Chapter Twenty-Three

I sat in the library trying to read a thick tome to ease my thoughts but over time it just seemed more and more difficult to brush them away. I put the book to the side and leaned my head against the headrest, listening to the sound of the fireplace in front of me. I heard the door open and I slowly opened my eyes and sat straighter. Bruce came around the chair and greeted me with a soft kiss.

"I was wondering if you would like to go on a small picnic with me today?" he asked as he kneeled in front of me.

"But, its nearly dark." I stated raising my eyebrow.

"Yes, but when I say a picnic I really mean a meal under the stars at my gazebo." He said taking my hand. "Please, Mia, everything will be set up for the two of us."

I looked at him and saw no mischief on his face, maybe some nervousness but nothing that made me worry. I let out a slow breath and nodded my head and he shot me with a dazzling smile.

"Good, now dress warm and I'll see you in a half hour." He said standing and kissing me one last time before practically running out the door.

I decided to get up and start going to my room. I stretched and was once again thankful that my doctor called me and told me that I no longer had to wear my braces after wearing them for a few weeks. I started walking to my room thinking about why Bruce seemed so nervous and what I should wear to our impromptu date.

I went through my new wardrobe that Bruce wanted to get me against all of my arguments. I settled on a nice sweater and a pair of dark skinny jeans combined with a pair of my knee-high boots.

After making sure my curls were not too wild I started out to the front foyer to meet Bruce. He stood there with a smile on his face as he met me on the steps and took my hands in his, lightly kissing them.

"You look beautiful tonight." He said leaning down and giving me a light kiss.

"Thank you, and you look rather dashing." I responded, giving him another kiss.

"Come, our food will get cold and Alfred will be sore at us." He said taking my hand and linking his fingers with mine.

We went out the front door and he lead me to where his gardens were. We talked for a few moments about everything and nothing as he lead me further on his property until a group of lights were seen in the distance.

As we got closer I gasped when I saw what he did. Fairy lights were giving the gazebo, if one could call it that just from the mere size, a warm and inviting glow. A violinist played soft music near a table where dinner was set for two and around the entire place was red roses giving off their scent. He lead me over to where one of the chairs was before pulling it out for me to sit. When I was seated he served me the first course which seemed to be a delicious lobster bisque. He poured me some champagne and we continued our conversation from before, slowly enjoying our bisque before moving to a delicious beef roast and potatoes, to finally strawberries and whipped cream for desert. Slowly the champagne bottle emptied, and I was feeling more than tipsy. Bruce slowly wiped his mouth with his napkin and got up.

"Mia, would you like to dance?" he said offering me his hand and pulling me to my feet.

He lead me over to the empty spot and pulled me close to him, I put my hand on his shoulder and he put his on my hip. He lightly kissed my hand that was grasped in his.

"Thank you, Bruce," I said putting my head on his chest, hearing his heart beat faster.

"For what Misha," he said in the top of my curls.

"Everything Bruce, for giving my Uncle and I sanctuary, for doing all you could to save me, for this evening, just everything." I said snuggling deeper.

"Misha, I love you," he stated suddenly, and my head shot up and I looked at him in disbelief. "You don't have to say it back, at least not yet. I brought you out here to show you that you mean the world to me, more than anyone ever has."

"But what about Rachel?" I interrupted.

"I loved Rachel at one time, I still hold her in my heart as my dearest and oldest friend. I won't lie when I say it broke my heart to hear about her dating your uncle, but I found someone better for me." He said softly.

"Bruce, what are you trying to say?" I asked dumbly and he stopped spinning us.

"I'm saying I talked to your uncle and I want to ask you something." He said releasing me except for my left hand and he knelt. "Mia, you are everything to me now, I couldn't imagine spending anyone but you at my side. I love you with my soul, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" he asked.

My mouth dropped and my heart sped up. He pulled out a small box from his pocket and I saw the most beautiful ring nestled deep in the velvet. The diamond twinkled in the lights of the gazebo and reflected a multitude of colors and the diamonds on the bands winked in the lights.

"Bruce, I worry about what the danger of being with me will do to you. The Joker-" I said before he cut me off.

"The Joker does not scare me. I am strong enough to protect myself, I fear letting you get away. You're beautiful, intelligent, and you are a sparkling person. Please say yes, I promise I will do anything and everything you desire." He said kissing my hand.

My thoughts ran and for some reason the Joker, no Jack was at the forefront of them. But, I knew I could not have a future with a man who amused himself with pain, even on me. I smiled down at Bruce.

"Promise not to hold my scars against me?" I asked, knowing he knew exactly which ones I was talking about.

"As long as you don't hold mine." He responded his eyes twinkling.

"Yes, yes I will marry you Bruce." I said, and he shot up giving me a deep kiss and lifting me off my feet and spun in circles. I laughed.

"Mia, you have made me the happiest man in the world." He said putting me back on my feet and kissing me again.

He released me long enough to put the ring on my finger and he grabbed and held me close again. I nuzzled deep into my chest, knowing that this was were I needed to be but scared about what would happen once Jack would find out.

JMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJMJM

Joker's POV

My hand slammed against my desk where the latest newspaper laid. The picture of the woman I love with Wayne's arms wrapped tight around her waist looking at each other with love and devotion in their eyes made me see red.

"Gotham's Golden Couple to be Married!"

The title screamed out at me as the picture which was almost half the page drove a knife in me. The article went on to say how beautiful the couple was and how "in love they seemed." Did she forget about what we said when we were together? How close we became and how by the end of it craved each other's touch?

I growled.

"Bongo, Smiles, Bozo! Get your asses in here now!" I roared and they quickly complied. "I want her back now! Stake out the manor and the next time she is alone I want her back here!" I ordered.

They all nodded their heads and rushed to do what they were ordered to do.

"Soon, Misha, soon you'll be back where you belong." I whispered looking at her picture.

A/N: Don't hate me or have a mob come after me there is indeed a method to my madness. But I will say that writing this chapter had my heart fluttering. I hope the same can be said for you.

With love,

MS