5. Written In The Stars
Still in pure amazement, Lily turned her head towards James.
"Oh, James…" Her voice was hushed and she went to look at the beautiful words again.
He brought her attention back to him by taking her hands and looking into her eyes.
"Lily…I know I'm not perfect…I never have been…but I think, no, I know, that you bring out the best in me. When I'm with you, I feel so good - like nothing could ever take away what we have."
"But I'm scared Lily. I can't lose you. I know I'm not good enough for you…no one could ever be. I'd be a fool if I didn't show you exactly what you mean to me…what I want us to have."
"Because I want us to have everything. A marriage, a home, a family. Most of all, I want you. And I couldn't be satisfied with anything less than all my life." He paused. "No matter how long that will be." His mind seemed to be concerned elsewhere for a moment, troubled.
Lily was staring at him, rapt. She was silent, motionless, her eyes locked on his. He realised that his voice was about to break from the emotion he was feeling from doing what he was about to do.
He crouched down on one knee. From his jacket pocket, came a small, velvet box.
"I love you, Lily Evans and you're the only one I could ever love. Please say you'll make me the happiest man alive and I promise that I'll spend the rest of our life together doing the same for you."
He slowly lifted the lid, revealing a beautiful gold ring, set with an intricate pattern of jewels. Each one sparkled magically, changing colours at random.
"As long as our bond of love is still strong, this will shine brightly. And to be honest, Lily, I don't think it could ever dim."
He almost couldn't believe it. He'd finally managed to say it. The planning in front of the mirror had gone to hell, he knew, but it didn't matter. The spontaneous outburst he'd heard pouring out of his own mouth, had expressed his feelings far more effectively. He was glad to know she wasn't running in horror, or, which he thought would be a lot worse, laughing hysterically.
He swallowed. She still hadn't spoken.
"Are we meant to be together, Lily?" he asked quietly. He couldn't bear it if she gave the answer he most feared. He'd probably rather die first.
Still, she said nothing. Instead, she pulled out her wand. She pointed it towards one of the brightest stars, far away in the darkness. She began to trace a path from it, to a star below. He watched the pale, shimmering, gold mist, which appeared as her wand trailed from star to star.
When she finished and lowered her wand, James stared at the word she had written, in a mix of relief and happiness.
*** Yes ***
He watched her face carefully. "You really mean it?"
Lily smiled widely, her emerald, almond-shaped eyes dancing. Her long, dark, red hair seemed to have a glow of its own.
"We are meant to be together, James. It's written in the stars."
A/N: That's the end of my short story. If you liked it, please let me know by reviewing- DistinctVagueness