Um, because I—I got…um…I didn’t think I needed to stay any longer.”

“Why?” she asked, looking slightly hurt.

“Because…the gifts…I—I don’t think you’ll- “

“Artham, I know you got me something. And I’m sure I’ll love it.”

“But—are you sure?”

“Yes. Don’t be nervous.”

Artham’s heart was pounding. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the rose. Ari smiled, and took it, placing it in her hair.

“Aww, thank you Artham. It’s beautiful. I can’t put a whole bouquet in my hair after all.”

Artham flicked a smile, and took out the small parcel, which she unwrapped. “Oh Artham.”

“Yeah, the same book Nibbick got you.”

“I’ll give you the other one, and keep this one, and we can read it together!”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’m keeping yours because yours matters more.”

Artham felt his heart leap within him, and slowly his confidence began to boost.

“Uh, you like the first part of your stuff?”

Ari looked up. “What do you mean…first?”

“Oh, um, I mean to say—what I mean is—uh, there’s one other thing...I uh, sort of got you, but, it’s more for me. So, I guess we could just forget it.”

Artham smiled nervously, his cheeks bright red.

“Artham. What is it?”

“It’s nothing,” Artham stammered, burying his hand in his pocket where the ring was.

“Artham.”

“You really want to know?”

“Yes. It’s okay,” she said giggling. “Your very cute when your embarrassed.”

Artham narrowed his eyes at her. “Not. Helping.”

She just giggled more.

Artham inhaled sharply, stood up, and offered Ari his hand. Arundelle stood, looking confused. But then her jaw dropped…her eyes widened…Artham dropped to one knee. His heart was pounding, but with another quick prayer to the Maker, he felt a little better. Maybe this would go good. But then again…maybe not.

“Arundelle Waterwell, I love you so much. I wish I could even begin to express it. But I can’t. I would be…very…uh…grateful and happy for the rest of my life if you say yes to this question. Ari…will you…marry….me?”

He pulled out the ring and it glistened in the moonlight.

For a moment, she stood staring at him in complete shock and silence. Artham was beginning to get uncomfortable kneeling there. He was on his bad knee.

“Oh, Artham…I— “

“It’s okay, if you, uh, say no. Don’t feel pressure, I know you deserve much bet-” Artham began slowly rising. But then he heard Ari squeal something he didn’t quite understand. Before he knew anything else, her arms were wrapped around him, he had fallen back on the ground, her on top of him. And he had a fair idea of her answer. He laughed slightly.

She was half squealing half crying. After a moment she stood up and Artham followed suit.

“Well, that went better than what I thought it might,” he said, relief and love filling his eyes as he looked down at Arundelle.

“Did you think I would say no?” Ari asked.

Artham smiled a little. “Well, Nibbick’s presence did upset my spirits. And I have been nervous about this for months.”

Ari smiled. “Artham, I valued your presence more than I valued his gifts. And I love you more than anything in this world.”

Artham smiled. “I love you too, Arundelle.”

The party was still dispersing inside, but these two were oblivious to all but each other.

I hope you enjoyed this!!! Fluffy!!! Let me know if anything seems off!