Hello my beautiful readers! I am back in the game. I know that this chapter is LONG in coming but, what can I say, thank you so much for staying with me!!! Now, here's a few things about this story: It WILL sound different from previous chapters and I cannot help that. I, like the story have grown and my writing style is a bit different now. I will stay with the integrity with the characters, but I will finish this and hopefully you will get the outcome that you all want!
P.S. Flashback in Italics, authors notes in bold and same old disclaimer...Remember to Read and Review!!! I own Dani and her family and my characters... I don't own "A Walk to Remember."
Now, enough of me talking, on with the story.
-Elle Sparrow
Six months later, mid April.
Landon checked his watch while he sat in the living room of Dani's apartment.
"Dani! Are you almost ready?"
Dani sighed, nothing look right on her. Landon was taking her to a nice dinner and she oddly enough was running late.
"Yeah, babe I'll be out in a minute."
She threw the first dress that she had been wearing back on and quickly glanced in the mirror to re-fix her hair. Finally she put her hands up and sighed
"Ready or not here I come."
She stepped into the living room and cocked her head to the side as she watched Landon.
"Well?"
Landon looked up and smiled,
"You're beautiful. Ready?"
She smirked,
"Yes dad, I'm ready. Where are you taking me anyway?"
Landon took her hand as they left the apartment.
"You'll see."
Twenty minutes later Landon and Dani walked in a corner cozy bistro. The lights were dim and the music was low. There were few people sitting enjoying the night. The host sat them in a back corner. They sat and smiled at each other. They looked like teenagers in love. Throughout dinner Landon would sneak glances at Dani and smile. He loved this woman. Yes, since Jamie things haven't been easy but, Dani was, and is always there. As the waiter took their plates away Landon took Dani's hands in his.
"Baby, I--"
Dani smiled then furrowed her brow,
"Landon, you aren't wearing your ring anymore. When did you take it off?"
Landon smiled,
"Almost a month. I want you to know that I'm ready. I love you. I know that Jamie would have wanted me to be happy. You make me happy."
He pulled out a black velvet box from his jacket pocket. Dani stiffened. This was too soon, or was she just scared. She didn't know. He placed the box in front of her and smiled,
"Open it."
Dani smiled and opened the box. It was empty.
"I don't get it."
Landon smiled,
"I know that you aren't ready, but when are I want you to know that there will be a ring in there. You're it. Just let me know when you're ready. But, we'll go at your pace."
Dani softened and smiled.
"Thank you. This is a better gift then what you could have ever given me."
Landon smiled and sat back,
"Keep the box. It will remind you of how much I love you."
An hour later Landon and Dani were curled up in bed together. They both were reading, they had fallen into the same routine though they didn't live together. Dani said that until they were married there would be no co-habitation. Landon respected that yet managed to have the majority of his things at her apartment. Landon noticed the soft and even breathing coming from Dani. She had fallen asleep with her glasses on, book on her chest and the velvet box place carefully next to the picture of them taken during Thanksgiving of last year.
"Landon come on be serious."
He laughed as they ran hand in hand down the pier. It was just turning into dusk. What some people call, the magic hour.
"Dani come on, I don't want us to miss this."
They stopped at the railing, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck.
"Love you."
"Love you too."
Dani removed the camera from around her neck and smiled.
"Hey, turn around."
Landon turned so that the light was behind them. Dani leaned in closer to him and pulled the camera out to arms length.
"Smile."
Landon and Dani smiled as the camera flashed.
Landon got up, removed the book and placed it on the nightstand, he skillfully removed her glasses and placed them on top of the book. He placed a kiss on her forehead and smiled. He turned the lights off and slowly and carefully slipped back into bed. Dani snuggled in closer and placed her head on his chest. Landon himself soon fell asleep.
