Chapter 21

It was late afternoon and Grace was eager to begin opening up presents. Charlie and Elliot had both bought things for Grace as well as something for Connie and Jacob. After they'd been given and opened they watched Grace begin to open the presents that were sitting underneath the Christmas tree.

As she made her way through them Jacob picked something up and passed it across to Connie. "Here, it's nothing much but I thought you didn't have many around." She took it and pulled the paper off to show a glittering silver frame with a photo of them both in it from the first time he'd taken her for dinner. "It's lovely, thank you." She kissed him quickly before passing him a couple of presents.

The first was an expensive looking watch which he put across his wrist straight away and the second was a bottle of cologne which he used. Connie had always loved the way he smelled, not that she ever said it but it was one thing she always noticed about him. "Thank you sweet ch- Connie." He smiled as he corrected himself with Grace sitting so close to them.

Grace had excitedly opened her presents and was picking something up from the back of the Christmas tree. Connie was holding a glass having a drink while speaking to Charlie and leaning into Jacob's side. "Ah that one's for your Mum Grace."

She turned her attention back to them as Grace passed her Mum the small square shaped box. Jacob took a breath as Connie sat up slightly placing her glass on the table. Connie took off the tiny bow and ribbon which had been wrapped around it before opening the lid of the box to show the silver ring.

It was a simple silver ring with a glittering red diamond encased by smaller silver ones. As she looked down at the gorgeous ring she felt Jacob shift from beside her. He knelt in front of her as her eyes lifted from the box to him.

"Connie, being with you these last few months has been ridiculous and I know now that you mean more to me than I ever thought you would. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met and I want you to always be mine…"

He paused briefly as she looked back to the ring. "My Mum told me when I was 10 to promise to give this ring to the most precious thing in the world that stole my heart. At the time I didn't understand what she meant but now I understand it perfectly."

"Connie Beauchamp I know this is crazy and I must be mad, but will you marry me?"