“When Susannah shot me, all I could think was that I saved you, that you would live. I wanted that more than anything else, I couldn’t let her harm you, you’re too good a person and you do so much good,” I say.
Tristan frowns at me. “I do good?” He questions.
I nod once. “Joyce told Gladys, Gladys told me,” I explain.
“Told you what?” He asks.
“Well, I already knew you like to help others with affordable housing and all that, but I didn’t know how many other charities you contribute to, so how could I, a person who hasn’t done anything good for anyone else, how can my life be saved and yours ended? It just didn’t seem right.” I take another deep breath. This is hard to say!
“That’s why I did what I did, why you had to come first. But since being back here, in this house, with so many happy memories of us…of all we’ve been through so far…I guess it’s my way of saying I’m ready and I don’t want to look back. Plus, my over-active imagination will start giving me all the reasons why I shouldn’t, when deep down inside I really want to.” I take another deep breath.
“Tristan, I want you…I’ll always want you, forever. Will you marry me in two weeks?”
“Two weeks?” He repeats, blinking rapidly at me.
“Yes.” I firmly state. “I’ve thought about it a lot, you know, what kind of wedding I want, and I’ve realised I don’t want anything big, in fact, this house is perfect for the occasion.”
“Here?” He gasps, then swallows hard.
“Yes, and I want to ask Rob to be the Wedding Planner,” I add.
His mouth pops open several times as he tries to find his words. It feels like I wait an eternity for him to say something.“You think you’re life is more important than mine?” He questions fiercely. Oh, of all the things to say!
“Yes!” I sigh. “Jesus Tristan is that the only thing you say, after everything I just told you?”
He shakes his head in horror. “How can you think that?” He gripes, disgusted.
I grit my teeth and try to reign in my escalating temper. “Tristan…please…” I whisper.
“Please what?” He asks, collapsing onto the bed so he’s staring up at the ceiling. “I don’t know what else you want me to say Coral. You’ve just admitted to wanting to call the wedding off, to believing that your life is more important than mine, and that now you want to get the wedding done and out of the way before you change your mind.” Shit! No, that’s not how I meant it.
I carefully move and kneel next to him. “That’s not how I meant it,” I say looking down at him.
“Then how did you mean it?” He questions.
I take a deep breath and place my hand over his heart.
“Tristan, I don’t think you quite understand. I have spent my whole life believing that I would die a lonely old lady, my destiny was set in stone. I knew I would never be able to have what other people have; it just wasn’t possible for me. Never, in a million years, did I think anyone could change that for me, but you have. So I’ve had to do a lot of re-adjusting on my part, in my head, in my heart, re-examining my beliefs…” I take a breath.
“I’m sorry Tristan, but we both agreed on being open and honest with one another, I’ve just done that and you’re pissed off about it?” I add.
“I’m not pissed that you’ve been honest,” he retorts.
“You’re not?” I question. He shakes his head from side to side. Oh fuck this!
Gently straddling him, I lean forward, place my head on his chest and try to hold him.“I am sorry that I had doubts and I didn’t tell you, but please believe me when I tell you they are gone. I have never believed, or wanted anything, or anyone so badly before, not even my wish for a family when I was a kid. This…you and me…beats that hands down.”
He slowly snakes his arms around me. “I still can't believe you think your life is more important than mine,” he says kissing the top of my head.
“Well, I do, so tough!” I tease.
“That’s ridiculous!” He scolds.
“Not to me.” I say, squeezing him tighter.
He sighs heavily, and I silently waitfor him to say something.“So…you wanted to wait to marry me, but now you don’t?” He clarifies.
“Yes,” I whisper.
“You’re very confusing sometimes,” he says.
“I know,” I say, frowning at his accuracy.
“You really want to be my wife?” He asks.
“More than ever,” I whisper closing my eyes. “So I’ll be needing my ring back,” I add.
Tristan sighs heavily. “You really thought you wouldn’t ever find anyone?” He asks.
“Never,” I whisper. “I thought I was too fucked up.”
