Going home

Part 144

The next day, after a mysterious absence, Josh arrived back at the apartment and sitting down on the couch next to where Grace was curled up reading a book he dropped a small box in her lap. He said “I thought I’d make it official.”

Looking up at him stunned Grace said “Josh you didn’t need to do that.” Then with a cheeky smile she teased “besides I asked you so I should give you the ring.”

Shrugging Josh said “hah you did the hard part, this bit was easy.” Then watching her for a minute as she sat in silence he said “are you going to have a look?”

Looking back at the box and holding her breath Grace slowly opened it and as she did her mouth dropped open. The ring was the perfect match of the pendant he had given her for her birthday. Swallowing hard as she looked at the enormous diamond Grace finally found her voice. Looking at him she said “oh Josh it’s beautiful.” Then moving to her knees she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him in a way that left him in no doubt about how happy she was.

Relieved that she liked the ring Josh pulled her against him and kissed her back.

Going Home

Part 143

The next morning as Grace and Josh exchanged presents with Margaret and Robert, Josh said into a brief silence. “Um, Grace gave me an early Christmas present last night.”

“Oh” Margaret said as she and Robert look at them with interest but unsuspecting of the nature of the news to come.

Looking at Grace, who gave him an encouraging smile, Josh said “we’re getting married.”

“Oh Josh” Margaret said with tears forming in her eyes. Over the years she had come to accept that she would missed out on such happy announcements that parents normally look forward to from their kids. Finding that she has not missed it Margaret was overcome with emotion.

Watching Margaret and seeing that she needed a minute to compose herself Robert took the initiative and smiling, he got to his feet and came over to give Grace a hug and a kiss. “Great news” he said and turning to Josh and hugging him he added “congratulations son, I couldn’t be happier for you.”

“Thanks Dad” Josh said.

Margaret, having got herself under control, also came over to offer her congratulations. She hugged Grace and said “Grace this is just perfect, I’m so pleased.” Then turning to her son she hugged him too and added “well now that’s a Christmas present we can all share, thank you.”

Smiling as he moved back Josh said “don’t thank me, this was all Grace.”

Surprised Margaret said “oh” then shrugging added“well I don’t care who did what, I’m just glad one of you had sense enough to do something. Thank you Grace.”

Smiling too, Grace said “my pleasure Margaret” before turning to look at Josh and adding “actually I think I’m the one who received the gift really.”

Shaking his head Josh just smiled and gave her a wink.

Later that day a similar scene occurred when they filled in Grace’s family on the new developments. And it was a testament to their growing understanding of Josh and Grace’s feelings for him that not one of those present even gave her a questioning look. Even her father, who was so wary in the beginning, did not comment nor ask if she was sure. And sitting on the couch later with Josh’s arm around her shoulders Grace smiled to herself as she considered just how far they had all come from when they first met Josh.

Noticing the smile Josh said “what’s that about?”

But looking up at him Grace just shook her head and said “nothing, just happy.”

Going Home

Part 142

Closing her eyes Grace waited for Josh’s response. She did not know what to expect. She really had no idea how he felt about marriage other than that he said it was fine with him if that was what she wanted. But that was not enough, she wanted him to want it too.

“What did you say?” Josh said in a quiet voice. He was certain that he must have miss heard her.

Opening her eyes Grace was worried but she bravely repeated her request “I want you to marry me.”

Josh was stunned but as her words sank in he was overwhelmed with emotion and unable to speak. So reaching out and pulling her into his arms he kissed her with an intensity that spoke volumes about how he was feeling.

Relieved beyond belief Grace wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back just. After a few minutes Josh lifted his head but held her tight against his body. Holding him just as tightly Grace whispered “Merry Christmas.”

“Thanks.” Josh said but the simplicity of his reply belied the depth of his feeling and his arms tightened causing her to catch her breath and giving Grace an indication of the emotion at play within him.

“My pleasure Josh” Grace said with a sigh as the tension she was feeling seeped away.

Easing back Josh looked down at her, his expression worried. He never thought he would get married at all. It was not something that he ever considered before but with Grace everything different. She was everything to him and he wanted them to be tied together forever. So he needed to be certain that she was certain and searching her face he said “you’re sure?”

Smiling Grace said in an emphatic tone “absolutely, I want this more than anything.”

And pulling her close again Josh agreed “me too.”