Chapter 7
Engaged
Flashback- the year James left for the seminary, before their "union" in the boat shed in Cambridge.
James and Ceit walked hand in hand along the river from her university to the centre of Cambridge. Ceit was in her final year of an English Literature Course at Queen's College. James had been out of University for a year and had been working for a while in one of the music studios in the centre. He'd just left there to meet ace it from her final lecture of the week, so he still had his guitar in its case on his back and also had his hand clenched round a small black box in his pocket. He'd picked it up from the jewellers on his way up to Queen's to meet Ceit. He was certain this was the right time to ask her before he went off to the seminary, that way he knew he had something to look forward to when he came out, Ceit was going to have a gap year before she did her teacher training course.
By now they had reached the little river boat pub which was moored by the bank. James helped Ceit down before he climbed down onto it himself before he took her hand again and led her to the bar. They ordered a drink and lunch before making their way to a table at the rear of the boat. Ceit sat and James remained standing. Ceit turned to him.
"James?"
He sighed and took off his guitar before dropping to one knee beside her chair.
"Catherine Mae Buchanan, the light of my life, the fiery personality I crave with all my heart. The red headed warrior who defends alls she loves and will do until her last breath. You captured me and hold me captivated. I love you and I wondered if you would do me an extraordinary honour. would you be willing to spend the rest of your life with me? as my Wife?" James said carefully in a controlled tone as he handed her the open black box from his pocket and placed it in her hand.
Ceit stared at him stunned and then down at the elegant diamond ring set in an ascher cut in yellow gold before returning her gaze to his. Then she let out a quiet sound James couldn't make out. Ceit swallowed and said it again louder this time.
"Yes, James Hathaway, I will be your wife." She said as James took the ring and slipped it onto her finger. Before kissing her and hugging her tightly.
"Happy birthday, fiancée." James smiled against her shoulder.
Ceit laughed. "The best birthday." She smiled over his shoulder, feeling nothing but elation and love for the man who had been her friend for years.