FINAL CHAPTER! AUTHOR'S NOTE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE-
PART II- Chapter 22.
Vaughn's POV"Jack? I need to ask you something." I finally spoke.
Now that I had finally spoke, I immediately wanted to take it back. Forget it. I didn't want to ask Jack Bristow anymore. His stern face and tense posture made me want to high tail it out the door, forgetting that I ever wanted to ask him anything.
I was extremely close to dismissing the whole tradition of asking the father of the bride for her hand in marriage. I always thought it was the right thing to do. That was, until this moment where I was about to piss in my pants or vomit on his clean looking shoes.
"Yes? Michael go ahead." He answered back.
Mustering up all the courage inside of me and clearing my throat so I wouldn't sound like a complete idiot with a squeaky voice, I began to speak.
"I want to ask you… if I could have your permission… to marry your daughter." I said flinching, expecting knives to be thrown at me at any moment.
"You what?" He gasped.
Yes, Jack Bristow gasped. I didn't even think Jack showed enough emotion to gasp. Jack wasn't really the gasping type. But he gasped alright. He was shocked almost as nearly as much as I was.
"I, uh, I want to propose to Sydney with your permission." I repeated myself again.
"Mr. Vaughn, clearly you have become delusional, maybe even downright insane to want to marry Sydney at your age and to even think I would agree on it." He said angrily.
"No, Jack. You don't understand." I argued.
"Then make me. Sydney is gone on the phone. If you want my approval, you better damn well have a good explanation for whatever the hell is going on in that head of yours." Jack spat.
"Listen…" I sighed. "I'm not even going to attempt to understand what you're feeling, but I think I know. No guy will ever be good enough for Syd and even I understand that. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I watch her sleep. And I lie there thinking she is the most amazing person I have ever met in my life and how in god's good grace did I deserve to have her."
Jack watched me intently, listening to every word that came out of my mouth. He didn't respond, but nodded in unison with me, a good sign that he agreed.
"But I do have her. And I know you think that I won't be able to support her or that we're too young, unsure, not really knowing what we're doing. But seriously Jack, I've never been surer about anything in my life. I love your daughter. And I will do everything in my power protect her, love her, and make her just as happy as she has made me for the rest of our lives."
Jack stayed silent for several minutes leaving me standing in front of him, sweat pouring non-stop from my forehead. Those two agonizing long minutes of silence seemed like years with my heart pounding in my ears.
"That was quite a speech you had there Michael." Jack said quietly, finally breaking the silence.
"Well, I think I had a whole other one planned, but the words kind of just flowed out of my mouth. I think I covered everything." I laughed nervously.
"You did well." He murmured. "Listen Michael. I can't say that I'm all too thrilled about this, but I do know you love my daughter. I've known that for a long time. And you coming into my household and asking me first if you could marry her showed a lot of courage. You just have to promise me one thing."
"Anything Jack."
"I need you to promise me that you're going to take care of Sydney. If you ever… ever… do anything to harm my only daughter, I will personally make you pay." He said sternly.
"I would never, sir. She means too much to me."
"Ok then." He sighed. "Welcome to the family."
I let out a sigh of relief as a million pounds felt like it was being lifted off of my back. Jack had given me his approval, whether he agreed with it or not, and nothing pleased me more. In all honesty, I was ready to propose to Syd no matter what Jack were to say. But I wanted to try my best anyway.
Sydney returned to the room a few minutes later, giggling to herself with a huge smile on her face. Walking over to me, she wrapped her arms around my waist while planting a soft kiss on my lips. I could see Jack flinch at our closeness, but smirked shortly after, obviously noticing how happy Syd looked.
"Weiss and Fran say hi." She told me. "They were thrilled to hear about your mom and said to give her hugs for them."
"Yeah? What are they up to?" I asked, bring both of my arms to wrap tightly around her body.
"Nothing I think. Weiss' mouth was filled with ice cream when I called, but other than that, Fran said they were staying in tonight." Pulling away to look up at me she asked, "So what were you guys talking about when I was gone?"
"Oh, ummm." I stuttered, not knowing what to say.
"Michael and I were just discussing school." Jack lied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm exhausted from a long day of work so I'll be heading to bed now. I'll see you two in the morning."
Jack eyed me up before disappearing into my room, giving me the evil eye as to say, 'Keep your hands off of my daughter under the roof of my house.' After what happened a few months ago with Jack giving me a surprise visit in the kitchen, I sure as hell wasn't going to risk that again.
With Sydney gone with her father the next day, I spent that Saturday afternoon with my mother, catching up and having a nice pool side lunch with her in our backyard. Aunt Trish was out once again, going dancing with her friends.
