Six Months Later
It had been an amazing six months for Bernie and Serena with the couple finding the perfect balance between work and home. Their relationship had only strengthened their bond at work and strengthened the bonds of the ward staff around them. Cameron had joined AAU as an F1 after enrolling back in medical school much to his mother's delight and Serena's. Serena had told Elinor and whilst the girl was shocked she was happy for her mother who seemed happier than she had ever been. Tonight was a special night. It was Bernie and Serena's six month anniversary and Bernie had arranged a special night out at the Italian restaurant where they had had their first date. Bernie had arranged for Cameron to pick Serena and bring her to the restaurant where she'd be waiting in her blues.
"Good evening Ms Campbell. I'll be your driver for tonight" Cameron smiles as he opens the door to his mother's convertible. Serena gracefully enters the car smiling up at the young man she considered a son
"Are you going to tell me about what your mother has planned?" Cameron chuckles and shakes his head as he closes the door and makes his way to the driver's side
"Not a chance Ms Campbell" Cameron starts the car and drives off towards the restaurant where Bernie was waiting. She fiddles with her hands nervously as she waits for Serena to arrive. She takes a small ring box from her pocket and puts it on the table looking at it
"You'll be fine Bernie" Elinor puts a hand on the blonde's shoulder and squeezes it reassuringly "You were a soldier this should be easy" Bernie lets out a nervous laugh and looks up at Elinor. She could see so much of her mother in the girl, it brought her confidence and nods her head "I've never seen my mother so happy before... you've given her and me the greatest gift. Happiness"
"Thank you Ellie." Elinor turns and looks to see if Cameron had arrived. She smiles when she sees the car pull up. She squeezes on Bernie's shoulder again and the blonde quickly thrusts the ring box back into her pants pocket before standing up and to attention. Elinor quickly disappears to hide in another of the private booths. Bernie straightens her jacket and takes a deep breath. It had been a while since she had worn her blues but tonight it was needed and hopefully worth it. She walks to the front of the restaurant and smiles at Cameron as he opens the door for Serena and helps her out of the car
"Thank you Cameron" Serena smiles at him and turns. Suddenly it was like all the air had left her lungs and her heart was skipping beats. She couldn't believe how handsome Bernie looked in her blues "Bernie..." Bernie was smiling as she approaches Serena
"Good evening Ms Campbell. Would you care to join me for dinner?" Serena just nods silently as she takes Bernie's arm before the blonde guides them to the booth where they had sat for their first date
"You look so handsome darling" Serena says quietly taking in her lover as they takes their seats at the booth.
"Thank you and you look perfectly radiant" Bernie takes Serena's hand and kisses her knuckles softly. The waiter brings out the couple's favourite wine pouring them each a glass "Thank you" Dinner progressed as it always did with the couple sharing longing looks and telling bad jokes until it came to the dessert. Bernie takes a deep breath as the waiter takes the plates away
"Are you okay darling?" Serena asks Bernie, who suddenly looked nervous. The blonde looks up at Serena and nods her head
"Yes. I'm fine. I just have a question to ask you" Bernie takes a deep breath before continuing "Serena Campbell you have turned my life upside down. You've supported me through these months, you became my best friend. There aren't enough words to describe how I feel about you except I love you. So much." The major slides out of her side of the booth, drops down on one knee and takes the ring box from her pocket opening it to reveal the most beautiful ring with a trio of gemstones. A diamond flanked by two small pink tourmaline stones "Serena Campbell will you do me the greatest honour of becoming my wife?" Serena gasps, her hand comes over her mouth and tears gather in her eyes.
"Yes. Yes I will marry you" Bernie takes the ring from the box and slides it onto Serena's finger. She stands pulling Serena up from the booth kissing her passionately "I love you so much Bernie"
"And I love you Serena Campbell"