Chapter Twenty-four

Relena smiled into the mirror. After three hours of trying for perfection, she had finally achieved it. If this dress did not set Heero's eyes on heronly, nothing will. She was ready.
Heero breathed deep before proceeding to knock on the front door of the Haverson's London home. The scent of the flowers that he had brought Relena lingered in the air. Heero pulled out his watch that read 7:00 o/clock. Right on time. He gathered his courage and knocked twice. He had no idea why it was so hard to face her. It wasn't as if it was the first time. After all, they had already had sex. Okay so he loved her, but that really didn't matter. He fiddled with the small box in his coat pocket and sighed. He was sure, positive that she did not feel the same about him. He was not what she wanted or what she needed? Even though he knew he would be total loyal to her if they married, she didn't trust him. His reputation was more than dark, though only half true. He had thought long and hard about telling her the truth, but veered away from the idea, for one, she may not believe him. The front swung open and the butler smiled.

"We've been expecting you, m' lord. Right this way." Heero entered the foyer that was connected to the staircase. Nothing had changed.

"I'll tell the mistress that you have arrived and get a vase for those." Rem disappeared up the stairs leaving Heero in silence.

Relena heard a knock on the door and answered from them to come in. It was Rem. He announced that Lord Milbrook was waiting down stairs.

"Please tell him I'll be there in a moment, Rem" He nodded and closed the door behind him. It was time. She breathed and prayed. Prayed that her plan would go well. She loved Heero and wanted to be with him. Even if she would have to be the one that changed his old ways. She would do anything, anything to have him and no one could stop her. She opened her door and moved toward the stairwell, her maid right behind her. She stopped at the top of the stairs before descending as gracefully as possible. This was it.

Heero heard footsteps at the top of the stairs and looked up only to have his breathe stolen from him. Relena stood tall in a red crimson opera gown trimed lace and silk.The neckline was low,showing hills of cleavage. The bodice was well fitted, revealing her hourglass figure of a small waist and curvy hips. Her was hair piled high on her head in a wave of tight curls. He tried, he really did, but he couldn't help but stare. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. When she reached him, he was totally speechless.

"So how do I look?" She asked spinning so he could see all of her. Wrong move. For a moment he could only nod, but then words sprung out.

"You look even more beautiful then I remember."

" But you saw me only yesterday"

"I know" She smiled. "Are those for me" She asked staring down at the flowers that he had in his hand.

"Yes" He handed them to her.

" Thank you, I'll just place these in.." the butler took the plants and headed toward the kitchen.

"So shall we be on our way?" Heero asked. She nodded and they were off.

The Opera theatre, though Relena had been many times before, seemed to sparkle just a little bit more tonight. With her hand in Heero's she felt invincible as the coward watch intently as they entered the front doors. Whispers could be heard but neither of them cared. Tonight, it was only them. They had greeted a few familiar faces, and Relena's smile was even brighter because it felt right. The way they moved together as one, almost as husband and wife. A huge chandler hung in the middle of the opera house, illuminating the stage. Candlelight filled the hallways leading to the private boxes. The boxes stood high above the stage to give a spectacular view and the only way to miss anything was to fall asleep during the play. Which of course, Relena would not. They were seated and the curtains to the booth closed. Only Kara, Relena's lady's maid lingered a few rows back. The maid would usually be seated in the back not being able to see the play, only hear, but Relena insisted that she watch, in case she had to ask her for any information later.

"I must warn you, m' lord. I have never been able to stay awake during an entire opera."

"I thought I was the only one." He grinned.

"Please forgive me if I use your shoulder if I'm in the need of a nap."

"Only if you do not mind when I return the favor." She couldn't help but smile.

"But what if someone sees us. My reputation would be ruin." Usually such talk was not permitted between a man and a woman but to them it didn't matter.

Heero leaned forward and whispered into her ear causing a tingle to shoot through her spine. "My dear, did you forget? Your reputation is already ruined."

"Ah yes. Well it seems no one will want spoiled goods. What shall we do?" She asked, her voice airy.

"I guess I must marry you then. So that I will your first and your last." She burst into laughter. Marry Her. He wouldn't dare.

"Well I guess I should start preparing." She laughed again. "What day shall it be done?" She smiled.

"You laugh at me when I am serious."

"Of course your not. You're not really asking me to marry you." His face was blank. "Are you?" She wouldn't accept. How could she? He was not what she needs. Oh but he was what she wanted. He exhaled.

"Relena, I love you. I can't live without. I think about you all the time. I want to be with you every moment of the day. I know in the pass it was rough between us but I've changed. I've changed for you. If you'll have me, I promise I'll be faithful. I swear. I love you. Please be my wife." He pulled out a small velvet box and it hit Relena. It was not a dream. It was real. He really wanted to marry her, be with her. Finally, she could be with him. But…

"Uh… I …umm…. love you too. And yes I'll marry you." The next thing they heard was screams and applause coming from the audience. One person shouted, " It was about time." Heero laughed and slipped the triple diamond silver ring unto her finger. "Mrs. Relena Milbrook, the duchess of Yuy. I like the sound of that."

"So do I, so do I." Tears smearing down her face. Finally it was happening to her

Later that night, Relena lay in bed too excited to sleep. When she had arrived home, she had told her mother of the engagement while Heero had gone to see her father about the wedding and to gain his blessing. Lord Haverson was all too happy to give it. She stared at the ring. It was all too surreal. In six months she would the Duchess of Yuy, but even more importantly, Heero's lover and friend. She wasn't sure she could wait that long, but she would have too. Her mother said that she needed time the prepare. Gloria was going to throw the wedding of the season, and Relena believed her. But that was not all that was on her mind. That morning she realized that she had missed her monthly visit. She smiled. She was happy. After all she might be pregnant with their first child.

Sorry it took so long to update. I have finals and stuff. It was hard getting in the time to think about where I wanted the story to go. But don't worry it will be over soon. Maybe, maybe not.