9.

Alex stumbled out of the hammock, almost tipping them both onto the ground. He got on his knees and looked at Claire. "Claire McLeod, will you marry me?"

Claire had tears in her eyes. She looked at Alex, and then looked at the ring. It was a sparkling diamond.

"It's not too big is it? I got the most expensive one, but a small one because I knew you wouldn't want a big, chunky thing getting in your way!" Alex's voice was nervous.

Claire gave a nervous laugh as well. She was so surprised, but also so happy. She had known Alex all her life and he was always her best friend, her best mate, and now she was going to be with him for the rest of her life.

"So.? Oh, Claire, please don't so no! I really want to spend the rest of my life with you! You can have some time to think -"

"YES!!! I will Alex!" She jumped off the hammock into his arms. He held her tight and lifted her off the ground. She wrapped her legs around him and kissed him passionately. Alex then fell over onto the grass - he had forgotten about his leg, but they landed and rolled laughing until they stopped and just looked at each other. It was almost dark.

It was really quite a scene. Tess heard a scream, so she ran outside. She saw them both on the grass. "Claire, Alex! Are you OK?" They stopped and looked at her. Tess could see Claire had been crying. "What's wrong?"

"Tess," Claire tried to tell her sister calmly, but couldn't hold it in, so she kept smiling until her mouth ached. "We're getting married!!!"

"OH MY GOD! Claire! That's amazing! - Wha-? When!? WOW!"

"Yup, well we don't know when yet." Alex hugged Claire.

"As soon as possible." She said.

"Gee, you're keen." Tess laughed. "Better come in soon, it's getting dark. Tell me all about it inside! Are you going to announce it at dinner?"

"Yea, maybe?" Alex looked at Claire. She nodded and smiled. She had never been so happy.