Martin didn't believe he had ever had this many text messages in a day; it simply wasn't possible to have this many, but as he looked to his phone once again and saw another picture arriving, he could only roll his eyes. Yet, he didn't. Instead, he looked at the picture and wrote her back.
" It's really up to you; it is your room to decorate. If you must have an opinion, I prefer the one with the stripes, not the floral print," he told her.
"Perfect, thanks, Martin. I'll be over to the new flat in a bit," Louisa replied to the text. He sighed, hoping that was the last one for awhile. It might have been better had he either just picked the bedding himself or gone with her. She'd sent him a picture of just about every bloody bedding set the store must have, two stores, from what he remembered her saying. Finally, though, it appeared she was happy with what she'd found.
Martin started to work in the flat, his shoes echoing through the space. It was now after lunch. The movers had been efficient and speedy, loading up Louisa's flat in record time, which was more than satisfactory for him. Louisa had stayed behind much longer in her flat, tidying up things, packing the last of things, and even saying good-bye to the bloody neighbors, people she barely knew. That was Louisa, though, a friend to all, but in all that, finally, she was his again so it seemed; she'd agree to marry him and had taken his ring. Louisa could text him messages all day as far as he was concerned. Things were finally looking up.
He continued his inspection of the property, walking room to room and checking on everything from the flooring to the paint job and everything in between. It was a grand flat, one which he was proud to own. It was vastly different from his surgery in Portwenn, which was small, old, and had issues with almost every room and speck of the place. This flat, having been renovated within the last two years, was very modern. It did feel odd to be back here in London without a job, but hopefully, the conference this week would be the first step to his return to surgery. He had a lot banking on it now, with the recommitment he and Louisa had made. Martin didn't have much time to think; the doorbell rang, and he made his way there, assuming the furniture delivery had arrived.
If Martin paid attention to detail in other areas, he was relentless with this new furniture. It had cost a fortune, not that he was complaining. All of it was necessary, necessary for this new life in London. Still, with the quality fo the furniture, he would not have any problems with it. As each piece was brought into the flat, he inspected it before it was moved to its final destination. He was pleased with what Louisa had found. Her initial pieces were more than satisfactory, and he was very glad he had finished off each room set, calling the furniture store after Louisa had made her choices. She did have good taste, at least in furniture, if he did disagree with her paint colors, and the furniture fit nicely with the flat.
Louisa arrived as the men were still unloading the dining room table and chairs, bursting through the door with a wide smile on her face, her arms full of packages. Martin, who was inspecting the table for any scratches, looked up when he heard the commotion.
"Louisa, here let me," he said, moving quickly to help her. "You should have had this sent over in your condition." He frowned at her.
"What?" Louisa asked in a huffy tone. "Certainly, Martin, I am able to carry a few packages. It's just bedding, well," she dropped her voice and gave a small shrug, "maybe some new towels, a few things for the lavatory, a couple new pillows," she stopped talking and looked up at him, her eyes sparkling.
"Yes, no," he said with a grunt. "I hardly care WHAT you purchased, just that you are carrying all of this yourself. Please, next time, have it sent over. You are-"
"Pregnant, yes, yes, well aware, Martin," she said, resting her hand on her stomach. "Now, a proper greeting," she said, stepping toward him, leaning up to kiss his cheek. He blushed as another delivery man walked into the room. Louisa followed his eyes, and she rolled hers at Martin. "Martin," she said quietly, leaning toward him, "with me in this state, an innocent peck on the cheek is the least of their worries. It's quite obvious what we've been up to, hmm?" She patted her stomach again and finally looked around at the flat.
"Martin?" Louisa turned back to him, confused as she glanced around. He was running his hand over one of the armchairs, and he looked to her. "What is all this?"
"Ahh, I believe the furniture you selected, yes?" Martin asked, walking toward her as she now walked around the living room area.
"Yes, but I selected a couch. There is an entire set here, much like how it looked at the store. What-" She turned back to Martin, shaking her head.
