Hey Everyone! So, I know it has been like a year since the last chapter was posted. I'm so so so so so sorry about that. I got so busy I actually kind of forgot about it. But I was going through documents on my computer and rediscovered it the other day. I got excited about the story again as I reread it and decided I had to write another chapter and finish it. Thanks everyone for being so patient and reading. Enjoy!
It had been a few months and Alexei was growing up to be a happy and healthy baby boy. Meanwhile, Maria and Pascal had also been growing closer. Pascal had been hired as the royal family's official doctor, allowing Maria to see him often, especially as it was announced that both Tatiana and Olga were expecting. With so much happy news, Alexandra and Nicolas had returned to Paris, along with Alexis, in order to have a small family reunion.
As the chefs were busy preparing for a large lunch, each family member was busy with some sort of task. Nicolas and Alexandra were watching the baby, allowing Anastasia and Dmitri to have a short but much needed nap. Meanwhile, Olga and Tatiana were busy talking about pregnancy. The two girls were almost exactly 18 weeks pregnant and were experiencing almost the exact same symptoms. As the girl's husbands spent some time talking on the balcony, Maria and Alexis were both left free to do as they pleased. Alexis quickly headed out to meet up with a few friends, leaving Maria free to find Pascal.
Running through the hallways towards Pascal's office, she suddenly felt a hand grab her arm. Her eyes widening she whipped around smacking the offender in the face. Except that the man that had grabbed her, was none other than Pascal. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, quickly placing her hand on his cheek where she had struck. Worry gripped her as she examined the area.
Pascal however, brushed it off. "Don't worry my dear, it doesn't hurt at all." He laughed, even though what he was saying wasn't exactly true. His cheek did sting a little, but he brushed it off as his nerves go the best of him. "Maria. Come with me." He said seriously. Maria looked confused but did what he said.
Pascal led her out onto a balcony overlooking Paris. She had a perfect view of their gardens and the magnificent Tour Eiffel. "Maria, I know we have only known each other for a few months, but there is no where I would rather be but with you. I know that what I am about to do may even cost me my job, but that doesn't matter. All that matter's is that we are together." Taking a deep breath he reached into his pocket and bent down onto one knee. Taking Maria's hand, whose face was covered in a joyous shock, he looked into her eyes and said, "Maria, will you marry me?"
Marias screamed, jumping up and down and nodding yes. Once the ring had been slipped onto her finger, the couple kissed. When they broke apart they all of the sudden realised that they were not alone, nearly the entire family had rushed to the balcony upon hearing Maria's scream. Before they could say anything, Maria held up her hand showing off her ring, and wiping the confused looks off of her family's faces.
The ring elicited multiple screams and hugs from avery family member. As they headed back inside for lunch, the talk didn't only revolve around Alexei, and the babies on their way, but also of the impending marriage.