CORAL - Fallen (A Romance Trilogy, Book 2)

by Delaney, Clair

  “You ok?” I ask. He smiles a little crookedly at me then blows out a deep breath.

  “I was going to wait but…” I watch him walk away, I hear his office door opening, moments later, he returns with a small box in his hand. I roll my eyes – Seriously, another present?

  Reaching me, he smiles shyly at me then drops down on one knee – Holy fuck! – My heart starts pumping rapidly. Is this what I think it is? Tristan opens the box, but I can't take my gaze away from his loving expression.

  “I know I’ve already asked you, but I wanted to do this right. And if you don't like what I’ve chosen, we can pick another,” he says swallowing hard. “Coral, I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, only you. You make me so happy baby, I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. Would you do me the extraordinary honour of marrying me?”

  I manage to pull my gaze away from his eyes and look down at the ring.

  “Tristan!” I gasp bringing my hands to my mouth.

  Bending down to look at it more closely, I can see he has chosen another antique, and the design is beautiful. Elegant flowers are entwined around the main band which holds a large single square diamond, on each side of the stone lies a beautifully crafted butterfly, above and below are intricate scrolls, it’s simply breathtaking.

  “Tristan it’s beautiful,” I gush, tears pooling in my eyes – Crap!

  “Is that a yes?” He asks, laughing nervously.

  I feel giddy. “Yes,” I squeak.

  Tristan leaps to his feet and stands beside me, carefully taking the ring out of the box he takes my left hand in his and slides the ring down my wedding finger.

  “It’s Victorian, platinum. There’s a background story, want to hear it?” He asks, gazing at the ring sitting on my finger. I nod shyly at him. I have lost the power of speech again.

  “The chap who had this ring made, fell in love with a woman he knew he wouldn’t be able to marry without an occupation as he wasn’t wealthy, and she was high society, but she was madly in love with him too, so when he asked her, she said yes. He commissioned this ring to be made using the last of his small inheritance, then he joined the navy, so he could become a prosperous gentleman, but two years in the ship was sunk in high seas.

  “She got the letter of course, telling her of her fiancé’s unfortunate end, but she refused to believe he had died. She had many other offers of marriage but turned them all down believing he would come home to her. Eleven years later she gets a letter from a chaplain based on a Caribbean Island, apparently a fisherman had rescued a man from a distant island.

  “They thought he was mad at first because all he kept mumbling was her name, he was sick when they found him. She wrote back explaining who he was and that he was her long lost love. The man recovered and was shipped home by the navy.”

  I swallow hard. “And they lived happily ever after?” I whisper. This better have a nice ending.

  Tristan smiles down at me. “She was there, at the dock, waiting for his return. They embraced lovingly after so many years apart. He couldn’t believe she had waited for him, and she couldn’t believe he had survived, that he was still alive. They went straight into town, announced their wedding, and a week later they married.” I feel the tears well up in my eyes again – Shit!

  “That’s beautiful Tristan, I'm so happy you picked this ring,” I gush.

  “You are?” He asks, his eyes wide, cautious.

  “Yes,” I smile.

  “Good, because I had a difficult time choosing, there were two that I thought you might like, but when I was told the story that went with this one, it made the decision for me. I just thought their love was timeless, and it best represented you and I.” I'm speechless!

  “Do you really like it?” he asks firmly. I’ve seen rings like this on the Antique Road Show; this must have cost a fortune!

  “Yes I do, it’s beautiful Tristan, thank you,” I say. I wonder for a moment how much it cost, but I know it’s rude to ask. “Tristan you haven’t gone over the top have you?” I admonish.

  He face contorts, his cheeks flush and his eyes dilate – Uh-oh!

  “I’ll spend as much as I want on my future wife’s engagement ring,” he scolds. Crap! It did cost a fortune! Yet, as I gaze down at it sitting perfectly on my finger, I couldn’t care less. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever been given.

  I feel tears prick my eyes again – Damn it, my make-up!

