AN: I know I say it every time but once again, thank you so much for your amazing comments on the previous chapter – I love reading them and they really do make my day! :)
So this chapter is my version of the Season 6 finale, and what I would like to see happen. It was a lot of fun to write so I really hope you enjoy it :) If you Google 'Hôtel Plaza Athénée' you'll see hotel in Paris I'm talking about.
As always, I'd love to hear your comments so please drop me a review and let me know what you think :)
Happy New Year…2019 and 2020!
DECEMBER 29TH 2019
LIZA
"He's totally gunna propose."
Liza paused in the midst of tossing things into her suitcase and gaped at Maggie, who had an amused expression on her face. "What?! Of course he's not!" Maggie had come around to have dinner with her and Charles, and to supposedly help her pack, as they were leaving for Paris tomorrow.
Maggie looked at her like she'd just told her she was giving up sex. "Sweetie, he's taking you to Paris – the most romantic city in the world – for New Year's, and he's head over heels in love with you. It's the perfect opportunity."
Liza considered this information, but just as quickly brushed it aside. "I think the wine's gone to your head! He's never mentioned anything about marriage before."
Maggie smirked, "Doesn't mean he hasn't thought about it."
Liza felt a tingle run down her spine at the thought. She was happier than she'd ever been, and she was pretty sure Charles felt the same, but he couldn't be thinking of proposing…could he?
CHARLES
Charles smiled as he turned from where he was preparing dinner, at the sound of someone coming into the kitchen. "How's the packing going?" he asked as Maggie flopped down on a stool at the breakfast bar opposite him.
"I need more wine" Maggie replied dramatically, holding up her empty wine glass in demonstration, "Liza's packing enough to last a month. I escaped when Caitlin rang."
Charles chuckled fondly and handed her another bottle of wine from the fridge. He paused and glanced at her nervously before continuing, "I actually wanted to speak to you about something…" He fumbled as he pulled out a little turquoise box from his jacket pocket and gently placed it on the table in front of her.
He watched Maggie's eyes widen as she opened the box and looked at what was inside. "Oh my God, you really are gunna propose! I was only teasing when I told Liza I thought you would."
Charles blanched at the thought that Liza already knew he was going to propose. He had it all planned and wanted it to be perfect. "You told her you thought I was going to propose?"
Maggie just waved him off, "Oh don't worry – she didn't believe me. She has no idea."
Charles let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. Maybe all wasn't lost after all. "I…I wanted to ask for your blessing" he began shyly, "Aside from Caitlin you're the closest person to Liza, and I know how important your opinion is to her…so it would mean a lot to me to have your blessing."
Maggie smiled at him, "I've never seen her as happy as she is with you – of course you have my blessing." She caught him off guard when she stood up and pulled him into an affectionate hug. "But if you hurt her, I'll hurt you."
Charles chuckled but then added seriously, "I'd deserve nothing less. But I give you my word that I'll do everything in my power to make sure she's never hurt." As they pulled back, a look of mutual affection and respect, that had developed over the last year, passed between them. He smiled as he asked tentatively, "Do you think she'll like the ring?"
Maggie picked the box up and examined the ring appreciatively. "You did good – she'll love it."
Charles beamed happily at the compliment. Maggie jumped and quickly shoved the box back towards him when she heard Liza coming down the stairs. He hastily stowed it back in his jacket pocket and they both turned and smiled awkwardly as Liza came into the kitchen.
Liza narrowed her eyes and regarded them curiously. He really hoped she hadn't seen the ring. "You two look guilty. What were you talking about?"
"Nothing!" Charles blurted.
Maggie feigned shock and placed her hand dramatically over her heart, "Us – guilty? You're getting paranoid in your old age - anyone would think you were in your 40s!"
Liza tried unsuccessfully to bite back a smile at Maggie's comment. "Hmmm" she replied, but thankfully didn't press them any further.
Charles shot Maggie a discreet smile, grateful for her distraction technique. His new ally winked at him in response and his heart rate began to return to normal after that close call.
