A/N: First off, thank you everyone for your encouraging words and simply, following this story! These past few chapters, kind of went off the E/N path, but they had been rattling around in my head. So, I figured that I'd add them. I hope you enjoy them and again, thanks for joining me on this journey!
Chapter 12: An Unexpected Proposal
Molly was pushing Rena in her carriage on her way into town when she decided to check in on Bill before going into the infirmary that morning. When she got there, she took Rena out of her carriage and then she knocked on the door. It took a few moments for Bill to answer it because he was still moving a bit slower these days. When he saw Molly and her granddaughter, he smiled really big and invited the two in. Bill offered Molly a cup of coffee or tea, and Molly asked for a cup of tea. As he put the cup on the table, he sat across from where the cup was placed and motioned for Molly to hand over Rena as she drank her tea. Molly smiled at Bill and handed over the precious little copper-haired bundle to him. Little Rena took one look at Bill and immediately smiled real big and started laughing as Bill made faces at her. Molly's heart was so warmed by the sweet little scene in front of her.
Bill felt Molly's gaze and looked up to meet her blue eyes. He cleared his throat and shifted Rena in his lap and spoke, still keeping eye contact with her, "Umm, Molly, I have something I want to speak to you about. Do you have the time right now?" Molly agreed as she sat back and took a sip of her tea. She was curious as to what Bill had to say. Molly smiled and nodded at Bill. "Molly, you and I have been friends for quite a while, good friends. I'm not the overly sentimental type, as I am sure you know by now. But, I've learned with this illness not to take life for granted... to make the most of every moment." Bill fidgeted with a curl on Rena's head and then looked back at Molly.
He smiled back and continued, "Molly, I know that we haven't really been romantically involved, but I think we could be good together and good for Rena. I would like us to be there for one another in this next chapter of our lives, not only as friends or companions, but as husband and wife and a mother and father for Rena. I care about you, Molly Sullivan. Heck, to be honest, I can say that I love you."
Molly took a deep breath as she looked into her teacup. She couldn't believe her ears. This was not what she had expected to hear from Bill when she stopped by. But, to be honest, she had loved Bill Avery for a very long time now, and this was a dream come true. She remembered the words that she spoke to Faith not too long ago about taking the chance at love if it came her way. It had been such a long time since Molly had had love in her life. But she knew that she loved Bill and that she was fortunate to still have him in her life as well as Rena. She didn't want to face this new chapter alone.
Molly looked back up at Bill and stood up from her seat at the table. She walked over to the other side where he was and sat in the chair next to him. Rena smiled at her grandmother, and Molly touched her cheek tenderly. Then, she took Bill's face into her hands and caressed his cheeks for a moment, smiling, and responded, "I would absolutely love to be your wife, Bill Avery! How soon can we get married?" Molly winked at Bill and leaned over and gently kissed his lips. Rena reached up and stroked Molly's hair, and the couple pulled back smiling. Bill spoke and said, "Well, let's call Joseph and see how he can help us. Would you meet me here later after work for dinner?" Molly nodded, and just then, Bill reached into his pocket and pulled out a simple ring with a simple, solitary diamond and placed it on Molly's hand. He explained that it was his mother's that he had kept put away until now.
At that point, Molly could no longer restrain the tears that had been forming in her blue eyes. Bill reached out and brushed the tears that fell away with his thumb. Once, Rena reached over and stroked Molly's hair and gave a puzzled look, saying "Mimi?" Molly hugged Rena and Bill and chuckled, "Oh sweet girl, it's OK. Mimi is just so happy. Your Poppa Bill and I, well, we are going to give you a good and loving home. We are going to be a family and we will be happy."
They remained like that for the next few minutes, and then Molly stood, smiled, and said, "Bill, my love, I must get going to work." She went to Bill's mirror by the door to dry her eyes and adjust her hair. Then, she went back to where Bill and Rena sat. Rena reached up, signaling Molly to pick her up, which Molly did and placed the baby onto her hip. One last time, she reached over and caressed Bill's cheek, speaking tenderly but firmly, "You, my love, behave today! We have a wedding to plan, and I want you to be healthy and strong. I'll speak to Joseph while I'm in town, and I'll see you later for dinner!" With that, Molly took Rena's hand and waved bye to Bill and turned to walk away.
The whole walk to town, Molly was grinning from ear to ear. She was in love and she was now engaged. And very soon, she'd be married and become Mrs. Molly Avery. Today was a great day, and life was looking up!