He gestured with his hand, "The flat is too large for the few pieces you selected. After you told me about your shopping, I called the store and had them add the additional pieces for each room. What? Do you not like the furniture?"
She put her had to her mouth and just shook her head in awe, "It's just shocking. I was going to furnish the place as I could afford to do it, Martin. None of this was inexpensive. I loved the furniture, and it was just what I could afford."
He nodded quickly and fumbled his words, "Well, well, I took care of the expenses as well. There is no reason you cannot let me pay for all of this. After all," he said, now standing right behind her, as he leaned toward her, "we have agreed now to marry. What's mine is yours."
Louisa, who was now speechless, walked around the living room area and then turned back to face Martin. "I can't believe you did this!"
"Err, ahh, you're upset?" Martin asked, now confused.
"Yes, no, yes, I mean, I'm shocked, Martin. You didn't need to do this. You bought this most expensive flat, and now you're outfitting it. I am very shocked, touched, though too. Oh, Martin," she said, putting her hand to her face as she walked into the dining area. "You purchased this buffet too for the table? You simply didn't have to do that as well. Wait," she spun around, as much as one could being so pregnant, "did you do the same in the bedroom?" Louisa started to move down the hall. Martin, muttering to himself, rolled his eyes to follow her. He almost ran into her as she stopped in the doorway to the bedroom.
"The bed is gorgeous as I remembered, but Martin," she bit her lip and turned back to him, "really, you've outdone yourself. You bought all of this-nightstands, two wardrobes-"
"You needed a space for your clothes," he said, clearing his voice, his eyes locked on hers. He frowned, "You're upset."
"No," she shook her head and wrapped her arms around him. "Honestly, I might have been, but I am learning as well, just as you tell me you are. This was a lovely, lovely thing to do. I am very touched, Martin. I feel badly because you did say that you paid for all of this?" She glanced up at Martin, her arms still wrapped around her. He had draped his around her as well, and he titled his head.
"Yes, but why?" Martin asked.
Louisa pointed down the hall, "Has all the furniture now been delivered?"
He titled his head, "Ahh, no, why? They are working on the dining room area right now. They said they had more. The nursery furniture comes next week, though, yes? You purchased that from a different shop."
"Right, we did," Louisa nodded. "No, come on," she said, grabbing his arm and tugging it with her. They walked out to the workmen. "Excuse me," she said, walking to one. She spoke quietly, leaving Martin there where he promptly started to inspect the pieces that had come in since they'd come down the hall. Several seconds later, Louisa returned to his side, a small grin on her face.
"Louisa, what in the world are you grinning about now? Why do I feel like you are plotting something?" Martin grunted.
Louisa took his hand in hers and then patted it, "Oh, my lovely man, it seems we have both managed to surprise each other. I was trying to surprise you as well with the furniture. Come on," she nodded. "They are going to bring in another piece."
"Louisa?" Martin asked, shaking his head. The two stood to the side as the men carried in another piece, and Louisa nodded to it, a wide smile on her face.
"Is that a desk?" Martin asked, watching as they walked it down the hallway to one of the bedrooms. Louisa pointed to the extra bedroom, and she finally turned back to him. "Martin, part of the reason I didn't buy more furniture was the cost, yes, but I decided to spend some of my money on a lovely desk for you. I was serious at the time when I had told you I wanted you to stay at the flat when you came to London. I knew you would have plenty of work, coming up here on a weekend. I thought it was important you had your own space, and so, I picked out this desk. I hope you do like it. It's hand carved and definitely seemed your style."
Martin and Louisa watched as the desk was put into place, and Martin raised his eyebrows at Louisa.
"Louisa, this is quite unexpected," he said quietly, his voice low as meant for her.
"I do hope you like it," she said, squeezing his arm. "I'm so shocked at what you did for me, what it appears we both did," she chuckled. She looked up at him, and he reached to put his arm around her, surprising Louisa. "It is, ahh, very nice. I do like it, excellent craftsmanship. Ahh, thank you. I cannot think of a time someone gave me a gift such as this."
