Chapter 5

A couple of months later…

Iain's and Rita's relationship had been going quite well. Dixie was finalising the adoption and it wouldn't be long until Lucy could live with her full time.

Iain woke up to an empty bed, he let out a sigh. He hoped that he could've spent a few moments with Rita that morning before she had to rush off to work. Iain felt that he was finally ready to make a commitment to her. Pulling back the covers he jumped out of bed and made his way into the shower. Letting the warm droplets hit his face he thought about how he was going to ask her. They hadn't been together that long but he knew that even if he asked now they could still wait a couple of years. They didn't have to rush anything. He just wanted to show Rita that he wanted to be with her and he meant it. Stepping out of the shower he got changed and looked at himself in the long mirror that stood against the wall. He hadn't bought a ring yet but he had all day and he supposed he could sneak off at lunchtime.

"Rita," he let out a deep breath. "Will you? No. I feel that now is the right time. No. Iain just wing it. She has to say yes. Why wouldn't she?" Chuckling to himself he picked up his keys and left the house and walked to work.

As he wandered in to the ambulance station Dixie looked back at him confused as to why he was looking so nervous.

"What's up with you?" She asked following him into the locker room.

"Nothing," he replied sharply.

"That's not like you what's wrong?" She pestered.

"I'm thinking of proposing to Rita." He spoke quickly.

"Marriage?" Her eyes widened. "Are you sure you're ready?"

"What do you mean by that?" He snapped.

"Well, you haven't been together that long and from my experience marriage is a lot more than just sticking a ring on your finger. It's a big commitment."

"I know but there's something about her, I can't lose her."

"You haven't been together that long," Dixie barked.

"But it feels right. I can't explain it."

"As long as you're sure, go for it," Dixie smiled weakly. "Have you got her a ring?"

Iain took in a deep breath, "Not yet, I was hoping you might let me sneak off at lunchtime?" He winked.

Dixie just rolled her eyes, "Just don't be too long." She warned.

"Thank you Dix, it means a lot having your support," Iain gave Dixie a cheesy grin before leaving to go make himself a cuppa. Dixie looked down at the floor; she had a feeling that Rita wasn't going to give him the answer that he wanted.

Back up in the ED Rita had her head down getting all the paperwork done. She didn't have to be in early but she wanted to avoid having a conversation with Iain. She liked him a lot but she didn't want their relationship to get too serious in case things ended badly. Just like last time. Her thoughts were interrupted by a small tap on her office door. She felt her stomach drop as she seen that it was Iain standing in the doorway.

"Iain, what are you doing here?" Rita asked, surprised.

"Just came to see why you rushed off so early this morning. You're shift doesn't start until an hour."

"I need to get through this paperwork, I keep putting it off." Rita lied.

"Are you sure that's it?"

Rita nodded, "Yes."

"Right so it's nothing I've done?" Iain questioned her.

"No, why would it be?"

"You just seem really distant lately; you know if there is anything wrong you can talk to me."

"There is nothing wrong," Rita made her way over to Iain and took hold of his hand squeezing it gently. "Get back to work." She placed a chaste kiss on the back of his hand.

"See you later," he pecked on the cheek and started making his way out of the ED. Rita was about to close her office door but then she heard her name being called. She looked out to see that it was Iain; just as she had thought. She walked over to where he was stood.

"What?" She folded her arms.

"I forgot to ask, me and you dinner tonight?" He winked.

Rita hesitated for a moment, she wanted to have one night away from Iain but looking into his green eyes, how could she say no? "Sure," she smiled.

"Pick you up at nine?" He asked.

"Of course,"

"Oh and one more thing,"

"Wh…" Rita was interrupted by Iain's lips crashing onto hers. She was completely taken aback. She pulled away from him. "What was that for?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Iain burst through the doors leaving Rita standing there completely confused.

Lunchtime approached quicker than Iain had thought. Dixie let him leave a little bit earlier to go buy a ring; she knew that he would take a long time for him to choose. But much to her surprise he already had his heart set on one that he'd seen a while ago and luckily for him they still had it there. When he got back, Iain wandered into the ambulance station with the small box in his left hand and a big cheesy grin on his face.

"Ooh let's have a look," Dixie let out.

Iain opened up the box to reveal a shimmering jewel. Dixie took in a short, sharp breath.

"Aw it's beautiful. She'll love it," Dixie smiled.

"Well, we'll find out now," Iain grinned back.

"You what?"

"I'm going to ask her now."

"But I thought you were taking her out for dinner?" Dixie asked.

"I can't wait that long! If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it now." Iain had already started to make his way up to the ED.

"Well wait for me!" Dixie shouted running up behind him.

Iain and Dixie hurried their way up to the ED not wanting to waste time. When they got there they went straight to the staff room but Rita wasn't to be found. They started asking round but nobody had seen her. They went to the reception, Iain felt disappointed and he was ready to make his way back downstairs but then he seen her coming out of the bathroom. Iain rushed over to her; Rita was very confused.

"What's happened?" Rita studied him, his eyes twinkling in the light. "What is it? What's wrong?"

Iain took Rita's hand and led her to where she would be in sight of everyone.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

Iain bent down on one knee and Rita could feel the embarrassment creeping up on her. Thoughts started racing through her mind, none of them positive. What is he doing? Why is he doing this to me? I can't do this. It will all end badly just like it did last time. What do I do? No. I'm not ready. We haven't even been together that long. Why is he asking me now? I can't. She felt the world spinning around her, getting faster and faster as the seconds ticked by. Then she heard his voice. She looked down at him again.

"Rita," Iain paused. "Will you marry me?"

Rita's eyes darted around at all the people who were now staring at her with glee in their eyes. She felt sick. Then she started shaking her head.

"I can't," she let the words fall from her mouth; tears pricking in her eyes. Her throat felt dry. "I'm sorry."

She felt like she couldn't breathe; her chest feeling even tighter, she turned and pushed her through the small crowd and into her office. She locked the door behind her but she couldn't stop the cries escaping.