Chapter Nine
Months went by. Peter continued to visit the Darling house, sometimes to visit with the boys but most often to spend time with Wendy. He courted her like any proper gentleman would. They would spend time at the house of visit the park nearby. He would bring her flowers or small gifts.
One balmy morning in July, Peter again made the trip from Neverland to London. He was always careful not to be seen, landing in the most inconspicuous places. Once on the ground, it was only a short walk to the Darling house. He rang the bell, and a minute later he was greeted by Mrs. Darling.
"Hello, Peter," she said.
"Hello, Mary," Peter replied.
"Quick, come inside."
"Oh, right."
Peter went into the house. Mrs. Darling looked up and down the street before closing the door.
"Wendy's not here yet?" Peter asked.
"No," Mrs. Darling replied. "I sent her out on some errands. She should be back very soon."
"Good. I haven't missed the fun part."
Mrs. Darling smiled brightly. Then Mr. Darling appeared.
"Ah, Peter, my boy!" he exclaimed.
"Hello, George," Peter replied.
The two shook hands and Mr. Darling slapped Peter on the back.
"Come along," Mr. Darling said. "We're all in the parlor."
"May I take your gift?" Mrs. Darling asked. "I'll put it with the others."
Peter looked down at the brightly wrapped gift in his hands. Then he looked back at Mrs. Darling. "Make sure she opens this one last."
Mrs. Darling nodded. Peter handed her the box and followed Mr. Darling into the parlor. The boys had made decorations and hung them around the room. They all chatted for a few minutes until Mrs. Darling came rushing into the room.
"She's coming," she said excitedly.
They all got up and gathered in the entryway. A moment later, Wendy came through the front door.
"Surprise!" everyone yelled. "Happy birthday, Wendy!"
Wendy was startled at first, but then a big smile came to her face. "Well, this certainly is a nice thing to come home to."
The boys surrounded her and led her into the parlor. They sat her in a chair that was decorated in paper flowers. While Mr. Darling started up the gramophone, Mrs. Darling brought in a tray of hors d'oeuvres into the room.
They sat and chatted for a while. Mr. and Mrs. Darling told stories from when Wendy was younger. When the boys started to grew tired of it, Mrs. Darling decided it was time to serve the birthday cake. They sand and Wendy blew out the candles. Then the cake was cut and served.
After everybody had eaten their cake, Mrs. Darling started Wendy on opening presents. She and Mr. Darling had bought Wendy a new dress. The boys had put their money together to give Wendy a set of hair clips. Finally, it was time for Peter's present.
Mrs. Darling set the box in her lap. Peter took up a spot right next to her. She opened the box to reveal…
"Another box?" Wendy asked.
Inside the first box was another smaller box. Wendy removed it and looked it over. She gave Peter a curious look. Peter just grinned. She opened the smaller box to reveal an even smaller box. She opened that box to reveal a box that was even smaller.
"This is becoming rather annoying," Wendy said.
"That's the last box," Peter said. "I promise."
"Alright," Wendy said.
She opened the last box and gasped. Inside the box was a stunning gold ring with a ruby set in the center. She clasped her hand over her mouth and looked at Peter as tears started to form in her eyes. He got down on one knee and the boys gasped this time.
"Wendy," Peter said. "Would you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?"
Wendy looked around the room at the others' expectant faces. Then she looked back at Peter, taking her hand away from her mouth.
"I have one condition," she said.
Peter gave her a quizzical look. "I'm listening."
"We make our home in Neverland."
The boys started to murmur amongst themselves. Mrs. Darling shushed them. "Wendy," she said. "Are you sure that's what you want?"
Wendy nodded. "Peter belongs in Neverland. If I am to be his wife, it is where I need to be, too."
Everyone looked at Peter, waiting for his response. After a moment, Peter stood.
"Wendy," he said. "It doesn't matter where we make our home, just as long as we are together. If Neverland is what you want, Neverland it shall be."
Wendy smiled. "Yes, Peter. I will marry you."
The boys cheered. Wendy stood and kissed her new fiancé.
"Put on your ring," Mrs. Darling said.
Wendy took the ring from the box and slid it onto her finger. She marveled at it for a minute before holding up her hand for the others to see.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she asked.
"Magnificent," Mrs. Darling replied.
Mr. Darling and the boys all agreed that it was a very pretty ring. Wendy took Peter's hand in hers and looked into his eyes.
"Marriage will be an awfully big adventure."