DECEMBER 30TH 2019
JFK airport, New York:
CHARLES
Charles couldn't help but smile affectionately at Liza as they waited in line to go through security - she was practically bouncing with excitement, and he loved that he was the reason for her happiness. Taking her hand in his he leaned down and murmured fondly, "Anyone would think you were excited."
Liza grinned up at him, "Oh, excited doesn't cover it! I can't believe were actually going to Paris!"
Her enthusiasm was contagious and he chuckled happily, "Believe it."
Charles covertly patted his jacket, for probably the 50th time since leaving the house, to reassure himself that the ring was indeed still there. He didn't want to check it and put it in the hold in case their luggage got lost, and he couldn't risk putting it in his hand luggage in case they searched his bag and Liza saw it. As they got towards the front of the queue though, Charles realised the flaw in his plan - the ring was metal and he was about to walk through a scanner. He cursed himself for being so stupid to not think of that sooner. In his defence, he had however been rather preoccupied with nerves over the actual proposal.
When they got to the front, Charles was called first, and after glancing behind him to make sure Liza was still in the queue, he quietly spoke to the security guard waiting to scan him, hoping he was amenable. "Hi, erm, I need a favour… I have an engagement ring in my pocket that I really don't want my girlfriend to see, at least not until I actually ask her the question. Could you possibly take me to one side to scan me, so she doesn't see what comes out of my pocket?"
The security guard was an older gentleman with a kindly face, and he glanced discretely around Charles at the queue, then smiled warmly at him. "The tall, pretty brunette behind you?"
Charles smiled back, "Yeah, that's her."
"I'll do you one better." The security guard picked up his radio and turned as he spoke quietly into it. Charles couldn't tell what he was saying but when he looked back at Liza he saw a female guard escorting her to one side with her hand luggage, and then beginning to pat her down. He must have looked a bit concerned when he looked back at his guard because the man grinned as he explained, "Don't worry, we do 'random' checks every so often on passengers." He looked very pleased with himself as he continued, "This way she's far enough away that there's no chance she'll see the ring."
Charles smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you", he told him sincerely.
"Happy New Year" the man wished him after he'd finished scanning him.
"And to you."
"I hope she says yes!"
Charles grinned, "Me too!"
Liza looked a little put out when she caught up with him, "Well that was embarrassing – she literally took everything out of my bag! I felt like they were expecting me to be some sort of drugs mule or something!"
Charles smirked and tried to bite back his amusement, "Don't worry - I'm sure it was just a random check."
Paris
LIZA
Climbing into a taxi outside Charles de Gaulle airport, Liza felt like it was Christmas all over again. Her cheeks were hurting from smiling so much at the sheer excitement of being here in this city that she'd always wanted to go to, and that she was here with Charles. Despite the winter chill, the sun was shining as they drove through the Parisian streets. Liza felt Charles link his fingers with hers as she stared wide-eyed out of the window, taking it all in. She turned and saw that he was watching her rather than the view, and he had that beautiful smile on his face that he reserved only for her. It never failed to melt her heart when he looked at her like that.
"I like seeing you like this" he murmured warmly.
Liza leaned in and kissed him tenderly, "Thank you for bringing me here – I already love it!"
Charles grinned, "I'm glad."
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and the rest of their journey to the hotel was spent with him playing tour guide and describing various landmarks and points on interest along their way. She smiled when he pointed out that they were driving down 'Avenue de New York'.
"A little piece of home" he commented.
Liza squeezed his hand as she looked up at him, "I have my piece of home right here." And she meant every word.
Charles hadn't told her where they were staying so when just a few minutes later the taxi pulled up on Avenue Montaigne outside their hotel, Liza's jaw dropped as she took in their location. "You can see the Champs-Élysées from here!"
