He felt like the biggest asshole on the planet. Here he thought she was cheating on him and she was at the doctor’s and getting him gifts.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have gone with you.” Alex said, taking her hand in his and pressing a kiss to her palm.
“I wanted to be sure, after last time…” And suddenly he understood.
*****
Bianca waited patiently for his reaction, besides the immediate shock. Alex stood and knelt before her, wrapping his arms around her and bringing her in for a sweet kiss.
“I’m so sorry, baby. I feel like such an asshole. Here I am accusing you of cheating and you were at the doctor and buying me Christmas gifts to surprise me. And you were probably so nervous. I wish you had told me.” He said, resting his hand on her lower abdomen.
Bianca sighed, the feeling of contentment washing over her like nothing else she’d ever felt before. “I wanted to. I almost did several times, but I had to make sure that the baby was okay first. You understand, right?”
Alex nodded. “ I have a gift for you too,” he said, standing and reaching into the pocket of his sweats.
He pulled out a tiny box and Bianca’s heart stopped. Was that what she thought it was?
Alex knelt back down and Bianca’s heart began to pound. “Bianca, from the moment I saw you, I knew you were special, someone that I shouldn’t let go. Being the idiot I am I almost did. But I’m not doing that again. I love you, and I want to spend every waking moment I have left with you and only you. Will you marry me?” He opened the box and the light from the Christmas tree caught the diamond, making it shine like it was lit itself.
Bianca nodded vigorously, too choked up on the lump in her throat to speak.
“Is that a yes?” Alex asked with a bit of anxiety in his voice.
Bianca nodded again, “Yes, Alex. I’ll marry you.” She said, tears welling in her eyes.
Alex stood, a wide smile spreading across his face. He slipped the ring on her finger and gathered her in his arms. He kissed her passionately and held her close. After several minutes he let go and just stood back and looked at her.
“When did you get this?” Bianca asked, staring down at the ring with awe. It was beautiful.
“I’ve had it for about a month but I wanted to make sure you were ready. I had planned on proposing on Christmas Eve but after our fight everything got turned around. I’m glad I was able to do it today though, after what you just told me I couldn’t think of a better time.”
Bianca smiled broadly, “Me too. I love you, Alex.”
“I love you too, Bianca,” he answered, pulling her in for another kiss. “I also got a new job,” he added with a smirk
“What? When?” Bianca asked with surprise.
“Several weeks ago, I just finished my training to become the pilot for helicopters and planes that were sent out with paramedics, similar to Flight for Life.”
“That’s so awesome, babe!” Bianca exclaimed, hugging him again. Everything was falling into place.
They spent the rest of the day at home, just being with each other and making plans for the future. Bianca couldn’t remember a time when she felt more comfortable or peaceful. That night as she went to sleep she placed a hand on her stomach and laid her head on Alex’s chest. Finally she had everything she wanted and she was never going to let it go.
Epilogue
Bianca and Alex linked arms as the sun set on the airfield in front of them. Several fighter pilots were walking away from the crowd, sniffs and snorts of the remaining people echoing around them. Bianca wiped away her own tears as they glided down her cheek and looked up at Alex. He looked so proud. Catching her eye, Alex leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“He’ll be alright, baby,” he whispered in her ear.
Bianca nodded, wiping her remaining tears. In the distance she watched as their son turned just before he reached the plane. His short dark hair cropped close to his head and his inevitably blue eyes shining in the waning sun that highlighted the bronze of his skin. She locked eyes with him and smiled as he blew her a kiss and saluted his father. Alex saluted back and cleared his throat trying to hide that he was getting choked up as well. After all of the years and all of the memories, Bianca still couldn’t let go of the fact that her baby was leaving her for good. Sighing she turned to Alex before another round of tears began to fall.
“Let’s go, I can’t bear to watch him board the plane,” She said her throat tightening.
Alex nodded, grabbing her elbow. Despite what she said, Bianca turned around just as he boarded, one more tear falling. Alex stopped and wiped it away.
“We did well, Bianca. He’s leaving now but he’ll be back.”
Bianca nodded and gripped Alex’s arm again. They walked slowly back to the car, arm in arm, Bianca leaning her head on his shoulder. Love was a crazy thing, and when you weren’t looking, you found the one who completed your soul and gave you something even greater to love together.