Epilogue

Part One.

Ten days later.

Paris, France

Nick.

"So how does it feel?"

"To be in Paris?"

"No to be a year older?" I asked looking at Miley.

She gazed back at me wrapped up in her brand new winter coat, her eyes wide in excitement while the smile on her face… It was indescribable how happy she was right now. Even as she walked Miley seemed to bounce, and I couldn't help but feel myself doing the same because her personality right now was nothing but completely and utterly infectious. This was the Miley that I loved. The Miley who was embracing and loving every second of her life.

"I feel the same, but I guess different?" She responded stopping to take my gloved hand in her own while we walked through the snowy Parisian streets. She smiled looking up at the sky. "This is by far the best birthday I've ever had."

I laughed, "It's only ten am, it's only just begun."

Miley bit her lip looking at me, "Well it kind of began last night when you think about it… " Miley giggled looking away pulling me closer, "You know with the chocolate strawberries that some how ended up laid out on your chest. Best dessert ever."

I laughed shaking my head, "Let's not tell anyone about that. Ever."

Miley laughed again nuzzling her head into my chest, "But it was amazing. Like literally I'm still glowing from it. Best sex ever."

I smiled kissing her head, "I'm happy you enjoyed it…and I did too. A lot."

"Round Two tonight?" Miley asked as I snorted,

"Like that's even a question, if I had my way we'd be spending the entire day in the hotel room but we have plans that must be fulfilled." Miley's face fell for a moment looking disappointed. "We need photographic evidence to be sent to Jason by 5pm that we indeed went up the Eiffel Tower on your birthday."

"Couldn't we just Photoshop ourselves?" Miley asked seriously.

I rolled my eyes at her, "No, this is a once in a lifetime experience and remember you are the one who wanted this."

"When I was eight!" Miley laughed,

I just looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Don't lie! This is like the best thing that's ever happened to you. It's your dream, you don't just move on from them over night, especially if you've had it since you were a kid." Miley giggled and looked towards the tower, which was now only a park length away.

"You're right, I'm withholding screaming I'm so excited." She giggled bouncing once more her eyes staring up at the famous structure looking awe struck. "I never thought I'd get this chance, I didn't think it was possible. That I'd come here and actually be happy without them."

Miley smiled up at me and I pulled her closer to me wrapping my arm around her, "I love you so much birthday girl." I stated proudly.

"I love you too," She whispered grinning.

I leaned down kissing her lips, only to feel another round of nerves wash over me. God I was anxious, but I didn't have any doubts this would work out, it was just there were always two options. Yes or no. Miley pulled back moving her hand up touching my cheek looking up at me totally lost, her eyes were like an open book. She was so in love with me I could never doubt it and I still was in awe because feeling this loved, well I didn't think it was possible until now.

"You look so beautiful right now." I announced looking at her causing the instant blush to appear. Miley ran her fingers down my cheek leaning forward kissing my lips again.

"You're perfect." She whispered turning away.

We crossed the road, as Miley's bounces only got more profound and her chatter had no clear direction but to fill the anticipation she was feeling.

"Your mom sent an email by the way! Wishing me a happy birthday- wanting to know how the flight was…" Miley announced smiling at me, "She also said that she was going on a small impromptu honeymoon with Bob to Alaska which is sweet- although I think they are still recovering from the wedding."

I groaned clutching my head, "So am I. Remind me open bars are dangerous."

Miley laughed, "But hilarious. You and Joe were entertaining us all night."

"I still don't remember a thing…"

Miley laughed tightening her grip on me, "Probably a good thing."

I looked at her frustrated, "Please tell me, I'm begging here." And I had been since that night because it seemed I'd done something that everyone at the wedding was still finding entertaining from the messages I kept getting.

Miley just laughed, "Let's just say it involved my drunk Uncle and you singing a very poorly tuned version of a love ballad with complementary dances moves."

"Oh God." I whispered looking away. "Did anyone record it?"

"Oh Yes," Miley nodded smugly.

I turned back staring ahead trying to find the memory only for something unexpected to happen before me. Miley literally stopped mid stride, bringing us both to a halt as we watched a man, a little older then myself go down on one knee looking at his very shocked girlfriend. I didn't hear what he said but it didn't take a genius as she screamed a very loud oui before falling into his arms kissing him. I couldn't help but smile, praying for a similar result.

Miley let out a disgruntled huff pulling me away, "How original."

I felt myself stiffen looking to her shocked as she rolled her eyes at me, "What? Come on this is the city of love it's so lame to propose at the Eiffel Tower because literally everyone does it. That'll be probably the first of many we see today" I just continued to stare at her my heart sinking while she just frowned,

"So you don't find it romantic?" I asked through gritted teeth.

Miley shrugged while I felt violently ill. "I mean it's nice but I don't want a guy to propose to me at some symbolic place, where we first meet or had our first kiss. I just want simple." Miley smiled looking up at the building before her, "I don't want some corny proposal, I just want the guy to take my hand put the ring on it and look at me without asking a question. Then as I look at him it'll be obvious the answer, because if it's right we'll be able to tell straight away. People in love look at each other differently, and I want to see that, not hear words."

Miley frowned turning to me, "Does that sound stupid?"

I just looked at her speechless, not knowing what to say.

"Ummm…no, I… No I don't think so."

Miley smiled cuddling into me, "It's hard to explain, but my whole life words have been reassurances and often lies. People's expression though, they always tells the truth."