  “I love it,” I tell him, sniffing loudly as I do. I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, holding him close to me. Tristan chuckles then pulls me back, he gazes down at me for a moment then he kisses me, softly at first, but growing deeper with passion and love. When he pulls back, we are both breathless.

  “I love you,” he tells me solemnly.

  “I love you,” I choke gazing down once more at the ring.

  “I really chose the right one?” he says a little smugly.

  “Yeah, you did,” I chuckle leaning up and kissing his cheek, leaving a light lipstick mark there.

  Tristan looks relieved. “We have a few minutes before Stu gets here, shall we have that drink now?” he asks.

  “Stuart’s here?” I ask a little surprised.

  “Yes. I didn’t want to have to drive, can't drink if I'm doing that,” he answers.

  “Oh,” I nod. His boyish smile appears, his dimples deepening. “Oh!” he mocks. I slap his shoulder. “So drink?” he asks again.

  “Yes please,” I answer sweetly, still thrown by his romantic, sweet proposal.

  “Champagne? I brought some with me. I was going to ask you last night...” He stops and swallows hard. I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet. I need to change the subject, now!

  “I don’t like champagne,” I say, smiling sweetly at him.

  Tristan cocks his head to the side then shakes it in laughter. “I should have known,” he titters. I smile back at him. “Wine?” he asks.

  “Yes please.” I watch Tristan get a bottle of wine out of the fridge and pours two half glasses. As I watch him walk over to me, all my insides feel like they have liquefied, he really shouldn’t be allowed to wear suits; he just looks too good in them – My future husband!

  “To us,” he says handing a glass to me and holding his up. I click mine against his. “To us,” I repeat, we both take a sip.

  “I was thinking…did you want to choose the wedding bands together?” he asks casually. I almost spit my wine out – This is really happening!

  “Um....” I don't even know if that’s what people do?

  “You can choose your own,” he tells me, laughing at my expression.

  “Um...no, I don't mind. I just…Is that what other people do, choose them together?” I ask my voice a few octaves higher than I would like.

  Tristan shrugs. “No idea,” he says.

  I think about it for a second. “Do they have to look the same?” I ask – I mean, how would I know? I’ve never done this before!

  “No, I don't think so.” He takes my hand in his. “What are you really worried about Coral?” he asks.

  I swallow hard and stare at the floor, then start blurting out in one long breath, how I really feel. “Just…you know, going off and choosing rings together it just...seems so real, like it’s really happening you know. I can't pretend it’s a dream or a strange fantasy I'm having anymore, this is real, this is it, I'm soon to be Mrs Coral Freeman. It just feels so surreal, that’s all.”

  I finally look up at Tristan, he’s gazing quizzically at me.

  “And I'm scared,” I say breathlessly.

  Tristan looks crestfallen and panicked all at the same time.

  “Not of marrying you,” I quickly say. “I know that now, it’s more the concept of marriage, it’s scary you know, but like George keeps on telling me, a life without risk is no life at all. So I’ll take that risk of marrying you and give it one hundred percent, I want to build a future with you Tristan, not because it means I'm no longe
r alone, but because in the short amount of time I’ve known you, you’ve come to be my best friend, my lover and my confidant. I want to be the best wife I can possibly be, a good wife to you.

  “I trust you like no other, and I love you more eternally than I ever thought possible. I didn’t think I could love at all, you opened my eyes and made me realise the life I had, wasn’t a life worth living. I’ll always be grateful to you for that.” I take a gulp of wine hoping I haven’t hurt Tristan by being so honest.

  “Thank you,” he whispers and softly kisses my neck.

  “What for?” I ask my voice wobbling.

  “Being honest,” he answers.

  “Are you scared?” I ask looking up into his deep chocolate eyes.

  He shakes his head. “Not one bit. I completely and utterly believe that we will grow old together, I'm fearless about this, I’ve never wanted anything more. So keep telling me when you’re scared, and I’ll give you my word that I’ll do everything within my power to ease your fears, and make you see that you’re doing the right thing, that us being together is right.” I exhale loudly. He says the sweetest things.

  “I will,” I squeak and gulp back some more wine. Tristan laughs heartily at me. “You’re mocking me,” I scold half laughing as I do.

