Chapter Six - Family
"...Soon, that team became a family..."
John had always felt fulfilled in the work he did, helping others that needed it. Now, he felt even more fulfilled, a feeling he hadn't thought he would feel. But that was before he had met Lily, and before they had formed their team and family.
Family was important to John - he had always been fairly reclusive himself, preferring the company of animals over humans, and his own family, his parents and siblings, had always thought him more than a little bit strange because of it. But still, family meant a great deal to him - after all, family could mean many different things, such as he and Lily's animal sanctuary, and that was exactly what it meant to him.
And it was clearly important to Lily as well, her obvious close relationship with her father and keeping the memory of her mother alive being evidence of that. Rassouli was very protective of his daughter, but also very supportive of her.
And that's what family did, loved and supported each other, despite differences between them.
"Lily, do you feel at home here? With me?"
She smiled. "John, you've asked me this before."
"I know, but I want to know if you've changed your mind."
She smiled. "No, I haven't. And you know something?"
"Hmm?"
"I never will." She leaned in close and winked before pressing a kiss to his lips.
His heart fluttered with reassurance at her words. "Good, I'm glad."
Her smile stretched further. "So am I. You have made me feel very welcome and at home here. You have never failed to do so."
At this, John blushed, making her giggle.
Her answer gave him the confidence to go forth and ask her what he had been waiting to for a long time now. But first, he had to do something very important.
And so, the next time they traveled back to Monteverde, John wasted no time in requesting a private meeting with the king.
"Doctor, you said you have something very important to discuss with with me?" Rassouli asked him.
John nodded. "Yes, Sir - uh, Your Majesty, Sir. Very important indeed..." As soon as he asked, he could tell Rassouli was not all that thrilled.
The king sighed. "I know my daughter cares very much about you."
"As I do for her," John insisted.
"And that you make her very happy."
"And she makes me happy. So, so happy. The happiest I have ever known. I will do my best to provide for us both."
"I know." Rassouli sighed again. "But if I agree, you must heed my request."
"Yes, of course, anything."
"You must visit here often. I do not wish to see my daughter disappear."
"Of course. Of course we will visit here often. Very often. I know how important this place is to Lily, and how much she loves you. And you will always be welcome at our home at the sanctuary, any time."
"Very well, Doctor. You have my blessing."
"Thank you, Sir, thank you!" With that, John took off. Everything was in place - now he could ask Lily.
"But know this: that it is Lily's decision in the end. I will support whatever she chooses."
"Yes, of course. Thank you again!" With that, the excited doctor rushed off.
All their lives were about to change.
A candle-lit pathway led down the beach towards the docks - this was the exact time and place John had told Lily to meet him that evening.
The pathway led Lily to where John stood at the harbour. "John, what's all this?"
"Do you like it?"
"Yes, I love it. It's beautiful."
"I'm glad. I wanted to make it as special as possible, for I have something very important to ask you." John cleared his throat and tried to shake off his nerves. He took both of her hands in his before lowering down onto one knee. "Lilya of Monteverde - will you marry me and be my wife?"
Her eyes widened and her jaw fell open. "Oh, John..."
"I have received your father's blessing. I have asked him, and he says he will support whatever decision you make."
"Oh, John..." A wide smile spread across her face. "Si, si!"
"My Spanish is improving, but I do know that means 'yes'."
"Yes, yes, oh yes!"
She threw her arms around him, embracing him with such force it almost knocked him off balance and off the docks right into the water.
"Oh Lily, I'm so glad - I'm so happy!" He hugged her back. "I can't wait to start our next adventure together."
She pressed her forehead against his. "Me neither."
Soon after, they were married. The wedding took place aboard her ship, the ceremony held on the deck, their animal companions there to celebrate with them, as well as her father and his crew. They had stayed in Monteverde in order to celebrate with everyone - again, John wanted to make sure it as special as possible. Vows were said, rings were exchanged, and they were officially bound together.
When they returned to England, home to their sanctuary, they arrived as newlyweds, as husband and wife, ready to start the next chapter of their life together.
Lily ran through the maze-like hedges in the estate's vast and beautiful garden. As she rounded the next corner, she almost collided with someone - John.
Both laughed as she jumped into his arms and he spun her around. "Come, there's something I want to show you - it's a surprise."
"Ooo, I do love surprises."
He chuckled. "I know you do."
She took his hand and he led her through the garden and to the gates of the property.
"Ta da!"
A new engraved sign sat upon the front of the gates.
DOLITTLE MANOR
Home of Dr. John and Lily Dolittle
We treat all animals
Walk, hop, and fly-ins accepted
"Oh, John," she cried. "You didn't have to-"
"Yes, I did. This is your home too, our home."
"I love it."
"I'm glad."
"It's perfect."
"I think so too." Life, he thought, life itself was perfect.
A sweet and romantic chapter :) Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed! :)