Charles smiled at her in a way that suggested he knew something she didn't. He took her hand as they walked into Hôtel Plaza Athénée and Liza saw that the inside was just as prestigious as the outside, with its luxurious, classy Parisian theme. She still hadn't picked her jaw up off the floor when Charles let them into their 'Deluxe Suite with Avenue View', as the receptionist had referred to it. After the bellboy had brought their luggage in, Charles gave her a tour of their suite. It was bigger than Maggie's entire apartment and definitely the nicest hotel room she'd ever been in. There was a huge lounge, complete with beautiful antique French furniture, and the bathroom was modern and airy and held an exquisite double tub. The bedroom was her favourite room though with its natural colour scheme, accentuated by deep red tones. The main feature was the enormous bed in the centre of the room that she was sure was even longer than Charles – they would definitely be making use of that!
The bedroom was her favourite part of the suite…that was until Charles whispered in her ear "There's something I want to show you", covered her eyes with his hand and walked her carefully across the room. "Keep your eyes closed" he added as he opened the patio door and guided her out onto their private balcony. Standing behind her, she felt his warm breath on her cheek as he murmured, "Open your eyes."
She gasped when she did just that and took in the sight of the Eiffel Tower, standing tall in all of its glory, looking like it was within touching distance. "Oh my God! No way!" She looked disbelievingly between him and the tower. "How did you get a view like that at this time of year?!"
Charles grinned, happy with her reaction. "It took some doing."
Liza wrapped her arms around his neck and held him to her, "You're amazing!" She kissed him and then spun around and pulled her phone out. "I have to take a picture of this view and send it to everyone!"
Charles chuckled in amusement. "There's still a part of you that's 27 huh?" he teased.
Liza giggled happily and then leaned into him, "Being 27 was fun, but I much prefer being 41…because it means I get to do this…" She took his hand and lead him back into the bedroom, closing the doors behind them and leading him over the bed. When she looked up at him, the green of his eyes had darkened with lust as he caught onto her train of thought. She stepped into him so she could feel the heat of his body pressed against hers, and their lips were mere millimetres apart as she whispered huskily, "No one has ever done anything like this for me before. I'm going to show you just how grateful I am." She heard his groan of desire just before she fused her lips with his in a passionate embrace that ignited a fire deep in her belly. Liza gently pushed him down onto the bed and then slowly removed each item of clothing she had on, making sure she never broke eye contact with him. It was incredibly sensual and reminded her of their first time when she'd been so overcome with emotion and desire she thought she'd combust before he even touched her. She smiled in satisfaction seeing him try and maintain control as he watched her increasing levels of undress. She wanted to make this all about him so when she'd finished removing her clothes, she started work on his, before proceeding to show him how very, very appreciative she was.
They'd made love into the early evening and as she lay with her head on his chest, his arm protectively around her shoulder, gloriously spent and sated, and with the Eiffel Tower in the background, she thought back to her conversation with Maggie before they'd left. This hotel was beyond beautiful and romantic, and the monument most synonymous with romance in the whole world was right outside their window. She looked up at him, with his eyes closed, his hair adorably mussed from their activities and a serene smile on his face…could he be planning to propose? Was Maggie right? Thinking about it in that moment she was surprised that the idea didn't scare her. It could be that she was high on the Paris air, or the sex, but she knew it was more than that. The thought of Charles asking her to marry him sent a rush of warmth and excitement coursing through her veins, and she realised that she wanted him to ask. She wanted to be his wife.
Charles stirred, and she blushed as if he had read her thoughts. "Hey" he murmured softly, his voice a little gravely as he came back into full consciousness. He kissed the top of her head and pulled her tighter against him. It was a habit of his she'd noticed when they started sharing a bed and she loved it. "How long was I asleep for?"
"Not long" she assured him, running her hand up and down his chest. "Maybe a half hour. I figured you needed to recharge after all that exercise" she teased.
Charles chuckled and tickled her as he shifted her underneath him and hovered over her. She was giggling uncontrollably at the feeling. He relented and had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he leaned down and replied huskily, "I'm fully recharged, don't worry." The feel of him poking her hip provided conclusive evidence of that. "How about we go and get some dinner and then I can show you just how recharged I am?"
