Chapter 9

When they arrived home, M went straight to the kitchen and began preparing lunch for them. James got 2 glasses and poured them both a glass of wine. He walked over to M, turned the cooker off and took hold og her hand to guide her over to the kitchen table.

"James, what are you doing. I was in the middle of heating the soup."

"The soup can wait, sit down."

"James I…."

"Please."

"Okay….you alright." She asked sitting down and looking up at him.

"More than alright, in fact there's something I need to do right now."

She looked on in confusion and began smiling when he got down on one knee in front of her.

"James, what are you doing."

"What I should have done in the beginning. I love you more than anything in the world and I can't begin to imagine what my life would be like without you. You've been through hell these past few months and what you need now is some happiness. So, now in the more traditional way, Emma Bently, will you marry me." He smiled.

She gasped when James pulled out the box from his jacket pocket and opened the small box, producing the engagement ring.

"James, we already bought rings."

"Wedding rings yes but you deserve an engagement ring aswell."

James took the ring and placed it gently on M's finger. She smiled at him as she leaned down and kissed him. She found herself down on the floor beside him, her arms firmly around his neck. He pulled back to look at her.

"Is that a yes then." He asked.

"You silly bugger, of course it's a yes."

"I love you so much Emma."

M looked at him, a little surprised by the use of her name.

"If we're married I suppose I should get used to you calling me that."

"Never at work, I promise."

"Can I make lunch now."

"Go right ahead."

James sat down on a chair as he watched the woman he loved preparing their lunch, he felt so much closer to a family life as he'd ever have hoped for. After lunch they spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hot tub and they spent the evening watching a movie.

Friday came around and M was up early. She'd spend the best part of 3 hours in the bathroom, doing her hair and make-up. James sat on the edge of the bed as she came out of the bathroom. He was about to make a sarcastic comment but was stopped in his tracks when he saw her. She stood in front of him in the dress she had picked out, her hair and make-up impeccable. She looked so much younger than her years. He got up and walked over to her, bringing her into his arms.

"You look so beautiful."

"You're just saying that." She smiled.

"No I'm not. I'm a very lucky guy."

"Are you going to get dressed or what."

"I'm going."

"I'll go and make us some coffee."

He jumped in the shower and had a quick shave. He got into his suit and checked himself in the mirror before walking into the kitchen. M looked up when she heard him and couldn't supress the smile on her lips. She walked over to him and straightened his tie before kissing him.

"You look very dashing James."

"Well I aim to please Ma'am."

"Come and have your coffee."

James sat down and she brought their coffees's over. He couldn't stop staring at her.

"You're not getting cold feet are you." James asked.

"What do you think."

They sat in each others arms for a few hours before they heard the front door. James got up to answer it and came back through with a red-head.

"Emma, this is Judge Francesca Hamilton."

"Ms Hamilton, how nice to finally meet you. Thank you so much for agreeing to do this for us."

"Not at all, I'm always happy to help. Well, if you two are ready, shall we make our way down to the lake."

"After you." James smiled.

All three walked down to the lake, it was a lovely sunny day which M was happy for. James held onto her hand tightly. Judge Hamilton stood at the side of the lake as James and M stood before her.

"Are you both ready." She asked.

"Ready." The said in union.

"Then let's begin shall we. Through marriage, James and Emma make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other's failures. James and Emma will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other. James, do you take Emma to be your lawful wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance?"

"I do." He smiled.

"And Emma, do you take James to be your lawful wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance?"

"I do."

"Do you have the rings?"

They both got out one another rings as instructed to by Francesca. She read out what they were to say and they began repeating the lines to one another as they slid the rings on their fingers.

"With this Ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

"With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife, you may now kiss the bride."

James and M smiled at one another as James pulled her into his arms, kissing her with all the love he had in him.

To Be Continued…