"I'm glad you like it," she patted his chest. "Thank you for the furniture. See, we both knew what the other needed and were receptive to the gifts." Louisa looked up, and the two were about to kiss, but the workmen called down the hall to them that they were done. Martin snapped his head up , and the moment was broken. He walked down the hallway to sign the slip. Louisa walked to the bedroom to look over the furniture. A few minutes later, she turned as Martin stood in the doorway.
"They gone?" Louisa asked. Martin nodded.
"Yes, seems to be everything. Now begins your unpacking." Martin stated. "Ahh, I suppose I will start with your kitchen to find some of the things to make us supper."
"Oh, that's the other thing, Martin," Louisa turned to him and smiled across the room "I thought after all of the wonderful things today we might go out to celebrate. When I was out, I spotted an Italian restaurant a street over and thought we could eat there. I made a reservation. I hope that is okay. I would like to celebrate our engagement and well," she shrugged and smiled, "settling into the flat, hopefully, a new start for us."
"Oh, ahh," he frowned, but saw the hopeful look on her face. He was really looking forward to a quiet evening even with the flat in disarray. He glanced to her, and while he was fidgeting, he felt his face flush, knowing this was important to her, "Ahh, well, I mean, if you are sure."
"Yes," she clapped her hands together, "I have been craving Italian, and I would like very much to go out to dinner with you, to celebrate everything. I am quite excited about our evening."
"Fine," he said wit a firm nod. "The reservation-" Martin looked to her. She nodded and chuckled.
"Yes, Martin, the reservation is for six. I know how you are about eating on time. Now, how about we get this bedroom set up first? I think that's more important than the kitchen, yes?"
"Yes," Martin said, crisply, his face flushing again slightly as he ducked in to the room to help her set up things.
Later that evening, at promptly 5:55, Martin held the door for Louisa as they entered the small Italian bistro. There was still a chill in the air for April, and both had stuffed their hands into their coat pockets for the short walk over. Louis had insisted that the walking did her good with the pregnancy; Martin had continually glanced to her worried that all of the day's business was going to be too much for her. Once inside, Louisa shrugged out of her coat, and Martin helped her, draping both over his arm. Louisa had on a very beautiful royal blue dress with pearls along the neckline. It suited her well, especially against her dark hair. Her ever rounding belly hugged the dress, and Martin had been stealing glances at her all evening while she dressed. He had found a royal blue tie to complement her dress and had on his favorite black suit. After checking in with the staff, they stood to the side and waited, Louisa slipping her hand into Martin's. She stole a glance at him, making sure he was comfortable holding hands. His face turned upward into almost a smile, and he glanced sideways to her, giving her a slight nod.
"You look beautiful, Louisa. Pregnancy suits you," Martin said in an almost whisper to her. "This, ahh, dinner is a nice idea."
"Good," she grinned and squeezed his arm. "I think so too. We can start to discuss our wedding plans."
He grunted and looked away to not roll his eyes at her. He hated discussing anything of the matter. He really did not care. All he wanted was Louisa, and he had her. He did want to marry her, but he had no interest in any of the wedding mess. He would be perfectly fine to just have a quick, simple ceremony. Besides, they had already gone through this once, and he didn't want to relive bad memories.
The two stepped to the side as the door opened and more people entered the restaurant. Martin looked to their joined hands, almost in awe that they were standing here, engaged. His ran his thumb over her engagement ring, and Louisa looked to him at that, smiling at him.
"Reservation for Ellingham, 6:00 sharp, so we expect our table to be ready, no need for a wait. We are prompt."
That had Martin's head snap up, and Louisa turned too, hearing the name. Martin's eyes bulged out, and his hand, still in Louisa's instantly stiffened. He glanced to them, and their eyes all met.
"Mum, Dad," he said curtly, without a nod. "What are you doing here?"
