Chapter 76
On Friday, the sound of the shower turning on woke Alison. Blindly, she reached out in bed only feeling slightly warm sheets. With a sigh, she rolled over and picked up her wrist watch from the side table, rubbing her eyes before peeking them open to see the time. It was early, but it wasn't completely unheard of for her boyfriend to have an early start to his work day. She lay there for a minute longer, listening to the running water of the shower, before she pulled herself out of bed. Still half asleep, she moved to her dresser and picked up her fluffy robe from where she left it the night before. Yawning, as she left the bedroom, tying her robe snug around herself on the way to the kitchen. Alison's first stop was the coffee machine, she turned it on and then proceeded to get out the mugs for both her and Albus. After making their coffee's just how they both like them, Alison put some bread in the toaster. Albus emerged soon after.
"Morning," he said, as he moved to hug her from behind, pressing a kiss to her neck as she buttered his toast. Alison turned her head and leaned back slightly to kiss his lips.
"Good morning. Early start today?" She asked, turning back to her task.
"Yes, I need to finish a few things before lunch today. Thought I'd get in early to take care of it," Albus replied, reaching for his coffee that she prepared. "How busy do you think your day will be?"
"Actually, I think it will be an easy Friday today. Will be nice." Alison turned and handed him a piece of toast, before reaching for her own and taking a bite.
"Well, would you be open to going out to dinner with me tonight?" He asked casually, before taking a bite of his own toast. Alison smiled and blushed, she felt silly about the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach as she detected a small hint of nervousness in him too. She always found it so endearing when he wasn't as sure of himself as he is with most parts of his life.
"That will be nice, we haven't had a chance to do that lately. To the local?"
"No, I was thinking something more fancy."
"Fancy?" Alison questioned, surprised as they both usually prefer the their local pub on date nights. "We deserve it," Albus shrugged nonchalantly.
"Okay," she replied, still smiling at him as they both drank their coffee's and ate their slices of toast over the sink.
Albus finished first, with a small groan of pressure as he finished his last mouthful of coffee. "I'll have a look and see if we can get into a really nice restaurant in the city, what do you think?" He said, as he rinsed his mug in the sink and placed it in the drying rack.
"Sounds great," Alison replied smiling over the rim of her mug.
"Brilliant," Albus said, as he leaned to give her a kiss. "I'll send a memo with the details. Love you."
And just like that he was gone, off to work and leaving Alison to speculate about what had gotten into her boyfriend.
Later that day, Alison received the promised memo from her boyfriend with the details for their date that night. She texted Rose, knowing something was up, and wanting to discuss with her best friend. She didn't want to get her hopes up, it wouldn't end well for her if what she was thinking didn't happen. Rose wasn't much help, she basically wished her luck but apologised as she had a really busy day and they would have to talk tomorrow. Alison found herself really nervous, as she finished work. She got home before Albus and started to get ready straight away, nervous butterflies bubbling as she washed in the shower. As she got dressed, she fought the need to check whether the little black box had been moved from where she had found it. She tried to just remember that no matter what she would enjoy tonight because they didn't always get a chance to do this kind of fancy date night.
When he got home, she was just finishing up applying her lip stick. "Hey, I'll be quick promise," he said as he flew into the shower. He wasn't wrong, it wasn't long before they disapparated to Covert Garden. Alison held his hand as Albus led her to the French restaurant Clos Maggiore and soon they were seated under a ceiling of beautiful flowers.
"Wow, this is so beautiful," she said, admiring the restaurant.
"Not as beautiful as you," Albus replied quickly, drawing her attention and a blush to her cheeks. "Sorry, that wasn't my best," he added with a nervous laugh and a shake of his head. She giggled with him, but reached for his hand on the table reassuringly.
Albus smiled at her as he squeezed her hand lightly, before leaning over and bringing her hand to his lips. "It is true though," he said, after he kissed her knuckles.
Albus quickly started up a normal conversation with her about her day and they effortless slipped into a familiar date night for them. They both bantered and enjoyed spending the time with each other. Alison couldn't help but feel at ease. He had this way of making her feel comfortable, safe and loved. As they ate and conversed, she had the distinct feeling that even if this was not the night he proposes, even if this is all they would be she would be happy because she could feel his love. As powerful as her own magic flowing through her. This would be all she ever needs, this mans love.
After their meal, a couple of glasses of wine and sharing a dessert, Albus asked for the bill. "Hey, how do you feel about keeping the night going?" He asked with a smile. "I have something I want to show you."