Liza wrapped her arms around his neck and held him to her, "That sounds like a plan."
It turns out they didn't need to wait until after dinner – showering together proved both more environmentally friendly and also the ideal opportunity for Charles to prove his renewed energy levels. Liza had the pleasure of discovering, not that she was surprised, that he was 100% recharged.
When they eventually managed to extract themselves from each other long enough to actually shower and get ready, Liza chose a knee length navy chiffon cocktail dress and her favourite strappy heels. She wore her hair down in loose waves, added a light touch of makeup and completed her outfit with the silver charm bracelet Charles had given her on the day she moved in with him.
Charles smiled reverently at her as walked back into the bedroom and took in her appearance. "You look beautiful" he murmured softly, placing a tender kiss on her cheek.
Liza grinned at the compliment, "Thank you." She ran her eyes over his body, and as it always did, her mouth went dry. He'd also opted for navy, without any prior planning from either of them, and she smiled at their coordination. His outfit comprised of a fitted navy shirt, that accentuated his toned arms and muscular back, with grey suit pants, that were equally flattering. "So do you."
Charles beamed, seemingly equally happy with the compliment. "I have something for you" he replied, and when he pulled out a little box from his pocket, her heart literally stopped in her chest. Small fancy box…could it be…?
When he opened it she slapped herself for thinking it might be a ring, but smiled warmly when she saw what it actually was. "For your bracelet." He took her hand and clipped a beautiful silver Eiffel Tower charm onto her bracelet. "I told you we'd add to it, and this will remind you of our trip."
Liza gently fingered the delicate charm and then squeezed his hand, "I'm pretty sure I'll remember this trip."
Charles's eyes sparkled as he replied, "I hope so."
They had dinner at the hotel restaurant, which was as beautiful and ornate as the rest of the hotel. They had prime seats, right next to the window, which Charles must have pre-booked because they afforded them priceless views of the Avenue. The food was exquisite; she'd had the fish and he the steak, and by the time they'd shared a desert - a chocolate torte that literally melted in her mouth, she felt like she'd died and gone to food heaven. They'd talked and laughed for hours, and shared more than a little wine, basking in the simple pleasure they got from just 'being' together.
They rounded off the evening with a stroll along the Seine. The Christmas lights still illuminated the streets and their reflection glistened in the water, giving it a majestic quality. As they walked leisurely along the river, with his arm around her shoulder and hers around his waist, she understood why people said this was the most romantic city in the world. She loved it, and she loved the man she was listening reverently to as he told her stories of coming here with his parents as a boy. He told her how happy they were, and how he didn't understand it until he was older, but the way his father looked at his mother, like he couldn't believe how lucky he was, when they were stood in this very spot, was what truly being in love meant. "And that's how I feel about you" he told her.
It was a perfect night, and she couldn't wait to experience the rest of Paris with him.
NEW YEARS EVE 2019
CHARLES
Charles was pretty sure he hadn't stopped smiling since the moment they arrived in Paris. He'd been here a few times before and he'd always loved this city, but it was seeing how much Liza loved it that was the reason for the permanent smile on his face. They had the most incredible day yesterday - Liza's reaction to the hotel, the view, the restaurant, and just seeing Paris for the first time was even more than he could have hoped for. The numerous times they'd made love were also pretty spectacular, as it always was. He planned on making sure this was the best trip she'd ever been on - he was going all out and he hoped that she enjoyed everything he'd got planned for her.
He couldn't remember the last time he did anything special for New Year's Eve, but this year he would be changing that. This year he was spending it with someone special, who deserved something special. They woke up a little later than expected, probably courtesy of the jetlag and confusion over what time it was. They'd showered together again (to save water of course), then wrapped up and headed out into the crisp Parisian morning. After grabbing some croissants and coffees from a little bakery on the corner, they'd ticked off some of the things on Liza's list of places she wanted to see. They took selfies by the Arc de Triomphe and he asked an old couple to take a photo of them outside the Sacré-Cœur, their arms wrapped around each other and their smiles as wide as the monuments themselves. He'd deflected her suggestion to visit the Eiffel Tower - he had plans for that later.
