A/N: I want to thank all of my loyal readers who stuck with this story. Here is chapter four and welcome to knew readers! Please review!
Chapter 4
On the morning of my birthday I awoke to something I hadn't expected. I had expected Dimitri to be holding me close to him. But as I sat up and opened my eyes I saw our bed covered in red rose petals. I smiled brightly and scooped up a bundle of rose petals in my hands and held them to my face sniffing their sweetness and feeling their softness.
As I got up I was careful not to let any of the rose petals fall on the floor. I walked out into the living room and instantly smelt the intoxicating smell of Dimitri's after shave. I ran over to the couch where he was reading a western novel and I tackled him. As I jumped on him I wrapped my arms tight around his neck and hugged him. I heard his rich deep laugh and felt it vibrate deep in his chest.
"Baby that was so sweet," I said as I hugged him. He held me tight and I could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke.
"Anything for you Roza," he said and kisses the top of my head. I pulled back enough to put my forehead to his and brush my fingertips over his cheek.
"I love you Comrade," I said with a smile.
"I love you too Roza," he said.
We sat like that for a while. He held me stroking my hair and whispering my name in my ear. When I finally got the will to rise from his lap I smiled at him.
"Roza you should get dressed," he said as he kisses my nose. I blushed and nodded. I went to get dressed since Dimitri already was. I found out after getting dressed that Lissa had wanted to see us about some sort of dinner thing she has to appear at.
So naturally I put on my guardian uniform. Dimitri did the same. As we walked to Lissa's apartment he held my hand tight. I was wondering what this dinner thing was for.
As we walked in the lights were off. Then out of nowhere the lights flashed on and a bunch of people jumped out yelling SURPRISE! I smiled wide and hit Dimitri in the arm. He was smiling like a moron.
"You knew about this!" I shouted at him. He grinned a sexy grin and hugged me.
"It's your birthday Roza. Let us spoil you," he whispered into my ear. I hugged him back and turned to see the people behind me. I saw the expected people like Lissa, Chris, Mia, Jill and Eddie. But I also saw my parents. I felt my jaw drop seeing them holding hands. My mom smiled at me. Like really smiled. I can't remember the last time I saw her smile. And my poor old man was beaming. He was staring at her smile as if she was the world to him. It was the way Dimitri looked at me. It was sweet and weird at the same time.
As Lissa came over and hugged me I hugged her tight.
"I knew you of all people wouldn't forget," I said into her hair.
"How could I forget my best friend's birthday?" She asked smiling. Chris gave me an awkward half hug that I think may have been his best attempt at affection.
As the night went on I got some pretty cool presents. Chris gave me an engraved pocket knife with my name on it. Lissa got me a pair of black boots that are so gorgeous. Mia got me a leather burse. I may not use it but if I need it I have it. It was expensive so I was grateful. Mom got me a set of boxing gloves for training. Jill gave me a copy of my favorite movie (Bram Stoker's Dracula). Eddie got me a Muse CD and my dad gave me money. Yeah he's my old man but what are you gonna do?
Dimitri wouldn't tell me what he got me. He said it was some big surprise. Every time he would sneak glances at me during the party he had a look of adoration on his handsome face. He was by my side most of the party. Holding my hand. Kissing my cheek. Whispering in my ear. His sweet nothings always melt me to bits.
When the party started to break up Jill and Mia and Eddie were the first ones to leave. Eddie had work tomorrow so I understood. My parents left after that. Leaving hand in hand still disturbed me. I eventually got the courage to ask them what it was about right before they left. I walked up to Abe when my mom was getting her coat.
"So what is going on with you and mom?" I asked. He had a sly grin on his face like he had a big secret or like he was getting away with a brilliant prank.
"You're an adult now Rose. Do the math," he said still grinning. As he walked up to my mom she laced her fingers with his and they left. Now the party was down to me, Dimitri, Lissa and Chris. We weren't the liveliest bunch but we have been worse. We hung out for a few more hours talking and laughing until Lissa started to yawn. I jokingly ordered her to go to bed and she agreed. We hugged goodbye as the boys shook hands.
When Dimitri and I finally left neither of us were tired yet. We walked up together to the roof of court to watch the sun rise together.
As my head lay on his chest he ran his fingers through my hair. I felt like it had been so long since I had seen a sin rise this perfect. I didn't know if it was because it was my birthday or because I was with Dimitri but today seemed perfect. I felt Dimitri's chest rise and fall with every breath he took.
Dimitri then sat up a bit and I thought we were going to leave. I stood up brushing the dirt off of my pants and saw Dimitri watching me.
"Something you have to say?" I asked teasingly. He smiled that devilish grin at me. And then his smile softened into true love.
"Roza you have no idea how much you mean to me," he said and he walked closer to me and taking my hand. "I love you so much. After all the time we spent apart I never want us to be apart again. So Roza, my Roza, I ask a favor of you," he said. And I thought my eyes were tricking me as Dimitri got down on one knee and pulled a small black velvet box out of the pocket of his duster. He opened the box and inside was revealed the most gorgeous diamond ring my eyes had ever seen.
"Roza, will you marry me?" he asked with love and trust and hope in his eyes. I suddenly couldn't feel my voice. The world around me faded and my thoughts disappeared. I wasn't sure what to say. But I knew that he loved me. And the feeling of the moment felt as if the rising sun itself was awaiting my answer.