My mom and I had a long discussion about school and what my plans were after college. Mostly she just wanted to know if I was going to move back home or stay in San Francisco. I knew my mother missed me and I always wanted to be close to home.
Talking about the future of course led to the discussion of Sydney. My heart jumped at just the mention of her name, making me want to grab my cell phone just to call her. My mom's eyes lit up when asking about the ring.
"You know, I'll never forget the day your father proposed to me." She sighed, examining her wedding ring in the bright light of the sun.
Even after my father passed away she continued to wear it. A constant reminder of her love for him and the years they spent together. There wasn't a day since he slipped the ring on her finger where she took it off.
"So… where did you get the ring, sweetheart?" She questioned. "How much was it? Did Eric help you?"
"Yes, Eric helped me. I got it at a jeweler's in San Francisco. It was pricey to say the least. But mom it's perfect and absolutely stunning. I know Syd's going to love it."
Pulling out the velvet box from the pants pocket, I opened the lid to show my mother. She gasped looking at the ring before picking up the box and lightly touching it with her fingers. I had looked at the ring almost every hour of everyday since the day I bought it, but I still hadn't gotten over how beautiful it was.
"Oh Michael it's incredible!" She shouted. "Michael C. Vaughn how much did this cost you?"
"A lot. But mom, don't worry about it."
"You used your father's fund?" She asked, looking up from the ring.
"Yes. I wasn't going to because you know I hate using that money, but I wanted the most beautiful ring for Sydney and I couldn't afford it on my own." I said quietly.
"Michael, your father set that fund up for you to spend it on whatever you want. That's your money to use so don't feel guilty." My mother reassured me.
"I know…" I sighed.
"So how are you going to propose? Please don't say at a hockey game…"
"No!" I laughed. "I'm not going to propose at a hockey game. Even though I like the idea of that, I figured I'm going to do something more romantic."
"Like what?" She inquired curiously.
"I'm not sure yet. But it's our one-year anniversary on Tuesday. I was thinking about a picnic on the beach with candles and roses. With the water in the background and soft music playing, it should set the mood."
"You have your father's romantic side." She smiled.
I could feel the blush creeping up on my face. I had always prided myself in being a manly man. I liked watching sports with a beer in my hand a pizza on the table. I worked out everyday, lifting weights, working on my abs, and running until my lungs would burst. Action movies, fast cars, and of course sex were all in my interests.
But, Sydney Bristow possessed some sort of power over me, turning me into this ridiculously romantic sap that would do anything for my girlfriend. Weiss constantly mocked me about my tendencies to cater Syd's every need. But, I had no problem with it. I love Syd and her coming into my life was one of the best things that had ever happened to me.
I said another tearful goodbye to my mother again on Sunday morning. But this time, it wasn't tears of sadness. It was tears of pure happiness as I told her I loved her and was so proud of her getting through her sickness. Unlike the last time, I left without any worry or guilt.
After wishing me luck on the big proposal, I swung over to Syd's house to pick her up. For the first time in Syd and mine's relationship, I wasn't afraid of Jack. Ever since asking him for his blessing, he seemed pleased with me, giving me more respect. I guess he underestimated the courage I had to ask him in the first place.
Syd was already in the car when Jack approached me in the driveway, loading Syd's luggage in the back of my trunk.
"It was good seeing you Jack." I told him, reaching out my hand to shake his.
"You too, Michael."
An awkward silence fell over the both of us, neither one of us knowing what to say or do next. Finally Jack broke the silence.
"I just wanted to say congratulations before you guys left." He stated.
"Congratulations? Well… Syd has to say yes first." I joked, laughing lightly.
"She will. I know my daughter and I know that she loves you."
"Thank you Jack. That means a lot to me."
"Take care of her, son. She's the only one I've got."
Nodding my head one more time, I patted Jack on the back before jumping in the driver's seat to head to the airport. I couldn't wait to get home and get my plan in order. The anticipation gave me a tingly feeling throughout my whole body and I knew I was ready to do this.
Syd's POVWhen I awoke Tuesday morning, red rose petals surrounded the whole room. They sat scattered on the bed, dresser, and floor, with a big bouquet of yellow and red roses sitting in a vase on top of the TV. I rolled over to Vaughn's side of the bed, expecting him to be there with a smile on his face. Instead, the side of his bed was cold and empty.
Stretching my arms over my head, I slipped out of bed, throwing on Vaughn's sweatshirt in the process. I padded over to the TV seeing a card inserted in the bouquet of roses. Inhaling deeply, I noticed the red and yellow roses incorporated amongst each other. Immediately I knew what they both represented, Friendship and Love.
I couldn't wait to open the card so I quickly slid my finger under the envelope and began reading.