“Coral.” He takes my face in his hands, staring intensely at me. “You are not fucked up,” he breathes, and gently kisses me. Then carefully, he turns on his side so we are face to face.“Why are you doing this? Are you scared you’ll change your mind?” He softly asks.
“No. I want you Tristan, only you. I…I want to give you my whole heart. I want to build a life with you, build lots of happy memories and fill up photo albums. I want to tie myself to you in every way a person can, starting with a wedding.”
“Don’t you want to wait until you’re better?”
“Tristan, I’ve been waiting my whole life for you, I just want it to start.”
He gasps, briefly closes his eyes then leans down and softly kisses me. “Then marry you I shall, in two weeks time,” he says, running a cool, soft finger down my cheek.
“Oh Tristan…I’m sorry,” I choke. “I made a mess trying to figure everything out, but I know now, I’m just as sure about us as you were from the beginning, and I can't wait to marry you, lover.”
“Lover?” He grins.
“Yeah…” I frown. “Just because we will be married doesn’t mean we can't be lovers,” I say feeling shy. “I know how lucky I am to be with you, like I’ve said already, you’re a real catch. You’re smart, kind, funny and spontaneous, handsome and sexy…need I go on?” I question.
A grin starts to form across his beautiful face. I can't help grinning back like a fool.
“But we still have a lot to talk about,” I add.
“I know,” he breathes, and I can see it again in his eyes, something painful that he’s holding back, but I decide not to push. For the moment, we both seem happier, so I’ll keep my mouth shut.
“Shall we?” I say giving him my hand, he gently kisses it then stands and holds his arms out again. I roll my eyes at him, get to my feet and place my hands around his neck. Tristan lifts me into his arms, kisses me swiftly on the cheek, and we head down the stairs.
“You look nice,” I whisper.
“Yeah?” He smiles his boyish smile, his dimples are soft.
“Yes, very sexy and you smell divine,” I add, pecking his neck.
“Why thank you,” he beams. Reaching the bottom stair, Tristan grins and places me down on the floor. “Look,” he says pointing at the great room.
I turn my head and stop breathing.Holy crap!
The kitchen, and living area have been decorated for the occasion, there are banners saying ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Get Well Soon’ up on the walls. There’s balloons, party poppers, twinkly lights, and loads of soft glowing Chinese lanterns, and Coldplay’s Paradise is playing in the background – Excellent choice Tristan!
As I look into the kitchen, I see Edith is busy cooking up a storm, and Stuart is busy setting up champagne flutes on the breakfast bar; he turns and smiles at me then continues.
“Happy?” Tristan asks beaming at my shocked expression.
“Did you do all this?” I squeak.
“We all did,” he says.
“But I thought this was supposed to be a surprise?”
“Changed my mind,” he says, gazing down at me.
“Tristan!” I suddenly feel really guilty. We’ve been fighting with each other, yet he’s done all of this…f
or me. Tears pool in my eyes again – Crap! My make-up!
“Hey.” He pulls me into his arms, my head against his chest.
“Sorry,” I sniff. “I’m just overwhelmed, thank you Tristan.” I lean up onto my tiptoes and kiss his cheek.
“Come on,” he says taking me by the hand and leading me over to the sofa. “Take a seat baby.” I carefully do so. “Would you like a drink?”
“Alcohol?” I tease.
“No baby,” he softly says, kneeling in front of me. “Please, just until you’re off your painkillers?”
“Ok,” I relent.
“Back in a second,” he says.I watch him walk over to the kitchen, and make up two more bucks fizz with the alcohol free champagne from earlier…
CHAPTER TEN
AS TRISTAN REACHES ME HE HANDS ME A GLASS, leans down, and softly kisses me.“Happy belated birthday,” he says clicking his glass against mine.
“Thanks,” I whisper. We both take a welcome sip. Hmm, not bad considering there’s no alcohol! – “Aren’t you drinking?” I add.
“If you can't drink, then I’m not drinking either,” he says, sitting next to me.