"Sure," she replied. The next thing she knows he is pulling her out the door and down an alley, so they could disapparate. She couldn't stop herself, and before he could she grasped the lapels of his jacket and pulled him down to her for a kiss. Albus was easily distracted by her, as he melted into the intimate moment with her. His hands scrunching her dress at her hips, hers crinkling his jacket and shirt, as their lips expressed their love for each other with his body covering hers from any people passing by.
As Albus withdraw his lips, he stayed close and pressed his forehead to hers. Both chasing their breath for a few seconds before he spoke.
"I love you so much."
"I love you more," she replied.
"You can't possibly love me more than I love you," Albus countered, pulling back slightly to look at her. "If you do, how do you function? I can barely do anything without thinking of you," he added with a chuckle. She laughed as well.
"Dido," she said simply, with a bright smile. Albus just smiled and then stole another quick kiss from her before stepping away slightly.
"Come on, I can't wait any longer," he said, grasping her hand in his. They disapparated from to alley into what Alison so could only describe a field.
"Where are we?" She asked, looking around the dark field. She felt his hands on her shoulders as he turned her around. A house came in view. It stood in front of her as the only source on light in dark empty area. It had fence out the front with a small gate and path leading to a large maroon front door. The exterior lights lit up the outside, with light from the inside seeping out from between the blinds on the windows. It looked like a new house, but at the same time had this charming old cottage feel. It was definitely bigger then a cottage but it managed to keep the English country cottage feel to it. "Wow, it's lovely, but what are we doing here? Do we know who lives here?" she asked as she admired the house, leaning back on him as he stood behind her. "Are they gonna care that we are just hanging out in their front yard?" She added with a giggle, as she held his arm that wound its way around her stomach.
"You tell me," Albus said with a chuckle from behind her.
"I'm sorry?" In response, Albus simply pulled out a new key from his pocket with his free hand and held it up in front of her face obstructing her view of the house. Shocked but understanding what he meant, turned in his arms to face him. "Albus?"
"This is ours," he said with a shrug and a cheeky smile.
"Ours?" she questioned again, completely gobsmacked.
"Ours," Albus nodded affirmative.
"Oh my," she said quite emotional, before launching herself at him. They shared a tight hug before she pulled back and kissed him again. "How?" She asked as she wiped a tear away.
"It's a long story, but Scorp and I will tell you later," Albus replied, as he let her go and stepped away slightly.
"I just can't believe this," she commented turning back to the house still in shock.
"There's more," she heard him say from behind her.
"More? Where? I think it's pretty great as it is," she said humorously, unable to take her eyes off her future home. She then heard Albus clear his throat from behind her.
Alison turned to face him again, only to find him down on one knee, holding a ring between his fingers. She gasped and brought a hand to cover her mouth, almost as if she didn't want to make a noise encase that caused him to stop. So distracted by the house, she had mostly forgot about her hopes for this night.
"Alison Jasmine Spencer…I…I'm sorry…words are failing me. Hang on, give me a sec," Albus stuttered, getting emotional himself as he saw the happy tears fall down Alison's cheeks. "Okay, it's actually quite simple," he said with a little laugh. "I love you. I always have and I know I always will." After a few big breaths, he smiled brightly up at her and reached for her hand before he continued. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, in this house, making it a beautiful home." Alison squeezed his hand encouragingly, but didn't interrupt. She just couldn't take her gaze off him, for fear that she might miss something and never be able to have this moment again. "So if that sounds somewhat appealing to you," Albus joked, drawing a small laugh out of the brunette as he sucked in another big breath. "Alison, will you marry me?"
Nodding, Alison lowered her hand that was covering her mouth, showing him her bright teary smile. "Yes, yes, yes," she added, as he slid the ring on her finger. As he stood up, he scooped her up in a hug and spun her around. She let out a little happy squeal as he laughed, both feeling total euphoria. As Albus stopped spinning, he placed her back on the ground. Her arms still around his neck, Alison sealed their lips passionately, showing him her love and happiness in this moment. When she pulled back slightly, she giggled as she rested her forehead against his.
"What's so funny?" Albus asked.
"If that sounds somewhat appealing?" She teased back.
"Shut it you," he laughed, stealing a quick kiss. "I was nervous, okay."
"Why?" She continued to giggle. "You know that I would always say yes to you," Alison said more seriously. "Always," she added, looking into his eyes. He responded with a smile, before leaning down to kiss her again.
