Going Home

Part 145

As Grace pulled back and looked down in wonder at the ring her tone was incredulous when she said “but how did you get it so quickly?”

Shrugging Josh looked away and said “maybe I looked at it when I bought your birthday present.”

But Grace, always quick on the uptake, had a feeling there was more too it. With a warning in her voice she said “Josh.”

“Yeah well let’s just say you beat me to it.”

Regretful now, realizing that she had spoiled things, Grace rushed to apologise “oh Josh I’m so sorry.”

Looking at her and picking up her hand Josh said in a quiet voice “don’t be. I’m not. I like it better this way.”

Curious Grace said “so when were you going to give it to me?”

Shrugging again Josh said “I was working on New Years Eve.”

 Closing her eyes a minute Grace said “oh God I wish I’d known. I was so nervous asking you.”

Josh had raised an eyebrow when she opened her eyes and glanced at him. “Why do you think I like it better the way it happened?” he teased.

Laughing Grace hit him playfully on the arm “chicken.”

“Maybe” Josh said with a smile not admitting anything. Then watching her as she continued to just hold the box he said “are you going to try it on?”

Smiling Grace held out the ring box.

Josh wasted no time taking out the ring and slipping it on to the third finger of her left hand.

It was a perfect fit and after watching the light reflect of it for a minute Grace looked up at Josh giving him a brilliant smile, “thank you” she said.

“No worries” Josh said with a grin before pushing her onto her back and leaning over her. In a teasing tone he said “but that wasn’t much of a thank you, so how about doing it properly?”

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.”