“Oh.” My heart swells with love for him again.
“Cheers,” he says holding up his glass.
“Cheers.” We click glasses again, and both take a drink. “What’s Edith cooking?” I ask; she seems very busy in the kitchen.
“I think its spicy buffalo wings – for the party,” he adds.
“Smells divine,” I say. “Do you think she needs some help?”
“No,” he snaps, I turn and frown at him. “You’re not going in there,” he says.
“Fine!” I grumble. I’m sure moving around is better than getting stiff from being still so much.
“Coral, do you have any idea of my feelings for you?” He softly says, his voice trembling slightly.
I look up at him with wide eyes.“Yes, because it’s exactly how I feel for you,” I answer petulantly.
Tristan closes his eyes in frustration. “I’m sorry I’m snapping all the time, I just…” He runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t want you in the kitchen, hell I don’t want you doing anything at the moment. I want you to heal, get better…” He trails off and takes a big swig of bucks fizz.
“I know,” I whisper, feeling guilty. Why can't I just be happy with other people looking after me?
Tristan turns and gazes at me. “Forgive me?” he whispers, I nod feeling tearful again. “I’m sorry baby, I care about you more than you will ever know, and I know your character Coral. You’re a stubborn, head strong girl, and I feel that unless I’m firm with you, you’ll do something daft like cooking, or cleaning or…” he shakes his head slightly, then continues. ‘You shouldn’t even be here, you should be in hospital,” he ends in a whisper, and stares down at the floor. I think he’s regretting getting me out of there.
“I’m sorry too,” I manage to squeak out. “I’ll be more careful, the last thing I want is to go back in there,” I add.
Tristan turns and smiles at me, but it’s forced, he reaches up and gently strokes my cheek. “I want to give you your birthday present now, before everyone arrives. Is that ok?” He asks.
“Are you kidding me?” I squeak, my mouth popping open.
“What?” He softly asks, registering the look of shock on my face.
“When the hell did you manage to get me a present Tristan? With everything that’s gone on….” I shake my head. “Are you secretly a super-hero or something?” I add, smirking at him.
Tristan smiles at me. “Actually, I got it a couple of weeks ago,” he says smugly.
“Oh!” My face falls. “Sorry,” I smile shyly at him.
“Don’t be,” he chuckles. “Back in a second,” he says and strolls off to his office.
I can't believe I have a birthday present from him. I shake my head in wonder. Tristan quickly re-appears with a small flat box in his hand. My heart starts rapidly beating against my chest – Ok, deep breaths Coral!
Sitting next to me, he takes my hand in his, and in his most sexy, croaky voice he whispers, “Happy birthday darling.” Then he leans forward and kisses me so softly, so sweetly, that I feel my bones liquefy.
I stop breathing. I want him, so badly. Breathe Coral, breathe!
“Coral?” His lips freeze against mine, then he slowly pulls back, assessing me. “Are you alright?” he asks, his eyes searching mine for an answer.
I take in a ragged breath, as a nervous giggle bursts from within me.“I told you Tristan, you have no idea of the effect you have on me.”
He smiles his most dazzling smile, and carefully places the small box in my hand. It’s deep red and brushed velvet, so I’m guessing a jewellery box – but I could be wrong.I swallow hard, my mouth going dry and run my hand over the top of it.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“You haven’t even seen it yet,” he says smiling broadly. “Open it,” he adds excitedly.
“Ok,” I say, laughing nervously. I slowly lift the lid, and there staring back at me is the most beautiful heart shaped, antique silver locket necklace. Oh wow!
“Tristan,” I choke. “It’s beautiful…” I stop, unable to articulate anymore.
Tristan smiles, then lifts the locket out of the box. It’s small, a perfect size, and has a beautiful filigree pattern on it.“Look,” he says excitedly, and opens the clasp.
And there staring back at me is one of the photos we had taken in Hastings of the two of us, but it’s miniscule in size, it fits perfectly inside the locket.Closing the locket, he turns it over in my hand, there’s an inscription engraved on the back. It’s small though, so I have to bring it closer to read it…
You have my heart, keep it safe.
