Hello, I know it's been a while but I'm trying very hard to start up writing again and I hope you'll accept me back. Thank you! - Echo
Last chapter - She looked around the bathroom. "There it is" she picked up the soap. She heard the door open. Sophie turned to look at the door, There was Howl standing there with his eyes, and jaw wide open.
Chapter 2 - The wooden box
Sophie looked at the figure standing before her unaware of her surroundings, she was overly excited to see Howl's face, but something seemed off. 'Why is his face so shocked looking? Shouldn't he be at least happy to see me?' Suddenly it washed over her mind, she was naked reaching for some soap at the end of the tub and there was Howl, gawking at her naked body. Sophie screamed, throwing herself into the water. "Get out!" Howl snapped back into reality, his faced flushed with heat, he backed up and shut the door. "I-I'm sorry Sophie! I didn't realize you were taking a bath!" Sophie closed her eyes and leaned back into the water to ignore Howls voice. 'I can't believe he saw me! What a jerk, he just stood there not saying a word.' Sophie thought to herself. Howl sighed and leaned against the door. "Sophie please listen to me."
Sophie got out of the warm bath, drying herself off. She reached for her bathrobe that Howl had got made for her, it was beautiful. The robe was made with the softest silk and the colours were her favourite. It had white and golden flames going down the arms, with golden stars covering the back, and silver stardust on the edges of the bottom. Sophie opened the door and Howl lifted his head, his bright blue eyes met her dark brown ones. He gave her a soft smile, Sophie blushed and turned away. "Did you really see?" She asked. Howl placed his hand on her cheek and turned her face towards him again. "Sophie I didn't mean to, I didn't realize you were in the bathroom, please forgive me?" Howl pressed his forehead against Sophie's. "Please?" Sophie looked deep into his eyes and gave a soft smile. "Oh alright Howl, I forgive you." Howl smiled and kissed her softly on the lips then pulled away to embraced her. "I missed you and I'm glad to be home." Sophie wrapped her arms tight around his waist "I missed you too Howl, I hate when your gone for so long."
Howl and Sophie sat at the dining table, Howl was reading one of his many spell books, and Sophie was drinking tea, she looked up at Howl. "So how was your visit with the Prince- oops. It's King now isn't it?" She asked. Howl looked at Sophie. "Yes King Turnip Head-" Sophie shot Howl a look. "Uh... King Justin wants me to help The Witch of the Waste and teach younger witches and wizards at the palace." Howl put down his book, and looked at Sophie, she was quiet, looking down at her tea. "So that would mean I won't see you as much?" Sophie asked as she looked at at Howl. "Yes and no, It would mean that you would see me just as much. Sophie I want you to learn to be a fantastic witch. I know you have it in you, I've seen it." Howl smiled. Sophie was surprised. "Howl I can't do magic, I only make hats, and those hats aren't even that great. There's nothing special about me." She frowned.
Howl stood up, walked over and took Sophie's hands. "Your the most special thing in my life, I was nothing before I met you Sophie. Your kind, funny, and you give so much love and life into everything you do. I would love to help you find your true gift deep within your heart." Howl blushed and reached into his pocket. "Sophie, I love you more then I could ever imagine, and I know I'm not here most of the time but," Howl pulled out a small wooden box and placed it in Sophie's hands. Sophie looked down at the box and up at Howls face, her heart was racing, tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the man who has always been there for her and she loved so deeply. "H-Howl." She softly said. "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Sophie, will you marry me?" Howl opened the wooden box, inside was a bright white stone with small blue specks over the stone with a silver ring. Sophie gasped. "Like starlight." She replied and smiled, then tears fell down her red cheeks, she looked at Howl and nodded. "Yes, I will marry you." She wrapped her arms tight around his neck, she couldn't be happier. Howl smiled and slipped the ring on Sophie's finger, Howl leaned over and gave his new fiance a passionate kiss.
So what did you think? let me know if you like it. Thanks so much! - Echo