It was then that the couple heard, the plucking of a guitar coming from inside the house. Alison pulled out of the kiss and turned to look at the house. It sounded like it was coming through a speaker or magic had projected the sound so that they could hear it. "Albus, is someone in our house?"
"I guess we better go find out," he replied, taking her hand and leading her to the small gate in the fence. As they got closer, someone started singing.
"Under the surface, you don't know what you'll find, Mmm, until it's your time." As they passed through the gate and continued up the stone path towards the towards the door, the music grew louder.
"No second chances, but all we can do is try. Mmm, I made up my mind." Alison couldn't help but feel like the voice was familiar as they reached the door. Albus hesitated, smiled at her and handed her the key.
"I can't see you, but I hear your call." Alison turned the key and heard it unlock. "Baby, hold on now…" She slowly pushed the door open, and stepped inside.
"We're going home." the music picked up and the all their friends and family jumped out from behind walls and furniture. "If we make or we don't, we won't be alone." The couple was almost swamped with congratulations and hugs, as the music continued. "When I see your light shine, I know I'm home." They were passed around from people to people as they made their way through the crowd. "If you're waiting all your life, you won't ever go." As they made their way in, Alison realised why the voice was recognisable. It was Scorpius. They had set up a little platform in what must be the living room. He was just noticeable above the crowd, playing his guitar, with a band behind him as he sang into the microphone. "When I see your light shine, I know I'm home." Alison was still in a bit of shock, but she was so happy and when she saw Scorpius smile down at her as he sung to the crowd, it brought some tears back to her eyes. "When I see your light shine, I know I'm home." That is when she was pulled into a tight hug with red hair covering her face, and Alison knew her best friend had at least known about this, probably helped plan it as well. "When I see your light shine."
"I'm so happy for you guys," Rose said loudly so that they could hear her, as Scorpius continued the next verse of the song. "Are you happy?" She asked, mostly Alison as she held her best friends shoulders. Alison couldn't respond, she just nodded as the emotions got to her again. Causing Rose, to get teary eyed as well. The friends embraced again.
"Thank you, this is amazing. Did you organise all this?" Alison said to Rose in their hug. Rose pulled back and then said, "I helped but it was mostly Albus and Scorpius."
"Did you know about the house?"
"Not until earlier this week, I swear," Rose replied. "I even helped paint the walls in here, thinking it was just Scorp's project." Just then James scooped Alison up in a big hug, Albus walking up just behind him.
"Congratulations Sis-in-law," he said, as he put her down. "Good luck with this one," he teased, elbowing his brother who stood beside him.
"I can't see you, but I hear your call." Rose had turned back to the stage, to watch the blonde and the band, enchanted by him. Alison smiled at her as Albus wrapped an arm around her waist, somehow she knew that her friends would be sharing this kind of engaged bliss eventually too.
"Baby, hold on now…" She turned her head towards Albus and he pressed a kiss to her lips."We're going home."
"If we make or we don't, we won't be alone." After their moment they enjoyed dancing and singing to song with their friends and family.
"When I see your light shine, I know I'm home." Alison looked around and couldn't help but feel so excited and happy about the future. This was what she had dreamt about for so long and now that it was happening she almost couldn't believe it.
"If you're waiting all your life, you won't ever go." If it wasn't for the hand in hers, she would almost think it was a dream. His touch kept her in the moment, she hoped he wouldn't let go anytime soon. He didn't seem to want to let go of her just yet as well.
"When I see your light shine, I know I'm home." She took the chance to look around at what she could see of her new home.
"When I see your light shine, I know I'm home." It was just perfect. Like the home of hers and Albus's dreams. They had talked about it before, so long ago.
"When I see your light shine." Scorpius had done an amazing job, no doubt Albus had shared some of their ideas.
"There's a place that I, wanna run, with you." As Scorpius out at the crowd, his eyes kept coming back to the beautiful red head that held his heart.
"Darling, there's a place, I wanna run, with you." Rose could hardly take her eyes off him as well. He hope none of the older Weasley's were paying them too much attention.
"We're going home."
"If we make or we don't, we won't be alone."
"When I see your light shine, I know I'm home."
"If you're waiting all your life, you won't ever go."
"When I see your light shine, I know I'm home."
"When I see your light shine, I know I'm home."
"When I see your light shine, I know."
"I'm home."
"I'm home."
"When I see your light shine."
Full Disclaimer, Song is We're Going Home by Vance Joy.
Thank you for anyone still waiting for chapters and reading this. I will be able to write while I am on holiday a bit for the next few weeks. fingers crossed some more chapters will be coming your way :)
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