The view was stunning as we sat down at the table; the ducks just swimming and bathing in the river the birds flying past nothing but a cool breeze, and the hot sun hitting my skin.
It really was beautiful; the waiters bought over our food already, which I'm guessing Leyton had already pre ordered which is something he would do.
You know I love you, don't you?" What is wrong with him today? He's been acting shady all day. - "what do you mean? Of course I do" -
I replied as I drank my drink and continued to eat. These babies were always hungry.
"I never thought I could be with anyone else since Avery, and then I met you. The beginning was not how we planned, and I didn't plan on falling for someone as beautiful and kind and amazing as you" is he serious right now? He's never been this open about how he feels. Ever. My emotions were running wild right now.
He stood up and took my hand so we over looked the river.
"Leyton what's going on?" I giggled nervously.
"I've never felt this way since my high school sweetheart, but I'm glad I do ... you are my everything and more, I can't wait to have a family with you, be with you through everything, protect you and love you as long as you'll let me .."
The unimaginable happened I never expected him to get down on one knee and open the most beautiful small white box ...
I gasped as this beautiful diamond ring glistened in the sun light ..
"April Rhodes, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" He's asking me to be his wife? Me!!
I was in shock. I stood still for a moment hand across my mouth gasping slightly.
"Yes!!! Yes I will marry you!!" I beamed a smile and let out the smallest squeal in excitement.
He pulled out the ring from the box and slipped it upon my ring finger on my left hand. It was the perfect fit.
He stood up and spun me around just like they do in the movies.
"I love you ..."
"And I love you ... I cannot wait to become Mrs Stevens, and marry you"
I honestly couldn't stop staring at my ring on my finger. It glistened in any form of light that was around it was truly beautiful he chose well. The whole Journey back home I couldnt stop smiling. It felt like one of those fairy tales you read in those books? or the movies with the happy ending. This didnt feel like my dream it felt like i was watching someone elses.
It was Maggies wedding tomorrow i didnt want to steal her limelight, I knew it wouldn't take her long to see the ring so i was just going to let her figure it out alone. "How did you keep this so secret? I mean im overwhelmed I honestly could not of imagined this ever happening" I turned to say to Leyton as he drove. "It was hard. I will be honest, Marriage was not something i had thought about or even considered. Until i met you, and it feels right." he kissed the back of my hand lightly and smiled.
My stomach was doing flips, my emotions were everywhere, even more so now than before. We arrived home; all i wanted to do was shout from the roof tops, but we couldn't risk this getting out the press and media just yet. Hiding the babies are bad enough. Im just not ready for the publicity.
"Why dont you go up stairs and get a bubble bath and ill be up soon?" - "to Join me i hope?" i wink as i walk up the stairs, Baths were my favourite at the minute it was like a craving. "Give me five minutes and ill be there" he calls up after me.
As the bath was running and bubbles were forming i could hear Leyton downstairs on face time to his family. This was not a conversation i wanted to hear and i couldn't help but over hear some of it, which broke me, I just don't understand how and why his mom is so cruel?
Am i really that much of a bad person?
- Leyton -
I was ecstatic when April said yes, it felt like my whole world was complete. I knew there was only one person who would not be particularly over joyed with the news and it had to come from me.
As we arrived home i knew offering April a bubble bath wouldn't take much persuasion as it was something she could not get enough of right now. I didn't want her hearing the conversation, having my mother upset the woman i love is heartbreaking enough, I just hate seeing her sad.
"Leyton darling, what do we owe the pleasure?" My mom asked trying to look behind me. "April is upstairs mother. well i have some news" - they waited in anticipation. "We're getting married .. I proposed today" My sister and father were over joyed my mothers reaction was expected. "Mother, are you not happy for me?" - "Leyton, honey. April just doesn't seem the one for you ... Avery is in town maybe you should get to know her again ... old flames" How dare she even insinuate such a thing. "Grace enough!, We're happy for you, Son" my father smiled.
"thanks, father. Mom, that is not something to insinuate, April is the one i love, she will become my wife, and will be a part of this family" - "Dont be ridiculous, April will not become part of this family, i forbid it" - "Mother, if you cannot accept our own family, then you wont be welcome into ours. consider yourself not invited to the wedding until you grow up" I cancelled the call and chucked my phone in frustration onto the sofa.
Heading up the stairs i could hear faint crys coming from the bathroom.
"April, baby?" I pushed open the door and found April sobbing sitting on the toilet seat. shit. she over heard.
As i turned the water off, I sat upon the toilet sit and cried into my hands. More than likely my hormones playing a part but its real emotion. I just dont understand the hate towards myself. "April, baby?" I heard as the door was pushed open slightly.
I look up to see Leyton walking towards me and bending down to my level. "You heard her didnt you?" he sighed wiping my face. i nodded. "Yeah ... Leyton ... I don't understand what i have ever done for a woman to hate me so .. much" I say between breaths, "She doesn't hate you, April. Mother has never liked anyone that wasn't Avery, She will never come between us. I have told her she is not welcome into our family until She grows up"
"You shouldn't have to choose between me and your family, Leyton" - "You, you all are my family now ... you three. She'll come around eventually. I love you, always, and i cannot wait to finally call you, Mrs Stevens" he pressed a light kiss upon my lips.
"and i love you. We can't wait to have your last name .." i smile through the tears. "so, shall we have this bath?"
--
We was in bed by 9pm, i was wiped out. and we had an early start for the wedding tomorrow. If i know Maggie as well as i know i do. She'll be here first thing freaking out over the preparations and everything else.
Laying together, feeling soft movement up and down my back and across my hair it sent me to sleep almost right away, this is where i know im safe and where i was meant to be.
-
"Maggie!! cam down, it will all be fine, it will be a perfect day and you are about to become a wife!!" My doorbell was ringing at 8am this morning, it was Maggie as i knew it would be. her dress in tow along with her hair and make up artist.
"April, i have this fear no one will be there!! nothing will be great, and the whole thing will be a disaster" she paced around the kitchen before sitting up the breakfast bar. "Mags, please, youll be fine the day will be perfect. Just chill, eat and let them get you ready!"
My dress had arrived, it fit perfectly, Leyton was meeting us there he had an emergency at work. My stomach was telling me something bad was gonna happen today ... either that or the twins were giving me grief.
But i definitely had a gut feeling about something.