She'd lost track of how many days had passed. The only way she had to measure the time was the bulge of her stomach, which grew bigger each month. She wiped the tears from her eyes, recalling what Mr. Ages had told her, how Justin had died peacefully in his sleep, just days after he had saved her children. Jeremy had brought them home the next morning, and Elizabeth's pain only increased when she found out she was pregnant, realizing that her child would never meet their father.
"Oh, Justin," she broke down crying, allowing her basket to fall from her grasp. She buried her face in her hands, falling to her knees. Almost instantly she heard the soft growl of a motor, and looked up to see a dark blue pickup truck pull into her driveway. Her heart began pounding, but she knew that it couldn't be him. It was probably Ages, or another of the Rats come to comfort her. She rose to her feet, yet kept her head bowed as the driver approached her. All she saw was a pair of scruffy work boots worn beneath jeans torn in one knee. She fought to keep the tears from falling as he lifted her head gently with a hand. Dark sunglasses hid his eyes, and his dark hair curled loosely around his ears. He had a strong jaw, covered in about two days' worth of stubble. He smiled, stroking her cheek.
"Sorry to disturb you," he whispered, as though he were ill. "But I was wondering if you knew where I could find Elizabeth Brisby?"
Her eyes widened. That voice; it couldn't be! He reached up, removing his glasses. He dropped them to the ground, taking her in his arms. She glanced once into his dark brown eyes, nearly crying with joy.
"Y-You're alive?" she whispered, his smile widened. "B-But I thought Ages said…"
"I know what Ages said," he spoke quietly, bringing his face closer to hers. "I'm sorry we lied to you." He let his lips fall gently on hers. She hugged him, feeling her feet leave the ground. She was thankful her children weren't home. It seemed hours before he pulled away, gazing at her. He felt something move beneath his hand, and looked down at her stomach, which was bigger than it should have been.
"How far along are you?" he asked, feeling movement again.
"About five months," she said shyly. She giggled, looking back up at him. His eyes had a hidden shine she hadn't seen for a long time. "I love you."
They spoke at the same time, gazes never parting, even when he slowly knelt in the soft green grass.
"Elizabeth," he whispered, taking her hand. She barely saw the slim ring he slipped on her hand. "Will you marry me?"
She smiled, slowly bringing him back to his feet. "It's not because of the baby, is it?" she said jokingly, knowing his answer. He chuckled.
"No, though that is part of it," he said, then became serious. "I love you, Elizabeth; I have since Jon first mentioned you, and now I want nothing more than to spend my life with you."
She looked down at the ring, then back up at him. The slim strand of silver felt warm on her hand, and she felt her heart burst with love for him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply, giving an answer that needed no words. But she said them anyway.
"Yes," she whispered, pulling away. She smiled once more at her new fiancé. "Yes, I will."
Well, its finally finished. Took longer than I thought, but its also a little shorter than I intended. Anyway, how would you guys feel about a sequel? Tell me in the reviews, or PM me; that's cool too!