He'd taken her to a quaint little French restaurant, right on the river, for lunch. Whilst they waited for their food, they smiled as they scrolled through the photos from earlier in the day – the happiness captured in them was palpable and they would definitely be getting printed and displayed at home. They flirted over the entrées and played footsie during the mains, so by the time they got to dessert they were both feeling a little hot under the collar. He'd excused himself and spoken to the waiter to request a specific dessert. When the waiter had brought over her dessert, covered by a silver cloche, Liza's eyes had lit up with excitement. But when she'd lifted the cloche to reveal a white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake, he was sure he saw a flicker of disappointment cross her face. He was confused because he knew it was her favourite, but no sooner had he seen it, it was replaced with a smile and he brushed it off thinking he must have imagined it. Their easy banter returned and he thought nothing more of it.
After lunch they'd visited a small art gallery that had caught Liza's eye as they walked past. She'd fallen in love with one of the paintings as soon as she'd seen it – it was a silhouette of a couple standing on one of the bridges over the Seine, looking out over the cityscape, with the moonlight reflecting off the water. She'd said it reminded her of their first night there and the story he told her about his parents. He'd smiled at her explanation and swiftly informed the salesgirl that they'd take it, and arranged for it to be shipped back to New York.
"So what are we doing this evening?" she asked as they walked back to their hotel.
He smiled, "It's a surprise."
She looked at him amused, "Well how do I know what to wear?"
"You'll look beautiful whatever you wear" he assured her, "But if you want some suggestions, wear a dress…oh and you'll need a coat."
"Okaaay…" she replied, looking excited but also confused.
Charles chuckled, "Don't worry – I think you'll like it."
LIZA
Liza was still on a high from their day taking in Paris as she stood in front of the mirror and put in her earrings. Taking Charles's suggestion, she'd dressed in a floor-length lavender maxi dress with fringe detailing. She'd tried numerous times to persuade him to divulge their evening plans, even resorting to seduction to get it out of him, but he was resolute - insisting that he wanted to surprise her. She had to admit though, she did enjoy the intrigue, and the fact that he was going to so much effort sent a rush of excitement down her spine. Was he planning to propose tonight? At lunch earlier when the waiter had brought out her cloche covered dessert, her heart had been in her mouth thinking that this was it – there was going to be a ring underneath and he was really going to propose. She'd had to hide her disappointment that there was actually a dessert there instead, although the cheesecake had been amazing. But would it be tonight?
Charles strolled into the bedroom, fastening his cufflinks and looking like James Bond in his black tuxedo and bow tie, brought out by his crisp white shirt. He looked just like he did when she'd babysat for him for the first time, and if the effect he'd had on her then had been electric, it was intensified 1000-fold now.
"Are you ready to go?" he murmured, offering her his arm, his voice rolling over her like molten silk.
She linked her arm with his and smiled, "Lead the way."
As they stepped onto the elevator, Charles leaned down and whispered in her ear, "You look beautiful by the way."
She had a feeling tonight would be a good night.
When they arrived at their destination and Liza finally found out what their plans were, she was glad she'd been in the dark about it until now, because this was an awesome surprise. Charles held her hand as she stepped onto a beautifully decked out boat, with candlelit tables and floor-to-ceiling windows, affording them an amazing view of the starlit sky. She couldn't stop smiling as the waiter led them over to their table. Charles gave her a shy look as he sat down opposite her. She reached over and squeezed his hand. "Thank you" she told him sincerely, "I love it."
Charles beamed, and he looked so young and carefree. "It was worth waiting for then?"
"Definitely - I'm impressed." She smiled at him with a mischievous glint in her eye, before running her foot ever so lightly up his calf, underneath the table, "And I'm also impressed you didn't give in and tell me…especially after I did that thing you like…"
Charles blushed an adorable shade of red and shifted uncomfortably in his seat as the waiter came over and asked them what they'd like to drink. Liza bit her lip in amusement as she pretended to peruse the wine list.