Tristan x
I choke back more tears. “Oh Tristan…” I sniff. “It’s so beautiful…so sweet.” I wrap my arms around him, and squeeze as tightly as I can manage without pain. What did I ever do to deserve such a thoughtful, loving man?
“Hey now,” he soothes, rocking me gently.
“I’m sorry,” I croak.
“Don’t be,” he softly says, kissing the top of my head. “I take it you like it,” he chuckles.
“Yes,” I whisper craning my head back to look up at him. “It’s magical.” I lean up and softly kiss him.
“Magical?”I nod once, smiling shyly at him.“Ok, it’s magical,” he says.Then taking the necklace, he undoes the clasp and places it around my neck. “There, a perfect fit,” he says proudly.
I look down at the locket laying against my t-shirt and start to laugh.
“What?” he chuckles.
“Doesn’t exactly go with a t-shirt,” I titter.
“Does it matter?” he asks.
“No,” I shake my head. “It doesn’t.” I place the locket in my hand, bring it up to my lips and kiss it. Wow, I’m still gobsmacked!
“Here baby.” Taking my right wrist, he clips my bracelet into place, then my watch on my left wrist.
“Thank you.” We grin like fools in love at one another, I lean forward to kiss him, but I’m halted by a loud ping-pong echoing through the hallway. There’s a doorbell?
“I guess they’re here,” Tristan says, grinning widely.
Stuart is straight over, walking the length of the hallway and opening the door to the first of our guests.Rob and Carlos bound in, their hands ladled with presents, balloons, and flowers; and to my great surprise George and Phil are following them.Tristan and I stand,ready to greet everyone, I notice Stuart shuts the door and stays there, scanning?
Rob comes bounding over to me with a ridiculous grin on his face.“Surprise!” He screeches, then bursts out laughing, which starts me off.
Tristan walks over to him, halting him, shakes his hand, then shakes Carlos’s and they exchange a brief conversation. Then Tristan makes a beeline for George; they shake hands and start a deep discussion. I hope it’s not about me.
“Rob!” I beam, walking too q
uickly towards him and gasping because it hurts.
“Whoa!” Rob quickly makes up the distance, and grabs my upper arms. “Take it easy,” he says.
“Missed you,” I whisper. I hug him, he carefully hugs me back then chuckles some more.
“How are you feeling?” He asks, pulling out of the embrace.
“Good, sore,” I say. “Listen, while I’ve got you I need to tell you something.”
“Ooh, gossip!” Rob laughs.
I roll my eyes at him. “I want you to be my Wedding Planner,” I whisper.
“I thought we’d already established that?” He whispers back. “And why are we whispering?”We did, I don’t remember that?
“You have two weeks.” I challenge.
“Two weeks for what?” He asks, then his face falls as the penny drops. “No way!” He hisses. “That is not enough time, and you’ll never get a venue booked in that timescale,” he adds.
“Rob, I want it here. Tristan agrees. Look I don’t want anything fancy, just something sweet and intimate. Do you think we’ll get a priest person, you know…what are they called, Ministers or something?” I say, waving my hand in the air.
“So we are looking at a civil ceremony here?” he says.I nod once.“Well we better get a move on,” he adds.
“Why?” I ask, frowning.
“Because you can't get married somewhere that isn’t registered as a licensed venue.”How does he know this?
“Oh!” My face falls, my heart sinking.
“Relax, I can get it sorted. But we also need to see if we can get a registrar that’s available too.”
My heart sinks even further, this may not happen as quickly as I thought.“Ok,” I mumble.
Rob carefully wraps his arm around me.“Hey, don’t sweat it, I’ll get right on it, ok?”
I look up into the dark eyes of my very best friend and smile, feeling relieved. “Alright, it’s now in your capable hands. I’m going to talk to Carlos now, but keep it under wraps what I said ok?”
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 99