Begin!

~Beatrice's POV

"You know you're welcome to use our telegraph to contact your brothers," Sammie said, as I helped her clean up our breakfast plates the next morning. "Or perhaps Karrie. And I'm sure Bertrand would like to talk to Quinten." I couldn't help thinking it was nice to see her back in a better mood after our serious talk last night. They say a good night's sleep can do wonders for you emotionally.

"I talked that over with Bertie already," I replied, smirking. "We want the news to be a surprise."

"Which news, the engagement ring on your hand or the baby you're gonna have in 3 months?"

"Both, of course."

Sammie smiled, "Cheeky, I like it. But maybe at least give your family a heads up that you're coming home? John says we'll arrive at Briny Beach in about 5 more days."

"Good idea, I'll do that today." I glanced at Sammie while we worked. "By the way, I can't help asking, but what do you see in John anyway? I don't mean to be rude, but he is a bit eccentric."

"You're not the first one to ask. Well, he's financially stable, adventurous, charming, he makes me laugh, he's loyal as a dog, he's an honest gentleman, he loves kids, and my kids like him. So yeah, no idea what I was thinking, I must be crazy. Why do you ask?"

I snorted at her humorous answer; knowing that her question was rhetorical. "Blunt, but very enlightening. And Fernald wasn't bothered by having his chaperone marry his mom?"

"...He warmed up to it."

~Meanwhile back at the headquarters, Karen's POV

Apparently, today was the day Quinten wanted to give me his surprise. And he still won't tell me what it is! I even tried flirting and it didn't work! I hope it's worth the wait. Right now he was dragging me through the headquarters by the hand and leading me to where I did not know.

"Can you tell me where we're going yet?"

"Not yet," Quinten replied, flashing me his charming smile.

Damn that smile of his. It was not only handsome, it was warm and gentle. It made me feel at home with him. I continued following along, albeit while complaining some more.

After the third set of stairs we climbed I asked, "Are we there yet?"

"That's the wrong question, you should ask 'when are we going to get there?'"

I rolled my eyes, "Just tell me where we're going! I doubt that'll give away whatever surprise you have for me."

Quinten looked around the deserted area to ensure we were alone. "Karrie, have you ever been on the peak of Mount Fraught just outside headquarters?"

I gaped at him. "No I most certainly have not! There's 137 regulations about not going up there! You could get seen by a civilian, or worse an enemy could recognize you and find the headquarters by following you back down, and they don't want people over-feeding the eagles-"

"Karrie!"

"I'm just saying it's all in the rule book."

"Yeah well, don't you want to do something exciting? Like break a little rule…?"

"It's not just a little rule though, it's a lot of little rules. What are you playing at, Quagmire?"

He seemed determined to get me to do this. "If you want your surprise, you'll follow me to the peak of Mount Fraught. Your choice, Karrie."

I thought about it.

Then I thought about it some more.

Then I thought about it even more.

I think Bea's a bad influence on me since this is usually how she goes about hard decisions.

"And you can't give me this surprise in any other place? It absolutely cannot be anywhere else? No back up plan?"

"That's right, nowhere else," He replied, smiling.

I sighed, "Curse you and your charms. If we get caught, I'll never let you live it down!"

One risky mountain climb later and we had reached a place I had been told for years I wasn't allowed to go.

"If Bea could see me right now. And what will Dewey and Frank say!"

Though I had to admit, despite the cold and snow, it was absolutely beautiful up here. It was overcast and cloudy, but the rest of the snowy Mortmain Mountains in the distance were breathtaking. I almost regretted not coming up here in the past. I stood next to Quinten while we stared out at the view together from the edge of the frozen Stricken Stream source. There was the trademark blanket of mist hiding the headquarters below us. And across the way I could see many of our V.F.D. trained eagles resting comfortably in their nests spotted along the mountain sides. It was peaceful and quiet aside from the occasional gust of wind or eagle cry.

"Wow… The view up here is amazing…"

"Perhaps, but I like the view in front of me a lot better," I heard Quinten say.

I turned to see him looking at me. I smiled at his compliment. "Well, aren't you sweet? So are you planning to tell me why you risked rule breaking to drag me out here?"

Under most normal circumstances, Quinten was suave and calm. But there was something about his behavior that made me see he was actually quite nervous. For some reason, I didn't think his nerves had anything to do with us getting caught up here…

And then he pulled something out of his pocket and got down on one knee.

"Karen Lynn Denouement, I love you more than I ever thought I could; will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

In his hand was a box holding a stunning sapphire engagement ring. He brought me up here to propose?! Well now I wish I hadn't complained about us getting in trouble!

"Yes!"

I dropped to my knees and hugged him. "Yes, yes, I will marry you!"

He grinned at me, "You have no idea how happy I am that you said yes."

He gently slipped the ring on my finger; it fit perfectly. We shared a long kiss with the picturesque mountain sky behind us. I'd later find out that Quinten paid one of our V.F.D. photographers to take a secret picture of his proposal; something I was wholeheartedly ok with as long as we kept it between ourselves.

"Where do you want to go to celebrate? Your flat or mine?"

I giggled. "Wherever we end up first, now let's get off this mountain before we both freeze."

I'm engaged! Quinten Michael Quagmire asked me to marry him! I hope I can see Bea again soon so I can tell her!

~Beatrice's POV

I sat in the Queequeg's office, sometime later, tapping out a telegram to Ike and Josephine. I let them know that I was alright, and that Bertrand I would be coming home to the headquarters within a few days. I received a reply that said they were happy to hear I was ok and that they missed me very much. They also said that they had recently gotten back from a mountain climbing trip in Peru. It was nice to know that my brother, who was always a bit of a daredevil, had someone to love who was as equally as much of a daredevil as he was.

I then tapped out a telegram to Hector telling him we would be visiting soon. Hector being only half-related to us always felt rather out of place in our family so we did our best to make him feel included. He replied quickly with relief that I was truly alive, I suppose the news of my death probably got lost in translation since he was retired and didn't keep up with the news anymore.

"Either way we'll be happy to see him won't we," I said to my stomach, I know the baby can't understand me but it's still encouraged to talk to them during this time. Sammie even told me that there's evidence to suggest it helps them learn to talk faster later.

And finally, I tapped out a message to Karen.

Dear Karrie,

First of all, I'm currently on the Queequeg with Bertrand, Sammie and her family are giving us a ride to shore. Secondly, thank you for taking care of Olaf in my absence. I will probably be thanking you again when I see you in person. You're a brave and noble friend; it's been wonderful to have you by my side all these years. Tell Quinten that we'll see you soon. We miss you both and we can't wait to catch up!

-Your friend, Bea

There, that should be vague enough for her to not ask any questions! I waited for her reply, but didn't get one. That's odd, volunteers are usually very quick to reply.

I wouldn't get a response from Karrie until about 2 hours later today. Sammie remarked that they must have been busy with other work. That would make sense.

Though I can't help thinking that they were busy… just not with working.

~End of Chapter!

After a serious chapter, here's a more light-hearted one with a beautiful ship moment!