Their food once again was divine - the French definitely knew how to do food. They would definitely have to find a good French restaurant when they got back to New York. The gentle sway of the boat and the view of the Paris skyline slowly drifting by just added to the magic of the night. As she laughed at his story about the first time he'd taken Nicole on a boat, and how she'd spent the whole time leaning over the side throwing up, Liza marvelled about how even though they lived together and they'd spent the last 48 hours together just the two of them, they never ran out of things to talk about. She'd never had that with any other man, but then she'd known Charles was different from the moment they met.
A string quartet came over to their table and brought them out of their little bubble. Charles stood up and spoke quietly into one of the men's ears, who then said something in French to the others as Charles sat back down. He was watching her with a small smile on his face and she grinned widely at him as they began to play. She knew the song straight away. It was impossible not to - that song held a lot of memory for them.
"Berlin" she said softly as the first strains of 'Take my breath away' floated through the air.
He literally took her breath away when he stood up again, thinking that he was about to drop down on one knee. She mentally slapped herself for expecting him to propose every five minutes - she blamed the wine, and the ridiculously romantic boat.
"Dance with me?" he asked tenderly, holding his hand out to her. She smiled as she took his hand and stepped into his embrace. "Last time I danced with you to this song I was so nervous" he murmured softly as they swayed to the music, "I wanted to be with you so badly, but I never thought you'd feel the same way about me. But then when you kissed me…"
"I wanted to be with you too - even before then" she murmured.
He smiled warmly, "I'm so glad we've got the chance to do this again, because this time I can tell you that I love you, rather than just feel it. And this time I can be the one to kiss you." And then he did.
They danced together long after the quartet had moved on to other tables, happy and content and just enjoying the simple pleasure of being in each other's arms. They only stopped when the boat docked and she looked confusedly down at Charles's watch. It was only 9:45 PM. "Are we not seeing a New Year here?"
"No." Charles smiled, and his eyes sparkled with excitement, "I thought you might like to ring in the New Year from a better vantage point."
He hailed a cab but gave no more clues as they drove through the Paris streets. It wasn't until they drove past their hotel that she got an inkling of where they might be going. When the cab came to a stop, she looked over at Charles, who grinned at her before coming round to open her door and help her out.
"Seriously?" She giggled happily as she took his hand and looked up at the spectacle in front of them - the epitome of Paris, lighting up the night sky. "We're really seeing in the New Year at the top of the Eiffel Tower?!"
Charles grinned happily, "Seriously."
Liza felt like a teenager again, never mind 26, she was that giddy with excitement. He laughed as she tugged him towards the entrance. "I've always wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower!"
"I know" he told her, "That's why I saved it 'til last."
She stopped and kissed him tenderly. There were no words to adequately express how much this meant to her, so she did her best to show him instead.
They opted to take the elevator up the tower, as opposed to the stairs. Charles humorously pointed out that her heels were not ideal for climbing 1710 steps. She teased him back that if she'd known where they were going, she could have dressed more appropriately. He pointed out that she looked perfect, just as she was. She had no comeback for that.
They took the elevator up to the first, and then the second platform, and she had been bouncing with excitement as they took in the ever expanding view over Paris. She'd giggled as he pulled her into his arms and took a selfie of them as he kissed her, the sparkling lights of the city below providing their background. An adorable couple who looked to be in their 80s, but still so obviously in love, had offered to take their photo for them up on the second platform. Their smiles were wide, and they laughed happily as the man tried to figure out Charles's iPhone. Liza later found out that they'd been married for 65 years. When she asked the lady how she knew her husband was the one, her response was simple: 'I just knew'. Their secret: they say 'I love you' every night, even if they're mad with each other. Liza smiled - she and Charles did that too.
It was 11:30 PM when they reached the top platform and Charles had covered her eyes as they stepped out of the elevator. "This is the view I wanted you to have to see in the New Year" he murmured softly as he guided her out onto the deck.
