Author's Note: Alright, this update is way over-due. Hopefully the (bitter) sweet fluffiness of this chapter makes up for it?
Disclaimer: I am not C.C. or MP. (I love acronyms.)
"Girl can I tell you a wonderful thing
I made you a present with paper and string
Open with care, now I'm asking you please
You know that I love you, will you marry me?"
-"Terrible Things," Mayday Parade.
Magnus shook his head. "Your father was the most important thing in the world to me. Nothing else mattered. I…I didn't know how to make him understand just how much I loved him."
Magnus breathed deeply. "Your father was never…highly emotional. He had his moments-all of us do-but he kept things to himself mostly. But those few moments where he would open up…they became my most treasured memories…
"One day, I planned to propose. It was our anniversary. I wasn't planning on anything over the top or exciting. I just wanted…something simple. Something the two of us would cherish and remember…for the rest of our lives together."
The warlock paused and looked to his son. Max's eyes were red-rimmed and puffy. His hair was had left streaks under his eyes. Magnus knew he looked the same.
How could the loss of one person do so much damage to another?
Magnus fisted his hands in his lap. "I had nearly everyone in on it. Your Grandma Maryse, Grandpa Robert, Aunt Izzy, Aunt Clary, Uncle Jace, Uncle Simon...They all knew; they all pestered me for the romantic little details-especially Isabelle-but there were none to tell."
Magnus wet his lips, clearing his throat before continuing. "Alec came home that day and I kept my hand on the small box in my pocket. I was shaking. I'd gone through the scenario a million times before in my head; I'd casually ask him after dinner. We would be washing dishes. I'd say something to the extent of, 'You know, Alexander, if we were to get married, would you prefer eggshell or ivory?'
"Alec would stutter adorably and his cheeks would grow hot. I would turn, look at him lovingly, and drop down to one knee-"
"But that's not what happened." Magnus chuckled slightly at the surprised look on his son's face.
"Then what did happen?"
"When Alec walked through the door that evening, he held a bouquet of magnolia flowers-he claimed the name was beautiful-and he was blushing like mad. His ears were pink, as were his cheeks. It was the most adorable thing...when I saw your father walk in the door that day, I couldn't contain myself. I stood from the couch and crossed the room to him."
"Everything I'd planned out vanished from my mind. I wasn't aware of what I was doing until I was in front of him, down on one knee, and reaching into my pocket." Magnus shook his head, a wistful look in his eyes. "Alec stood, frozen for a moment as I asked, 'Alexander Lightwood, would you do me the honor of marrying me and making me the luckiest man alive?'"
Magnus looked at his son. "Now, no matter what your father told you, he cried. We both did."
Magnus sat for a moment before he caught himself smiling...but not bitterly. No, that memory could never be bitter to him. They had been so in love. Nothing could ever ruin that.
"It was the single happiest moment of our lives until you and Tabithia came along…"
Author's Note: Man, I need to go to the dentist after this cavity-inducer…
Peace, Love, Mark, and Iggy.
Kierstin.