  “Yes!” he chuckles. “Don't ever change baby, I love you like this.”

  “What? You always wanted a freaky wife?” I tease shaking my head at him. “You know what they say it’s always the quiet ones!” I add dryly.

  Tristan laughs at me again then kisses my temple. “I like the way you’ve done your hair,” he tells me softly.

  “Thanks,” I say, feeling a little shy again.

  “So where are you taking me?” He asks taking a sip of his wine.

  “You’ll see,” I smile smugly. I really hope he likes it!

  Stuart announces his arrival by honking the horn. Tristan grabs his jacket and I pick up my clutch bag, noticing my engagement ring as I do.

  As I stare down at it, my stomach flutters wildly…Mrs Coral Freeman…Whoa!

  Taking my hand in his, we head out into the balmy summer evening…

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  ALFRESCO’S I BUILT OUT OVER THE SEAFRONT IN A SHIP-LIKE DESIGN. It’s a very quirky kind of place, which is one of the reason I chose it. When you enter from the street, you really do feel as though you are walking down a gangplank, ready to set sail. The decor is very minimalistic and elegant, with a contemporary design set in a rich palate of deep reds and dark browns.

  The open plan Rotunda dining room is surrounded by a wall of windows, which gives a panoramic view of the shoreline, and looks directly over the historic ruins of the West Pier.

  During the day the place is flooded with sunlight making it a light and airy place to dine, once the sun sets and the soft lighting comes on, the place takes on a completely different feel, very intimate and romantic.

  Stuarts pulls up on King Street, next to the restaurant. I only took us ten minutes to get down here – I really don't know why we didn’t just get a taxi. As usual, Tristan helps me out of the car and tightly clutches my hand in his. I smile widely at him.

  “We’re eating here?” Tristan asks staring up at the strange looking building.

  “Yes,” I chuckle.

  “It looks like a ship,” he says in mock horror. I can't help giggling.

  “I know,” I chuckle. “You sure you want to eat here?” I add.

  “Sure, why not,” he answers sarcastically.

  “The sunsets are amazing from here, I thought it would be nice,” I say, pulling him down the gangplank. “Food’s good too,” I add looking back at face, I can see he’s not sure about this place.

  I stop walking and face him. “Do you want to go somewhere else?” I ask as a couple walk past us, the guy blatantly staring at me. Tristan must have caught on because he wraps his arm around my waist, throws me backwards making me squeal with delight and kisses me, hard.

  “Yes, we’ll eat here,” he says, bringing me upright.

  As we walk through to the Rotunda Restaurant, I can hear soft music playing; I think it’s Norah Jones. The restaurant isn’t too packed, but I guess that’s because we’re early. I can see couples sitting face to face, girlfriends enjoying cocktails, and families outside on the decked terraces. It’s certainly warm enough tonight.

  “Good evening welcome to Alfresco’s.” We both smile at the hostess. “Do you have a reservation?” Shit!

  “No,” I answer guiltily.

  “No problem, where would you like to eat this evening. The Rotunda, outside on the decking, or the Shoreline restaurant downstairs?” she asks.

  Tristan turns to me. “Coral?”

  “In here please,” I say. “Like I said, amazing sunsets,” I whisper to Tristan.

  We silently follow the hostess to our table. Tristan pulls my chair out for me, and I take a seat. He goes to sit opposite me, but I shake my head and pat the seat next to me. Smiling deeply, he moves around the table, places his jacket on the back of the chair and sits next to me.

  “Good idea,” he says taking my left hand and kissing my engagement ring…

  THE TIME FLIES BY as we enjoy a couple of starters and some bread and olives, drinking far too much wine as we talk the night away, thoroughly enjoying each other’s company.

  “You said you would tell me,” he says.

  “Tell you what?” I ask staring blankly at the menu, unable to make my mind up what main meal to choose, it all looks so yummy.

  Tristan puts his menu down. “What you had to tell me about Susannah,” he says.

  I swallow hard and put down my menu. “I still don't know if it’s my place to say,” I whisper.

