A.N.: Thanks to all those who read the last chapter and all those who reviewed! You are all so special to me! Whether you write positive or negative comments, I still appreciate the effort. I would still love more than 3 reviews tho…pout...
Here is the next instalment…
Chapter 6:
Joseph walked toward the school with his heart hammering. His palms felt clammy as he swallowed uncomfortably for the hundredth time since arriving in the town of Cullera. He was finally back. After four years of being away, he had returned.
And his feelings hadn't changed.
The now older, but still as mature, Joseph walked into the office of the small school and bravely stepped up to the desk.
"Good afternoon, sir! How may I help you?" The cheerful woman sitting behind the desk asked.
"Good afternoon. I was wondering if I could speak with Miss Solana Covas" Joseph said politely, appearing completely confident.
"Certainly. She should be in her classroom as the school day has only just finished. Now… go down that corridor, and it's the second door on your right. Room 2" the office woman directed with a broad smile.
"Thank you, madam" Joseph tilted his head in thanks.
Turning swiftly and making his way quickly down the corridor, Joseph took several deep breaths to calm his rapidly beating heart.
Upon arriving at the door, Joseph paused. He looked in through the glass window and his heart seemed to stop.
She was even more beautiful than the last time he had seen her. The small number of years of his absence had definitely been kind to her.
Joseph smiled as he watched her pinning up a large sparkling fish onto the wall. It was painted in blues and greens with vivid purple swirls all over its fins and tail. The scales, which were clearly made by the young children, were sparkling with glitter and sequins. It was a beautiful creation and Joseph could tell by the woman's smile that she was proud.
The woman placed the last pin into the wall and then stepped back. She was practically glowing with pride as she took in the work before her.
Joseph didn't bother to knock as he silently opened the door, and stepped into the warm and colourful classroom.
Noiselessly closing the door behind him, he walked forward a couple of steps so he was a few metres behind her before speaking.
"I see you haven't lost your creative touch," he said quietly, the warmth flowing from his words.
Solana whipped around, startled by his words, her face clearly showing the shock of finding someone in her classroom.
Joseph grinned, pleased to see her expression rapidly change from that of fright to pure joy and elation.
"Joseph!" she squealed, covering the distance between them in the blink of an eye.
Joseph laughed out loud and spun her around as she launched herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Putting her down, Joseph stepped back slightly so he could see her face.
"Glad to see me?" Joseph teased.
"Oh, I have missed you so much!" Solana exclaimed before hugging him tightly again.
She stepped back again, just as quickly and shook her head in disbelief.
"I can't believe you have finally come back" she whispered, so many words unspoken, but clearly felt.
Joseph smiled, lifting his hand up to gently touch her face. He smiled even more as she closed her eyes to the touch, a warm feeling filling his entire being.
Solana opened her eyes so Joseph dropped his hand to his side, suddenly awkward.
"Why are you here?" Solana suddenly asked, taking Joseph by surprise.
"I thought that would be obvious" he murmured, staring at his hands.
So much for the confident 25-year-old man!
"Have you finished your training?" Solana asked, clearly trying to avoid the inevitable.
"Yes, I have. And I've applied for a position in Madrid. Security personnel and translator for visiting dignitaries" Joseph stated, standing up straighter in his pleasure of acquiring such a position.
Solana's eyes grew wide, closely followed by a proud smile.
"Well done! That sounds amazing! But do you know the exciting part?" she was clasping her hands excitedly in front of her, giving Joseph the urge to take them in his own.
"And what would that be?"
"I have just accepted a position of head teacher in a small school in Madrid! That means we will both be living there!" Solana clapped her hands in pleasure.
Joseph's heart soared. He couldn't believe his luck. He had come here to see the woman he loved most in this world, to see if she still loved him, and God was creating a path they could both follow.
"That's wonderful" Joseph breathed, taking her hands in his and kissing each in turn.
Solana's breath caught in her throat briefly but she covered the fact by swallowing quickly and continuing to speak.
"I will be moving to Madrid in less than a month. Well…that is if I find a place to live. It has been extremely difficult trying to find somewhere suitable to live that is close to the school where I will be working. Harder than I anticipated" Solana gushed, releasing her hands from Joseph's hold, and stepping back.
"Perhaps I could help you in your search?" Joseph offered immediately.
"Oh, please do!" Solana smiled sweetly.
"Only if you let me take you out for dinner tomorrow night" Joseph said, expression serious, trying to hide the joy of being near her again.
"I would love to" Solana smiled politely, giving a small curtsey.
Joseph chuckled, letting his joy shine through.
"Until tomorrow night then, my dear" Joseph stated, preparing to leave.
"Yes" was all Solana said, smiling shyly to herself all of a sudden.
Joseph turned, opened the door and went to step out when he heard her say his name softly. Turning back around, Joseph lifted his eyebrows in question.
"I'm glad you're back" Solana spoke softly, letting her love shine through her warm hazel eyes.
Joseph just tilted his head briefly before closing the door and leaving the school.
She was going to have dinner with him!
OoOoOoOo
Joseph fiddled with his shirt for the hundredth time that night. He just couldn't fight down the nervous feeling enveloping his senses.
This was the tenth time they had gone out together in three weeks, but this time, Joseph was more nervous than he had ever been.
Tonight was a big night.
Patting his pocket, Joseph made sure he had everything he needed. Tonight had to go perfectly.
Grabbing his coat, Joseph went out the door to pick Solana up from her apartment. He would not be late!
OoOoOoOo
"Oh Joseph. This has been a truly beautiful and magical night" Solana spoke softly, moving closer to Joseph as they danced.
They were outside a lovely restaurant with music playing, the sea crashing onto the beach below the deck, and no other couples in sight as they danced together under the stars.
It was what dreams were made of.
"Ah, but there is one more thing" Joseph spoke quietly into Solana's ear where she had rested her head upon his shoulder.
Solana lifted her head, leaning back to look into Joseph's face. She was clearly confused.
Freeing himself from her embrace, Joseph stepped back, placed his hand into his pocket before kneeling before her.
Solana gasped as he opened the small box before her.
"Solana Covas, my sunshine, my heart, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" Joseph asked, showing all the love and devotion he felt for her on his face, and slipping the gold, ruby and diamond ring upon her finger.
Solana smiled broadly as the tears streamed down her face. Holding out her hand, she pulled Joseph to his feet.
"Yes!" she whispered through her tears.
"A million times, yes!" She spoke louder, flinging her arms around him.
Joseph held her tightly for a moment before pulling her back slightly.
"I love you" they both whispered together, before drawing close and sharing their first kiss.
The stars seemed to sparkle brighter as the very much in love couple whispered words of love and devotion to each other as they continued to dance slowly upon the open deck.
If angels could be seen, their smiles of joy would have been a sight to behold.
A.N: Oh wasn't that beautiful? I was getting all emotional just writing it! Please review and let me know what you think! Did I make anyone cry?