She gasped as she placed her hands on the railing and looked out over the city. They were almost 900 feet high and she was pretty sure she could see the whole of Paris from here. It was even more spectacular than she'd imagined. "Wow!" she breathed, leaning her head back to rest on Charles's shoulder. She frowned when her head was only met with air. Turning around, all the air left her lungs in a whoosh as she discovered why - Charles was no longer standing, but instead bent down on one knee. She stared at him wide-eyed - he was really going to do it, he was going to propose.
Before she knew what was happening though, he stood back up. She blinked rapidly, confused and bewildered as to what was going on. She hadn't been proposed to in a while, but she was pretty sure the guy was supposed ask the question before standing back up. Glancing down she laughed in embarrassed amusement as realisation dawned on her. He hadn't been about to propose - he was tying his shoe.
"What's funny?" Charles asked.
Liza blushed, "Nothing."
Charles gave her a curious look and smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, placing a tender kiss on the top of her head. She leaned into him, feeling his warmth seep into her. "It's almost time" he whispered, holding up his watch for her to see. "This year has been one of the best years of my life."
Liza smiled, "Mine too."
"We've got many more to come."
'5, 4, 3, 2, 1!' The last few seconds of 2019 ticked away, and fireworks lit up the sky as the New Year was welcomed in. "Happy New Year Liza" Charles murmured softly.
Liza tilted her head up to meet his smiling face, his eyes sparkling with love for her. "Happy New Year Charles" she replied.
As they kissed, Liza revelled in the moment, and every moment they'd shared before that had led them to where they were now. He didn't propose, and perhaps he was never going to, but that was okay because she could honestly say that she was truly happy. She had everything she wanted: she was with the love of her life, and she didn't need to get married prove that. Would she marry him though if he asked her?...in a heartbeat.
NEW YEAR'S DAY 2020
LIZA
Even though Charles hadn't proposed, and yes she was a little disappointed that he hadn't, she'd had the most amazing time in Paris with him. Everything he'd done for her since they'd got here to make sure she was happy and had everything she wanted, and how attentive he'd been, left her with absolutely no doubt about how much he loved her. He was the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with, with or without a ring.
The sun was out when they woke up, and it was mild for a winter morning, so Charles had suggested they go for a walk. They were walking hand-in-hand along the Seine, but in a different direction to where they'd walked on their first night. It was beautiful, and Liza would never get enough of this view. She wasn't sure how long they'd been walking for but Charles must have picked up on her wandering thoughts because he squeezed her hand and smiled down at her.
"You look like you have things on your mind."
Liza blushed, "It's nothing. It's silly, really - ignore me."
Charles stopped and cupped her cheek, before imploring her softly, "If there's something on your mind it's not silly. Tell me."
Liza sighed and encouraged him to keep walking. She looked straight ahead, too embarrassed to look him in the face, and before she could engage the filter between her brain and her mouth, it all started spilling out. "It's just something Maggie said to me before we left, and I didn't think anything of it then…but now that we're here and everything is so romantic, and you've been so romantic…" She let go of his hand and gestured around them, but she still couldn't look at him. Her brain was telling her to 'stop talking - stop talking now!', but her mouth was on a roll. "I mean, I don't need you to ask me…but being here kinda made me realise that I want you to ask me!" Glancing up at Charles she saw a small smile tugging at his lips. She was pretty sure her face had turned beet red with embarrassment. "…And oh my God I can't believe I'm saying all this out loud! Can we please just erase this whole conversation and pretended it didn't happen?!" She covered her face with her hands, beyond horrified and embarrassed by her verbal diarrhoea.