Syd-To my best friend and girlfriend, Happy One Year Anniversary! Meet me tonight at Ft. Miley at 7pm for dinner. Have Weiss drive you. I'll be waiting there patiently.
I love you-
Vaughn
I giggled to myself, feeling like a little girl with my hand covering my mouth. Expecting Vaughn to be out in the kitchen, I walked out of my room and searched for him. To my surprise, Weiss and Francie were the only ones there.
"Where's Vaughn?" I asked curiously.
"He left about an hour ago for class."
"Oh." I sighed. "I got his note and I wanted to blow off my classes and spend time with him."
Picking up a stray piece of toast from the kitchen counter, I stuck the jelly-smeared bread in my mouth, chewing loudly.
"Weiss, I have to go meet Vaughn at Ft. Miley tonight at 7pm and it said you had to drive me?"
"Yes." Weiss answered. "He gave me instructions before we left."
"Do you know what he's planning?" I suddenly got excited.
"Sort of. And no we're not telling you."
I eyed Francie suspiciously, noticing the big smirk on her face. I knew that she knew. I also knew that Francie was one of those people who would easily give up a secret if you bribed them a little. Thinking up a plan in my head, Fran must've read my mind and gave me a warning.
"Seriously Syd, I'm not going to tell you so don't even try and get it out of me." She laughed.
A little bummed that I couldn't see Vaughn or spend the day with him, I reluctantly got dressed and went to class. Before walking into my lit class, I gave his cell a ring hoping he would pick up. Instead, his voicemail blared loudly into my phone.
I knew tonight was going to be special, but I couldn't help but feel crabby without seeing Vaughn. Going a whole day without seeing his gorgeous face almost made me want to cry. But, I tried my best to keep my mind off if it, figuring time would fly faster if I stopped looking at the clock.
When 5pm finally rolled around, I quickly jumped into the shower and began applying my makeup. After my long, hot shower, Weiss poked his head in to tell me to dress warm but didn't let anything else slip from the plan.
I was actually proud of Weiss and Fran for not letting a word slip out about whatever Vaughn was up to tonight. Usually one of them, or both, would break under pressure and eventually let out the truth. But, they kept their mouths shut and I didn't bother them. I supposed if I could wait all the way till 5pm, I could wait another two hours for my surprise.
"Weiss! It's 6:45! Let's go." I yelled after exiting my room.
"Ok, ok. Hold your horses Syd." He laughed, grabbing his keys off the kitchen table.
"I'm sorry. It's just… I haven't seen Vaughn all day and I'm eager to find out what he planned."
"Wait!" Fran shouted before I got the chance to walk out the front door.
Barreling towards me, she threw her arms around my neck and embraced me in a tight hug. I laughed at her odd behavior.
"Um, Fran. I'm coming back later you know." I joked, after pulling out of our hug.
"I know. I just wanted to congratulate you." She told me excitedly.
"Congratulate me? On what?"
"On your one year anniversary with Vaughn, of course!" Weiss answered for her, throwing an arm around Fran's shoulders.
"Oh… thanks! It's been one the best years of my life." I sighed contently.
The sun was just about to set once we arrived at the top of Ft. Miley. I myself had never been there before, but Vaughn had and raved about the view. With the wind blowing lightly in my face, I said a quick goodbye to Weiss after telling me to follow the steep dirt path.
Vaughn's car was the lone car parked in the big, dirt parking lot. Waving one last time to Weiss, I made my way down the path, dodging branches and stumbling over rocks. I was beginning to think I would never make it to Vaughn.
Finally, when the brush cleared, my breath hitched in my throat at the site before me. There, stood Vaughn in a black suit with a navy blue tie, a candle lit picnic set up on the ground. Behind him stood the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge with the cliff looking over the calm blue waters of the San Francisco Bay. The setting was absolutely perfect.
"Oh my god… Vaughn." I squeaked out, walking over to him and practically attacking his mouth.
"Well hello to you too." He laughed, kissing me back.
"Where have you been today?" I slugged him in the shoulder. "I was miserable without you."
"I was setting up this. What do you think?"
"It's absolutely gorgeous." I sighed. "Happy Anniversary."
"Happy Anniversary to you too." He told me as he leaned in for another kiss.
Taking my hand, he pulled me onto the big red blanket and began unpacking the contents inside the basket. First came the bottle of red wine, then the salad, bread, and finally two big plates of crab ravioli's that happened to be one of my favorite meals in the world.
It was the sweetest gesture anyone had ever done for me and I had to refrain myself from forgetting about the food and pushing Vaughn down on the blanket. Halfway through the meal he admitted Weiss helped him cook the ravioli's, confessing that he wasn't the greatest cook in the world.
