Author's note: This is my first attempt at a modern fanfic (the regency one I tried to do still remains on hiatus unfortunately) Please be forgiving!
Disclaimer: Lalala, all characters and plot references belong to Jane Austen. If I owned them...I not sure what I would do.
Plot Summary: More of Juli's happily-ever-after ending (beginning).
I thank the fact that Thanksgiving brings on a long weekend, meaning more time to write
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The years sped by, Anne with her society life and Juli with her studies, until one day it was time for Juli to graduate. Her heart swelled with pride as she walked across the stage and received her Doctorate in English literature, even though none of her family or friends could come and visit, she saw her numerous colleagues cheering her from the audience.
It was that evening after a full-swing party with her friends celebrating her achievement that she found herself sitting in a Starbucks, alone, watching the cars go by. The silence brought on a moment of reflection and she slowed down mentally to think about her future. Now that her primary dream was accomplished, what was it that she wanted? Still deep in thought, she slid out of the booth, turned back to retrieve her purse, and whirled around successfully crashing into something large and solid which emitted a loud "oof" sound at the impact.
"Oh! I'm so sorry-- " Juli gasped when both figures had regained their balance. Her eyes slid up and she trailed off as she looked into the face of the handsome stranger.
"Oh no, I'm the one that should be sorry. After all, I practically walked into you," he began. "Bennet, James Bennet," he introduced himself with the same plumy, chocolaty voice.
"As in Bond, James Bond," Juli chuckled, effectively breaking the ice. They shook hands and she in turn introduced herself. Soon, they found themselves sitting across from each other in that same booth laughing and chatting like old friends.
"So what do you do for a living Mr. Bennet?"
"James please, Mr. Bennet makes me feel like I'm still at school teaching," he said with a wide grin that set off his perfect teeth nicely.
"Very well, James."
"Oh I teach, do research, some writing…that kind of thing…" By the end of that topic, Juli had gathered that Mr, James Bennet, age 30, was a philosopher holding a doctorate, taught at a local university, had written several books, and was previously married and had two children from his previous marriage.
By their parting, an invitation to dinner had been issued, followed by several dates, before they began going out steady.
--
"What was your wife like?" asked Juli after one of their dates. They were sitting in her apartment, lounging on sofas for a nightcap.
"Physically, or what she was like as a person?"
"Both."
James tipped his head to one side, a habit that Juli found really charming, and thought for a while before answering. "Well, Fanny was a model – tall thin…blonde. I was invited to a party hosted by one of my university roommates when I met her and fell head over heel in love with her…rather with her looks. To be honest, she was kindly woman and cared for our children, but I found that she was rather lacking in depth. It always seemed she had a sort of mask on, and I never felt that the person I saw every day was who she really was. She had also changed a lot after Jane, my eldest' birth, and after Lizzy…I truly felt I didn't know her anymore. She was almost a stranger again. She passed away in childbirth of our third child. Both the child and the mother died--"
They spent the rest of the evening on that couch; Juli soothing her boyfriend, and just enjoying the fact that they had found each other, even with their traumatic pasts.
--
James was to bring Jane and Elizabeth to meet Juli for dinner at her apartment one night. Juli, after hearing of his late wife, was afraid that the children wouldn't like her. Her fears were proven wrong, however, when her tall and handsome boyfriend appeared at her door with a girl in each hand. Jane to her left, turned out to be shy but very sweet. Her big blue eyes and a head of blonde ringlets reminded Juli of an angel personified. Lizzy, to her right was all smiles, whole large brown eyes, framed by a pert oval face and a mass of wavy brown hair from her father, twinkled with amusement.
They are truly beautiful children she thought was father and daughters left after a sumptuous meal.
--
Juli sighed in contentment as she thought back to all the wonderful times she had with a certain Mr. Bennet. She glanced quickly at the clock. That night was to be a special one. James had specifically told her to dress up for dinner and that he would pick her at seven that evening. She, being ever so time conscious, was dressed and ready to go by a quarter to seven, leaving her plenty of time to nervously pace the room, checking the clock and her appearance every so often.
Because James rarely told her specifically to dress up, and most of the time they went on dates to casual places, Juli spent extra time on her clothes. She had put on a new strapless, knee length dress of blue that matched her eyes, with a simple white ribbon and bow around the waist. Her hair was curled and put up in a loose bun and she was gripping nervously on her matching white clutch purse. She paced even though her stiletto heels were starting to pinch and fingered the simple chain and sapphire on her neck that Anne had sent for her 28th birthday last month. The engraved "friend forever" on the sapphire's silver setting brought back fond but sad memories that Juli brushed aside quickly.
Her musings were interrupted as the doorbell rang and she opened the door to reveal James in a suit and a rose in his hand. "James!" she greeted him happily.
"You look wonderful as usual Juli, my rose wilts in comparison," he quipped. Juli laughed, took the offered rose and kissed him on the cheek.
"Don't be silly you goose, it's lovely. So where are we going on this fine evening?" she enquired. James only smiled enigmatically and put his hand in his pocket.
Soon, they found themselves seated within a fancy French restaurant. A wonderful romantic tune was floating from a violinist, filling the room with music and chatter. The dimmed lights, wonderful food and wine served to create a relaxing and classy environment. Everything about the date was wonderful…except that James was acting a bit strange.
When she had touched his hand lightly to get his attention, she would have sworn that he jumped a foot off his chair at the touch.
"Is there something wrong James?" she asked. The man across from her looked up startled and answered hurriedly that everything was fine.
"Are you sure? Did I forget something –"
"No, no it's nothing," he cut in and muttered, "Guess I should have just it properly." He stood up and kneeled in front of Juli who turned her body to face him.
James Bennet then opened his mouth…and began to sing, the violinist now performing a prearranged accompaniment.
And
all my life
I've prayed for someone like you
And I thank God
that I, that I finally found you
All my life
I've prayed for
someone like you
And I hope that you feel the same way too
Yes,
I pray that you do love me too
"Juli, we've been dating for nearly two years now and I feel that we are perfect. I love you for who you are, your intelligence, your personality, and your character. You complete me and make me a better person. I love you with all my breath, mind, body and soul and I, James Bennet, would like to have the honour of you Juliana Simmons of being my wife."
All this happened and was said in such a rush that Juli was quite overwhelmed and surprised. As suddenly as the proposal happened, a pregnant pause filled the room as the rest of the diners who witnessed the love-filled proposal waited in anticipation of the answer.
Juli broke the silence. "Yes, yes, I will marry you!" she cried as she launched herself in her boyfriend, now fiancé's, arms and smiled with all the joy she possessed.
They kissed as he slipped the ring onto her finger as their audience clapped and cheered their congratulations. To James and Juli, it seemed like a fairytale ending to their story. In truth, it was only to be the beginning of yet another love story--
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All My Life, K-Ci & JoJo
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Thank you so much for reading! Especially to Rosalyn, Sjdarcy, Dingy and Sobee1982!
Please R&R, and if you had ANY ideas do advise!
Once again, I thank you from the depths of my heart – trek-elly
