Five Years Later…

Danny arrived at two for their appointment and was shocked when a fully mobile Jackson answered the door. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was like he was seeing a different person. The young man before him was not only walking, but he was smiling and had a sparkle in his eye.

"Wow. Look at you. Does Aaron know?"

"Not exactly. I've been practicing when he's been at work."

Holding onto his wheelchair he took tentative steps between the front door and the sofa and the sofa and the kitchen table.

"See I am getting better."

Out of breath, he slunk onto the sofa.

"You are but don't be over doing it."

"I'm not. But I'm closer to getting down an aisle."

"You are that. Do you want a drink of water or something?"

He noticed that Jackson was clutching a stitch in his side.

"No. No thank you."

"Have a breather then and we can try that again if you like. Have you done that without the support?"

"Not yet. I wasn't exactly…ready."

He finished lamely.

"I understand. Danny smiled reassuringly. But that is amazing."

"I do need your help with one little thing though."

"What's that?"

"I want to be the one to propose."

"Okay."

"So I need to get down on bended knee."

"Getting down won't be your problem, but getting up might be. Is there any way you could do the asking whilst standing?"

"Not really. I want to keep it traditional. Jackson attempted to make a move, but the pain in his side was excruciating. I have a ring."

"Where is it?"

"In my coat in the hall. Have a look."

Danny opened the box. The ring was perfect. There was no other word he could have used to describe it. It literally brought tears to his eyes. It was a gold band, wave design, with an inscription on the inside 'Forever Mine'.

"He'll love it and if he doesn't he really is an idiot. Danny managed to smile as he wiped away his tears. So about this proposing…"

"You think we could try it?"

"Do you feel ready? We'll use the side of the sofa as support."

"I want to give it a go."

"Fine. Do you need a hand?"

"Pass me my frame I should be using that in here."

He hated it because it reminded him of the one his grandma and all her friends used to use and the one thing he wasn't was frail.

"You ready?"

"I don't know you'll have to walk me through it. 'Scuse the pun."

"You have to bend your body slowly, then ease your right leg out behind you and transfer your weight. Here, hold my hands as you go down. That's it. Are you okay?"

"It's a bit uncomfortable."

"That's how kneeling feels. You think you can get up?"

Jackson looked at the position of his knees, the sofa and then up at Danny.

"Not a hope in hell."

"We'll have to give it a try. I mean I'm not explaining to Aaron how you got down there or why."

"Fair point. Give me your hand then. He tried to haul himself up, but that didn't work, so instead he gripped the side of the sofa. Then he shuffled his right leg forwards to meet his left, so he was crouching and then slowly he raised himself to his feet albeit wobbling a little. That's it. I'm up."

"So it is possible. But I wouldn't practice that one by yourself."

"No. Not a good idea. Can we try the walking unaided?"

"We should probably save that till next week."

"Bu-"

"Jackson remember what I said about over doing things? Well this is one of those times I want you to listen to me. If you push things and you fall that would set you back and you have a plan don't you?"

"Yes. I guess."

"Well stick to it and you will be walking down that aisle next month."

"I know. Thanks Danny."

"It's my pleasure. See you next Friday?"

"You will. I'll let you out."

"I can see myself out. Relax. You don't want to spoil the surprise."

"I guess not. See you."

"Bye. And remember the exercises."