I fell silent, wanting to hurl as I stared at my feet. Fuck. I bit my tongue and sucked up my pain, pushing it aside. It was Miley's birthday, and I wouldn't jeopardise her happiness today.

"Ooooh let's get in line for tickets." Miley proclaimed grinning at me excited.

"Yeah, yeah okay." I responded quickly putting my hand in my pocket.

Miley smiled and dropped my hand skipping towards the long line while I stood there for a moment tracing my fingers across the box hidden within my pocket. I closed my eyes for a second, trying to calm down but I just…Fuck.

It took everything in me to join Miley in the line, she instantly frowned at my expression but ignored it anyway. She continued to chirp on the entire time acting like an overwhelmed little kid once more. I loved seeing her this excited and I could tell she was enjoying herself but I couldn't. Not now. I mean this had been a great opportunity everything seemed right and hell even if we'd been together for less then six months I'd felt like I'd known her my whole life. We'd gone through so much and I didn't see my life without her in it. I had been so ready for this, and now, God I didn't know what to do.

I watched Miley's lips move as her eyes continually looked up, down and around while I just stared at her feeling ripped apart. It had taken all my courage to talk to Jason before the wedding, and in the end I'd just blurted it out to him. The look on his face, it would haunt my nightmares for the rest of my life. But after a moment he pinched his lips together and then gave a shallow nod,

"Okay, you have my permission but if you hurt her…I'll kill you"

Then he walked off.

I looked at Miley and tried to smile as she laughed at something cuddling up to me once more. I pressed my chin on top of her head staring out, feeling indecisive.

"Oh my god." Miley suddenly hissed, "It's time, the lines moving!" She squealed looking at me giddy. "We're about to go up!"

I nodded in agreement, "Yeah we are, and it's going to be amazing."

"It sure will be!"

Yet by the time we got to the top, not even the view of Paris could improve my mood. Meanwhile Miley was having the time of her life, rushing around like an idiot laughing and pointing out features, leaning over the edge and demanding coins to looks through the telescope. I just stood back and watched her dream being fulfilled while I let mind go amiss. It's not like I wouldn't have a chance in the future, maybe now just wasn't the right time.

Miley turned to me her smile falling, "Nick what's wrong?"

I shook my head holding the camera up, "Nothing, now this photo for-"

"What's going on? Have I upset you?" She whispered nervously.

I sighed shaking my head once more, "No! No, God no! I'm just enjoying watching you." I responded truthfully, "I'm happy you love it this much…" Her face didn't falter though, and I realized this time a bullshit excuse wasn't going to get me anywhere.

Miley moved over taking my hand, "Then why aren't you enjoying it?" She looked up at me so intensely I felt lost for words once more. Today was her birthday though and I wanted Miley to have everything she wanted.

I leaned forward kissing her forehead. "I am. I promise." I lied.

Miley just looked at me unsure and nodded, "Okay, if you say so, but if you are upset, let me know I can take it." She looked at me giving a weak smile, "It may be my birthday but I'd rather know what was going on then having my favorite person in this world upset." She looked at me determined and then smiled. "You can tell me anything, remember we promised."

I smiled at her bursting with longing. I just wanted to do it so bad.

I smiled and pointed at the telescope, "Keep looking, your time will run out." Miley just looked at me disappointed before turning back as I moved up behind her. I leaned against her body, staring at her left hand.

I took it in my hand, as Miley gave me a smile keeping her eyes locked on the city. I played with her glove, trying to make a decision. Would I take the risk? I watched her face and tried to find something in her expression but I knew in the end this was my decision. It could go either way, but I knew the odds were in my favor. She'd say yes, I was sure, but I would follow her wish. No speech, like I'd spent all week planning, no getting down on one knee. Simple.

I pulled at her glove but Miley didn't shift, until I took it off completely.

"What are you doing?" She asked me confused, her eyes still searching the city.

I didn't respond and put my hand in my pocket opening the box and removing the ring. I'd bought it here in Paris, with mom's distant help. I looked straight out and moved my hand out taking hers, sucking in a breath.

This was it. All or nothing.

I slid the ring onto her finger and turned looking at Miley.

I held my breath as she looked down absently at our hands only to freeze. Her head instantly snapped looking at me in what could only be described as complete and utter shock. Her mouth fell up, true realisation hitting Miley while I stood there hoping I'd at least see the answer I wanted.

I loved her. I loved her so damn much and if she couldn't see that in my eyes right now I just wouldn't know what to do. Miley meant everything to me, and I just wanted to make sure that she realised that. This was it. It would never get better then what we had.

Miley's eyes stared at mine, bouncing back and forth while her mouth just remained open speechless. I opened my mouth to say something only to stop biting my tongue, no words, no words. I instead just looked directly at her, trying to find something else but shock. It would be there. I just had to wait. I bit my lip as finally Miley's eyes looked down for a moment and she closed her mouth. I watched as she once more looked at me, her eyes now different. I saw the tears instantly and for a split second I thought I'd made a huge mistake, only to realize a moment later she was smiling, and then laughing. Miley stepped forward putting both hands on my cheeks nodding,

I grinned relief and pure happiness pulsating through me,

"Please," I begged, "For me, say it."

Miley laughed and leaned forward pressing her lips against mine,

"Yes." She pulled away tears falling as she kissed me again. "Yes I'll marry you."

A/N: So here's the thing- I wanted to write and epilogue in Paris, you guys wanted Niley babies so I have two epilogues the second section will be up sometime tomorrow or the weekend at the latest :) Hope you enjoyed it!