The Consulate ….
Fraser stood looking out the window at the city, snow swirling around in the street. Meg walked silently into the hallway. When she saw the way he stood; so tall, broad shouldered, so confident, the lady Mountie stopped in her tracks. Ben ran one thumb over the other palm, his mind obviously a million miles away. Meg crept up in her stocking feet and slipped her hand into his.
"Hey, sentry duty is out there, not here in the hallway." She teased as Ben turned around. The humor in her eyes was a welcome sight. Ben was learning so much about her these days.
"Margaret, hello." He smiled, kissing her cheek.
"What were you thinking about?" She held his hand, enjoying the feeling of being near him.
"You and I." He answered simply, vaguely, his specialty.
"Oh, what about you and I?" Meg stepped closer, looking up at him with a flirty smile. Ben looked down into her warm, curious, brown eyes. She had fit so well against his side the night they spent together upstairs in the Princess Margaret Suite. Ben wanted to feel her there every night for the rest of his life.
"This," He fumbled in his pocket, finally pulling out the ring box he'd been carrying with him for weeks. Meg's eyes widened and she covered her mouth with one hand. Slowly, Ben sank down to one knee.
"Margaret, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He searched her face for an answer. Meg touched his face, also sinking down to her knees. Her heart soared, filled like a helium balloon.
"Yes, Ben, yes, yes, yes." She let him slip the ruby and diamond ring onto her left hand. He breathed a sigh of relief. Ben had been certain of his feelings but Meg had always been unpredictable.
"I hope you like it, red has always suited you." Ben took Meg's left hand and slipped the ring onto her ring finger.
"Ben, it's beautiful." She threw her arms around his neck, pressing her face into his chest. The closer she was to his heart the better he liked it. He rested his cheek against her silky hair.
"Red suits me, is that why you chose a ruby?" Meg asked, pulling away a fraction.
"Yes, I hope you will accept it as an engagement ring. I know traditionally they are a single diamond, although that hasn't always been the …." He trailed off as Meg put her hand gently over his mouth.
"Less talking, more kissing, Ben." She whispered, leaning in.
"Ah, happy to oblige." Their lips met for a lingering kiss. For a long moment afterward Meg stood with her arms around his waist, cheek pressed against Ben's heart, eyes closed. Ben leaned his cheek against her silky hair, enveloping her in a comfortable embrace. He could feel her body against his; soft, warm and so solid, just like their first kiss on the runaway train. Ben hadn't felt this tenderness for anyone. It was more than physical desire, although there was plenty of that, he felt the need for Meg at his side. She warmed him, chased away the loneliness.
"How long have you had the ring in your pocket, Ben?" Meg asked quietly, pulling back to look up at him.
"A few weeks, since the purse snatching." The Mountie answered, peering down at her, amazed at the depth of her brown eyes.
"Why didn't you ask sooner?" She persisted, her head cocked to one side. Ben caressed her cheek, his fingers stroking the soft hair at the back of her neck.
"I couldn't decide on the best way in which to ask." Ben admitted freely, there was no longer a need to hide his feelings or thoughts from Meg.
"I liked the way you did it, simply and sincerely." She wrapped her fingers around his lanyard and pulled him down for a quick kiss.
"We should call your mother." Ben suggested when she let loose of him.
"Yes, we definitely should, after we go out to dinner to celebrate." She let a bubbly giggle out.
"Seven o'clock?" Ben asked, brows lifted.
"Seven is good, I'll have time to freshen up." It felt good to make a date with him. It felt good to be close to him without being anxious or awkward. Meg simply felt good.
"We have several things to talk about." Ben's smile faded a bit as he thought about the way their lives were about to change.
"I know, I've been thinking about that too." Meg laid a tentative hand on her still flat stomach. She couldn't wait to feel the baby in her arms. Already, she felt so much love it was unimaginable.
Ben laid his hand over hers, leaning down to press his forehead against Meg's. They'd made more than love that Friday night, they'd made magic, they'd made a miracle.
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