"Why are we here? Why are you doing this?" River asked. "I mean, it's amazing and romantic…"

He interrupted her, "What's the problem? Can't I take my wife to a romantic dinner? What is wrong with that?"

River shifted uncomfortably. How could she explain her doubts? It was just the strange feeling that she had no idea what he inviting her to this dinner was supposed to mean to him. He always was up to something and she wished he would fill her in. Why she felt this way was because since she got pardoned he has no need to take her out on dates at night anymore. His debt to her was cleared. Maybe he still thought he owes her something but she already explained him that he didn't. So what was this all about? Perhaps he has reasons for not telling her but she was a little hurt that he still didn't trust her enough.

"Nothing," she replied. "It's perfectly fine."

He looked at her in concern and she could see he didn't believe her.

The waiter brought the food and the wine and they ate in silence for a while except for some phrases like, "It's delicious" or, "a good year this wine" or they commented on the view and the stars. Then the Doctor told one or another anecdote from his travels. River forgot her former concerns and enjoyed the dinner. When they were done and got to the dessert he took her hand and said: "I have to talk to you about something."

River stiffened.

"I knew there was a reason for this," she replied.

"I'm sorry," he apologised, "I just wanted to enjoy the quiet time with you before coming down to it."

"So what is it about?"

"Yeah, well it's difficult…because I've never done this before, not like this." He was wringing his hands, searching for words.

Rive became impatient and a little nervous, too.

"Please, just say it," she pleaded.

"Okay, first I want you to know that I'm not doing this because I have to", he started babbling under his breath, "since there'll be events that would require that much…and .I don't do it because Amy asked me to, either. I just want to."

He took a deep breath and took her hand again.

"River, you remember our wedding on top of the pyramid, sure you do you were there and you know it was an altered reality and a bit in haste you know…" while his babbling he avoided to look into her eyes, he couldn't, but now he raised his eyes and met hers. He could tell that she still hadn't a clue what he was going to say or do.

"So, that's why I want to do it properly now. River I ask you to marry me again and to really become my wife?"

He smiled gently at her while still holding her hand, her eyes getting wide in surprise she really hadn't expected this and then her mouth fell open as he reached into the pocket of his suit and produced a shiny golden ring out. River, not able to speak yet nodded certainly and held out her left hand so that the Doctor could put the ring on her finger. Now she let out a girlish giggle, held her hand up and observed the ring from different perspectives. She held it into the moonlight and could see the circles and symbols in old gallifreyan engraved. "It's beautiful", she gasped. It said: Until the end of time.

"We can't hold it on Gallifrey and sadly Amy and Rory can't be there this time" the Doctor said. "Maybe they can," River announced. "You can't visit them but I can. Perhaps I have an idea."

"What?"

"Wait and see sweetie".

"Ok let's have our dessert. It's fantastic!"

She laughed and nodded. In her head she scolded herself. How could she ever doubt him? She'd always trust him with all she had. It was the first time he really surprised her. She never thought that she could be so happy.

As they had finished eating, she asked: "When will we hold the ceremony?"

He grinned. "Whenever you like, you know."

"Then I'd say in Amy and Rory's time so it's easier to have them attend. I like the sixties."

"ok sounds great"

"Then you choose the place, my love?"

"Yes," he smiled a secretive smile. "I already know somewhere."

"Where?"

"Spoilers" he said.

"I hate you!

"No, you don't"

They laughed. Then they sat in silence for a while. "I'm sorry", River suddenly murmured.

"What?"

He looked at her quizzically and took a sip of his juice (he didn't like wine.).

"That I questioned your intentions."

"No, I'm sorry. It's my fault. I should have listened to my own advice. What I said to about sharing your problems and feelings."

He took a deep breath and tried to hold himself together or he would start babbling again.

"It's alright, dear. I had no right to doubt you. I trust you, so can we just leave it?"

"No, River." He leaned over and kissed her. They closed their eyes and hold their lips pressed together for some seconds. Then the Doctor pulled away. He looked into her blue eyes and saw them filled with affection.

"I love you, River."

River instead tried to show off nothing.

"Is that so?" she asked sheepishly, trying to sound cool. The Doctor held her hand.

"If I had made that clear earlier there would've been no reason for you to doubt. But I didn't know myself until a short while ago. Also I wasn't sure if I could and should accept these feelings."

Now she smiled.

"It's ok sweetie. I love you, too."

Now it was her turn to reach out for his face and she pulled him into a passionate kiss. When they parted and gapped for air, he said nervously:"Uhm, should we wait with this until..."

River put on her most lascivious smile.

"Right, then let's go back to the Tardis. I can't wait."

tbc~