The Untold Fairytale, Enchanted Realms, Part 7

Chapter 7 - The Surprise

Eloise’s POV

Jack knew damn well that I’d never go to sleep if I didn’t open the package. I hated surprises, and he knew it was damn near impossible to keep a secret from me for long. Somehow, I managed to weasel it out of him, but he pulled this little stunt off right before me.

When he placed the package on my lap, I could tell he was bursting with emotion to reveal its contents. Ignoring him, I ripped the brown tape off and threw the rest of the packaging on the floor. My hands felt clammy, and my heart raced as I stared at the leather journal.

“How? How’d you manage this? You said we couldn’t afford it?”

He didn’t say a word but nodded for me to continue to inspect the journal. Sitting the journal in my lap, I began to untie the leather straps, but my eyes finally processed the significance of the golden loop tied to the end. Gasping, I asked, “Jack, is this? How did you?”

Kneeling next to me, he took the strap from my hand, swiftly untied the ring, and took my hand. “Eloise, I have loved you from the moment we ran into each other in the coffee shop. You set my world on fire with your passion. I can’t imagine this life without you by my side. Will you marry me?”

I was speechless. My words wouldn’t form, but I was silently screaming, Yes! Yes! Yes!

Nodding my head, I finally whispered, “Yes. Yes. Oh! Jack! I love you so much. Yes! I want to marry you too!”

Leaning toward him, I gave him the biggest hug in the world as I let my tears fall on his shoulder. Wiping them away, I sat back, and he said, “Let’s see if this fits?”

Holding my right hand, he slid the ring on my finger and twirled it around. It was a beautiful ring with rubies surrounding the diamond. I loved how it sparkled in the light. “It’s amazing. So pretty!”

”I’m glad you like it.” He looked adorable, kneeling there with his puppy dog eyes. I teased him, asking, “Did you think I wouldn’t?”

Shaking his head, he replied, “I never doubted it for a second, especially since I didn’t pick it out alone.”

”Who helped you?”

Smiling like a mischievous little boy, he said, “You’re father and I picked it out together.”

That was another surprise. “You and my dad went ring shopping together?”

”Yeah. It was kinda fun. Remember last month when you went away? We went out to buy the ring and then out to dinner. I thought it would have been awkward, but he was cool.”

”Well, wonders next cease. Honestly, Jack. How did you pull off this journal, package, and ring?”

Standing up, he pulled me up and suggested, “Let’s sit on the couch, and I’ll explain.” Once we kicked off our shoes and grabbed a blanket, we cuddled next to each other, and he said, “I saw the way you looked at that book, and I asked the shopkeeper to tell you an exorbitant price to keep you from buying it tonight. Then I paid him for the book, tipped him for his troubles to package and deliver the book with the ring, and the rest is history.”

”So, you let me cry and run off as part of your plan?” I asked, poking him in the chest once again.

“I had no clue you’d be so attached to the book. Honestly.”

Folding my arms, I pretended to pout but forgot all about playing mad when his lips met mine. All was forgiven!