When Charles didn't answer, she peaked cautiously between her fingers, but was confused when she didn't see him. Removing her hands, she discovered the reason why. Her breath caught in her throat and her jaw dropped. She could hear her heart beating in her chest at the sight she was met with. Charles was down on one knee again, looking nervously up at her – but this time he was holding a little turquoise Tiffany box in his hand. Of course he'd bought a ring from Tiffany & Co – New York was where they'd met and fell in love, and this was a little piece of New York, of home, that he'd brought with him – for her. Inside the box was the most beautifully exquisite diamond ring she had ever seen, sparkling brightly in the Paris sunshine. A perfectly clear cushion cut solitaire diamond took pride of place in the centre of what was either a white gold or platinum band (she couldn't quite tell), accentuated by pavé set diamonds down the sides. She couldn't have picked something more beautiful if she'd chosen it herself – he knew her so well. She was too stunned to blink, let alone formulate any form of words as she stared between the ring and Charles.
Charles stuttered as he began nervously speaking, "I'm hoping this is the question you wanted me to ask." He smiled that smile of his, and she felt tears blurring her eyes. "I've been wanting to ask you this question pretty much since the night I turned up on your doorstep last Christmas, and this ring has been burning a hole in my dresser for months. There've been so many times I wanted to ask you, but you deserve special, and I know you've always wanted to come to Paris. I always planned to ask you here - I thought it would be symbolic. I could have asked you at the top of the Eiffel Tower, or when we were on the boat on the Seine, but I thought this was more us."
Liza looked up and the tears that had been blurring her eyes, began freely rolling down her cheeks. She'd been so distracted she hadn't realised they were stood in front of the Bibliothèque Mazarine - the oldest library in Paris. She'd thought it wasn't possible to love him anymore than she already did - she was wrong.
"It was outside of another library, thousands of miles away back in New York, that we met for our first date, and I asked you then if we could stay in our bubble for that night. Well, in front of this library I want to ask you a more important question..."
"Yes!" Liza blurted out, overcome with emotion and desperate for him to know that she wanted this too. His eyes widened in surprise at her exuberance and she blushed. "I'm sorry - I know you haven't actually asked a question yet, but if it's the one I think it is, then yes! Yes, yes, yes!"
Charles smiled, wider than she'd ever seen him smile before, and she watched as his eyes got misty too. "Really?" he asked tentatively, hope evident in his voice.
"Yes!" she repeated, laughing happily.
"You know, I had this whole speech planned about how you're the love of my life, and how ever since I met you, you've made my world brighter just by being in it..."
"Actually, on second thoughts, I want you to ask the question" Liza interjected, her heart melting at his words and wanting to hear everything he'd wanted to say.
Charles laughed happily, before taking her hand in his and looking at her in a way that said he couldn't believe how lucky he was. "Liza Miller, I never thought it was possible to love anyone the way that I love you. You make me so unbelievably happy, and if you let me, I will spend every day for the rest of my life trying to make you as happy as you make me. Will you marry me?"
"Of course I will!" She choked out, her voice catching on the words. She dropped to her knees and threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly.
Both of them were crying, overwhelmed with happiness, as he kissed her sweetly, whispering 'I love you's between them in between breaths. Neither of them cared that they were still kneeling on a cold sidewalk, or that a crowd had gathered, watching them with smiles on their faces. The world around them had disappeared, and all that there was was the two of them, in this moment – a moment that they would remember forever.
With trembling fingers, Charles took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. It was a perfect fit - just like they were. She smiled through the tears as she caught sight of 'LM & CB 01.01.20' engraved inside the band. "Do you like the ring?" he asked shyly, "…we can change it if you don't-"
Liza cupped his cheek with her hand and cut him off. How could she not like it – it was perfect?! Whatever ring he'd chosen she would have loved it, because of the meaning it would hold and because he had chosen it for her. "I LOVE it" she emphasised, "And I love you." She held her hand out in front of her, smiling as she admired the way the sunlight reflected off the diamonds.
Charles followed her gaze and mirrored her smile. "You're going to be my wife" he murmured, awe and wonder causing his voice to hitch.
She beamed at him. "And you're going to be my husband."
"I like the sound of that."
"I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you" she sighed happily, tears of joy forming in her eyes again with the overload of emotion.
He gently took her face in his hands before kissing her tenderly. "Our forever starts now."