A/N: So sorry guys about the delay; I've been busy and then allergies kept me down. I'm back and I'll do better. Here you go.
Chapter 3
3 Weeks Later: Crabapple Farm
"Happy birthday dear Trixie, happy birthday to you!" It was Trixie's 19th birthday and everyone had returned home for the summer from college to celebrate it with her. "I can't believe my girl is now in the last years of her teens," her mother said. "Aww moms," Trixie blushed. She blew out the candles and made her wish. "Whatcha wish for Trixie," asked her 12 year old brother Bobby. They did this every year. He asked and she always replied with, "can't tell you or it won't come true." It was a game for them. Secretly, Trixie was wishing that Jim was going to propose, but at the same time she was scared he was going to. It was a big step she knew. In the 3 years since they started dating, Trixie had calmed down a little and matured a whole lot. She still had a quick temper as did Jim and it had gotten them into a lot of fights. However, and she blushed at this next thought, it was always fun to make up with him. They hadn't gone past making out but it was so fun. "Oooh look, she's blushing," jeered Mart, "must be thinking about Jim." Trixie stuck out her tongue. "Revenge is sweet, dearest brother," she said looking over at Diana Lynch. Mart blushed himself. Everyone knew they'd been sweet on each other for years. And just last year, Brian had given Honey a promise ring for the future. As for Dan, he had been mysterious about the girl he'd been seeing; had just said that everyone would meet her later on in the summer. "Okay everyone, settle down and let's finish the cake and ice cream before it melts." The words had its desired effect. Mart forgot immediately about teasing Trixie. "Happy Birthday Trixie," whispered Jim as he sat down next to her. Trixie blushed again; she couldn't help it where Jim was concerned.
Finally, cake was finished and everyone headed into the living room to open gifts. Moms and Dad were first, followed by her 3 brothers, all of who were fighting to go first. Dan gave Trixie his gift, with a whisper and a wink. She blushed yet again. "Darn this fair skin," she thought. No one ever did find out what he said to get that reaction. Di gave her gift next and then came Honey. Then there was only Jim's gift left. He stood there kind of awkwardly. He had already talked to the Beldens, brothers included, and received their blessing to propose to Trixie. Of course, Brian and Mart put in a few reminds of threats of what would happen if he hurt their sister. Bobby, not to be left behind, gave his thoughts of what would happen as well. He was going into middle school in the fall and was already considering joining the football team. Bobby had been working out, so he was happy to show off the muscles he had in order to impress upon Jim how serious he was. "If I could have everyone's attention please," he said, clearing his throat, "I have something I'd like to say and ask." Everyone looked at him expectantly, including Trixie, whose heart had started racing.
"Trixie, when we first met, I didn't have a future. Meeting you and Honey changed that. You gave me a family, a home, safety, and a way to hold onto my dream. I'll always be grateful for that. Since then, Trixie, you've gotten us all into mysteries, enabled us to find each other, I mean the Bob Whites, and that led us to help all these people around the country, things I'd never even thought possible. You've grown up into a beautiful woman, who doesn't even realize it, and to me that makes you even more wonderful. You have a kind heart, a smart mind, no matter what anyone says." With that, he shot a grin over at Mart, who grinned back to let him know, no hard feelings. "Anyways, you are brave and courageous, loyal, and always there for those who needed you. You have a temper, but that's one of many things that make you, you. I would love to spend the rest of my life learning new things about you and being with you every day. We will fight, but I will always stand beside you and I will never ever hurt you." He took a deep breath and Trixie started trembling. She knew what was coming next. She had seen him fiddling with something in his pocket. He took his hand out to reveal a little box. She gasped. Helen and Peter had tears in their eyes, but were smiling. Dan, Brian, Mart, and Bobby were all grinning like hyenas, and Honey and Di were holding their breaths.
His emerald eyes darkened with intensity. Kneeling down before Trixie, he took her by the hand, opened the box, and asked, "Trixie Belden, I love you. It's always been you. Will you marry me and spend the rest of your life with me?" Trixie had the biggest smile on her face and with tears in her eyes, shouted, "Yes James Winthrop Frayne, yes!" "Really," he asked, with a smile. "Really," replied. She threw her arms around his neck as he picked her up and swung her around. Everyone started clapping. Honey and Di were screaming and crying as he leaned his head in and gave her a kiss, one that signified the start of a new relationship and that neither would ever forget.
Putting her down, he slid the ring on her finger. When she looked, it was the same ring they had found in the attic at the Wheeler's house when they were looking for things for the UNICEF auction. "Oh Jim," she whispered, "it's so beautiful." Hearing throats cleared, she looked up and around. "Oh," she blushed. She had forgotten about everyone there. With that, everyone crowded around her and Jim, congratulating them. She hugged her mother who had tears in her eyes. She was spun around by both Dan, Brian, and Mart, and hugged by Bobby. Honey and Di were hugging her and started jumping up and down at the thought of Jim and Trixie finally getting engaged. They had all known it would happen almost from the beginning. Trixie's dad had been fairly silent since the proposal and Trixie went to him. "Dad," she asked, "are you okay?" "Yes honey," he replied, "I've known this day would come, but I'm still not prepared. He's a good man Trixie, and he loves you. He'll take care of you. I just can't believe my little girl is engaged to be married. It seems like just yesterday you were begging me to let you go find Jim." Trixie's eyes filled with tears. "Oh daddy, I'll always be your little girl. And you know we're going to wait until Jim at least graduates college before getting married. That's still a whole year I'll be living here with you and moms." Peter sighed, "I know honey, I do, and I wish you the very best of happiness. Just remember to pick your battles, learn to compromise, and never go to bed angry with each other. And always remember to say you're sorry when you are wrong." "I promise daddy," she whispered. With that he hugged her tight and then pushed her back to Jim. "I know you'll take care of her Jim." "Yes sir," he replied with smile. Jim held out his hand, but Peter Belden pushed it aside and wrapped his arms around him in a bear hug. "Welcome to the family Jim."
An hour or so later the party broke up. Jim and Trixie sat out on the porch just content to be with each other. They were busy discussing their future and making plans. Both knew they'd had to wait at least a year to get married. Neither one wanted to be married with both of them in college. Like their parents, they knew it would be hard enough with just Trixie in college. "I love you Trixie Belden." Trixie sighed happily. "And I love you Jim Frayne." She leaned into his kiss and melted. A few seconds later, they both pulled apart, breathing rather heavily. No one had ever had this effect on him but Trixie. Jim grinned; actually he had never kissed anyone but Miss Trixie Belden. He had never had the desire. This was the happiest he'd ever been. Like the others, he had somehow known that he would marry Trixie Belden from the first day he saw her at the old Mansion staring him and his gun down. He pulled Trixie back into his arms and they just rocked their on the porch swing. And that's where her parents found them an hour later, fast asleep in each other's arms, both smiling.