We ate and finished our meals in a comfortable silence, neither of us wanting to break the perfection of the night and the quiet atmosphere. When all of the food was gone, Vaughn put everything back inside the basket while I wrapped myself in an extra blanket.
"I feel underdressed you know. I didn't know you were going to be in a tie. I would've dressed up for you." I told him, inviting him to come sit next to me.
"Yeah, but then you would've been freezing."
"True." I sighed. "You look gorgeous by the way."
"Why thank you. That's what I was going for."
Choosing to sit behind me, he wrapped his arms around my body while laying his chin on my shoulder. I could feel him nuzzling my neck and planting soft kisses on my temple while I played with the sleeves of his suit jacket.
After cuddling with him and stealing kisses under the soft glow of the moonlight, Vaughn released me from his embrace and stood up. I looked up at him curiously, not knowing why he wanted to move since we seemed so comfortable.
He reached down for my hand, pulling me up to stand with him. Before I could ask what he was doing, he leaned in for a soft kiss, brushing his lips against mine. Resting our foreheads against each other's, I stared into his deep green eyes, falling in love with him all over again.
Suddenly, Vaughn placed his two hands on my hips and bent down on one knee.
"Oh my god, Vaughn…" I gasped, the tears already flooding my eyes.
"Syd, I've known you for practically my whole life. We grew up together, best friends, almost always inseparable. Along the way I fell in love with you. I don't remember the exact time that I did, but ever since the hormones kicked in during the 7th grade that's when the feelings started to grow."
I laughed, trying hard not to cry as he grabbed both of my hands with his.
"Every day that I wake up, I thank god that you're here in my life. Sometimes I don't even know how lucky I am to have you with me, but everyday I am overwhelmed by how amazing you are. With everything that has happened this year… everything that has happened in our lives, it has made me realize how crazy life is and how we take it for granted."
Vaughn paused for a moment, a couple of tears slipping from his eyes while he tried to hold back his emotions.
"What I'm trying to say is that I love you Syd. I love you more than anything else in the world. We don't know what insane obstacle life is going to throw at us again or what's going to happen. The only thing I do know is that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Mostly everyone has been telling me that I'm crazy for wanting to marry this early and that we're not going to make it. But I know this is what I want. This is where I want to be. Whatever life may bring us, I know I'll be ok if you're by my side."
Pulling out a small velvet box from his pocket, he flipped it open revealing the most beautiful ring I had ever seen.
"Sydney Bristow… will you marry me?" He choked out.
"Yes!" I screamed, tears flowing down my cheeks.
Helping Vaughn up, I immediately grabbed his neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss, wanting to show him exactly how much I loved him. When we finally pulled away, he slipped the ring on my finger, the both of us admiring how stunning it looked.
"Oh Vaughn…" I gasped, still sobbing out of pure happiness.
"Don't cry Syd." He laughed as he held me. "So… now that you're my fiancée, are you going to call me Michael?"
"No. You're always going to be Vaughn to me." I joked back.
Finally pulling out from Vaughn's embrace, I immediately called Francie and Weiss to scream into the phone that Vaughn and I were engaged. Vaughn called his mother shortly after as Amélie cried into the phone. That last phone call went to my father who held back his emotions while I could sense his voice cracking on the other line. He seemed unusually thrilled with us, telling me how much respect he had for Vaughn.
After our emotions were under control and the realization that I was going to marry Michael Vaughn registered in my mind, we both resumed our positions on the blanket. Every other minute I checked my left hand to see if the ring was still there, to make sure this wasn't all some fairy tale type dream.
I sat there with Vaughn's arms around me, inhaling his unique scent and constantly planting kisses around his face and neck. I began to take in the fact that I was going to have his arms around me until the day I died.
"So what happens next?" I asked Vaughn quietly, picking up his hand to place a kiss on his knuckles.
"Just the rest of our lives Syd."
THE END
AUTHOR'S NOTE-
First off, I'd just like to thank all of my faithful readers... whether you reviewed or not, just taking the time to read my story means a lot to me. A big thank you to all of my reviewers! Your kind words and encouragement kept me writing throughout this story. If it weren't for you guys, I probably wouldn't have finished this story. The response I received was overwhelming and I couldn't be more grateful.
I don't know if I'll write a sequel or if I'm going to write another story. I personally don't think I'm anywhere near all those wonderful fic writers out there, to be honest. This was just something I started when I was home from college in the winter and was bored. It'll be nice to have a break from writing for once since I managed to update this fic every week since December! Hehe.
So thank you again to everyone who's reading this. You guys are the best! Maybe I'll be writing again soon. :)
Timeisonyourside