  “Well I'm giving you permission,” Tristan says sharply – Whoa!

  “Alright keep your pants on!” I squeak.

  “I don't like things being kept from me,” he states firmly.

  “Well she should have told you,” I snipe back – Stupid Blondie has us arguing already.

  “I'm asking you,” he says.

  “Fine!” I snap frustratingly. “She’s getting divorced.” I glare back at Tristan he looks shocked. “Now can we drop talking about her?” I plead.

  “When did she tell you?” he asks. Why is he so bloody concerned about her?

  “I don't know, I can't remember. She said she was thinking about moving areas,” I blurt – Keep a lid on it Coral!

  “Moving areas?” he says darkly.

  “Yeah...what’s the big deal Tristan? A member of staff wants to leave, so what?” I snap feeling annoyed.

  Tristan ignores me, and gazes out to sea. “I wonder why she hasn’t told me?” he mumbles to himself.

  “I don't know,” I gripe picking my menu back up so I can hide behind it. I don't want Tristan to see that I'm keeping more from him, so much more.

  “Is that all she said to you, that she’s getting divorced?” he questions.

  I pull my menu down and roll my eyes at him. “Yes. Actually no, she did say she likes the sea air and how it must be nice to live by the coast,” I say with as much sarcasm as I can.

  “Do you think she wants to move here?” he asks.

  “I don't know,” I answer dryly. “I don't know her,” I add.

  “Well it’s pretty obvious you don't like her,” Tristan snaps.

  I glare back at him. “No, I don't,” I answer sharply – Shut up Coral!

  “Why?” he asks incredulously. I purposely do not reply. “She’s a nice girl Coral, I just don't understand’ – “Tristan, I really don't want tonight to be ruined by us disagreeing about a member of your staff,” I say softly, trying to placate him.

  He looks uncomfortable for a moment, then nods in agreement – Phew!

  “You’re right. I’ll speak to her on Monday. Strange she hasn’t told me though…” he says drifting off again. Grrrrr!

  “You know, it doesn’t make me feel very good knowing your thinking about another woman whi
lst sitting here with me,” I say staring down at the table.

  Tristan sighs heavily and takes my hand in his. “You’re right, again. I'm sorry,” he says softly, leaning in to kiss me. Now I feel utterly guilty for making him feel guilty.

  I can't wait to get the P.I. report about this woman so we can put an end to all of this and get her out of our lives.

  “Don’t be sorry Tristan,” I say leaning into him and returning the kiss. “Let’s order and enjoy the sunset.” Tristan agrees and we both go back to perusing our menus, but now I can't stop thinking about Blondie, and all the things that have happened. As I run through the strange week I’ve had with her, I suddenly remember about the suicide.

  “Tristan, she told me about the chap who...who committed suicide,” I whisper then swallow hard, instantly regretting bringing it up.

  “She…she did?” he stutters in shock.

  “I'm so sorry that happened,” I softly say.

  Tristan nods once and stares down at his menu. I can see it’s not something he wants to discuss. I need to change the subject.

  I frown deeply trying to think of something else to say. “I spoke to Karen,” I pipe up chirpily. “She’s really nice,” I add taking a drink of wine. Tristan smiles weakly at me. Great!

  “Wish you’d have sent her to train me,” I mumble getting up from my seat.

  I need a bathroom break and some time away from Tristan, his broodiness about Blondie is starting to get on my nerves – I hate her so much, if he only knew what she’s been up to, what she’s said. I wonder for a moment about telling him everything that’s happened, maybe then he will shut the hell up about her!

  “What was that?” he asks staring up at me.

  I purse my lips and shake my head at him. “Nothing Tristan, it was nothing,” I say sulkily. I don't want this night ruined – Then keep your mouth shut Coral!

  “I’m going to the ladies.” I smile sweetly at him.

  Feeling totally frustrated with myself I march off to the restroom. Whilst in there, I come up with a plan. I’ve been throwing the idea around my head ever since Gladys made me rich in my own right – I decide to tell Tristan about it, maybe it’ll take his mind of Blondie and work.