Chapter 26

Jesse's POV

Tonight is the biggest night of my life. I'm so sure I'll find a way to screw it up. I'm just nervous as hell and my hands are sweating. What if she hates it? This sucks. Time to see Leon for some last minute advice. I run down the basement stairs and find him playing Playstation as usual. "Man I can't go through with this."

He turns the games off, "We've been over this a hundred times already. You got it dawg. Just take a deep breath, relax, and you'll find the courage to do it."

"I owe you big time."

"I know. Now get going."

On the way to the front door I stop to check myself in the mirror and adjust my tie. I've never worn a suit and now I know why. They're uncomfortable as hell. Mia thought it would be a nice touch. I move to the bottom of the stairs and wait for Bella to come down.

Bella models her dress in front of Letty and Mia. The gown is a floor length off the shoulder dress made of dark red satin. "How do I look? It's not everyday that Jess takes me out to a fancy place."

Letty walks up to Bella and adjusts the necklace around her neck, "You look gorgeous. I'm almost jealous."

"You are so beautiful." Mia sits on the bed wiping tears from her eyes. "My baby sister has grown into a woman."

"Enough Mia. You're gonna make me cry." Bella hands her a tissue. "Will you guys fix my hair?"

"Of course." Mia managed to mumble in between sniffles.

They curl her hair in ringlets. The sides they pull back into a clip.

"There you go." Mia stands back and examines her work. "Perfect. Go meet you man. You're ready."

Jesse's POV

She walks out of the hallway and down to the landing. I am floored. I have never seen someone so amazing and tonight she's gonna be with me. I watch her every movement as she comes down the stairs to me. "You are the most beautiful woman in the world." She blushes and looks down. I take her hand leading her out to the waiting limo.

We drive to a restaurant where I have booked a private room for just the two of us. Well I didn't book it. Leon did. He took care of all the details. He was afraid I'd forget something. He looks out for me like big brothers should. Don't know where I'd be without him. I check my pocket one more time to be sure I haven't lost the little box that carries all my hopes and dreams.

During dinner there is little conversation. I'm too nervous. Dessert comes and I know the time is right. I get out of my seat and kneel in front of her. I begin to speak the words that I have gone over in my head a thousand times, "Isabella, I've loved you since the day we first met. I gave my heart to you that night and I never wanted it back. It killed me to let you go off to college knowing it was best. But I won't say that I was upset that you quit and came back to me. I don't ever want you to leave me again." I pull the box from my pocket and open it revealing the ring I hope she will accept. "I want to grow old with you. Will you marry me?" Time stands still while I wait for her answer. Please don't say no. Please. I can't take it if she says no.

"Oh God Jesse. Yes. I would love to be your wife."

I don't think I'm breathing. Did she just say yes? I'm marrying the woman I love. Yes. "I love you baby."

"I love you too Jesse."

Bella's POV

"I love you too Jesse."

I'm engaged. He pulled it off without me even suspecting what he was up to. I'm trying to figure out when he had time to set this night up and pick out the ring. We've been together every minute of every day. "What kind of wedding do you want Jess?"

"I want what makes you happy."

"Typical male fiancée answer. How about a small wedding in a church with just a few friends and family? Wait I'm a Toretto that will never happen. How about a big church wedding and then a rowdy reception complete with races?"

"You are a Toretto. Even on your wedding day you want to be at the races."

"Racing's in my blood can't help that. I wanna get married soon though."

"How soon is soon?"

"As soon as we can get a church. What do you think?"

"The sooner the better, but this wasn't my only surprise for the night. Are you ready to see the other surprise?"

"There's more?"

"Oh yeah."

He gets me back into the limo and puts a blindfold over my eyes. "No peaking." He warns. I hate suspense and he knows it. The anticipation is almost too much for me to handle. The ride is short thankfully. Jess helps me out of the limo and guides my steps to the surprise.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes. Yes. Don't keep me waiting."

"Alright. One two three."

On three he lifts my blindfold and I find myself standing in front of the little white house across the street from ours. "Ok not funny where's the surprise?"

"You're looking at it." Jess drops a set of key in my hands. "This is ours now. You, Aria and me have our first home."