Diamond Ring
"Darling?" Henry's quiet voice drifted to Mary's ears.
She stirred in bed, shifting to face him. Her eyes opened slowly. "A 'good morning' would be nice."
He chuckled as her lips turned upwards into a smirk. "Good morning, Mary. Happy anniversary." Leaning over, he pressed a kiss to her lips. "Did you get some rest?"
"Happy anniversary, Henry. And yes. Did you?" Shifting, she sat against the headboard. "Oh. You're already dressed." Her brows raised in question.
"I was thinking… if you're up for it, we could take a walk this morning." He fingered the sheets distractedly.
"A walk? Whatever for?" She glanced over at the clock. "Isn't it kind of early for a walk?"
He sighed, reaching for her hand. "If you ask too many questions, it will take the all the fun out of it."
"The fun out of-" Mary paused, biting her lip. "Oh, all right. I'll ring for Anna."
——
"Why are we all the way out here?" She held onto his arm, holding her parasol up with the other hand. "I thought the plan was to see George and Caroline this morning."
"Well, I had to throw you off my scent. Don't worry- we'll see our babies soon enough." Smiling, he squeezed her hand.
"Mummy!" George shouted from somewhere in the distance.
"Georgie?" Mary's brows furrowed as he ran out to greet them. Being newly postpartum, she let Henry scoop him up. "Is Caroline out here as well?" As if on cue, Nanny rolled the carriage up to them. Mary smiled, reaching down and scooping her small daughter into her arms. "Good morning, Cara." She kissed her forehead gently. "Henry- please, explain what's going on?"
He grinned, smoothing George's bright hair back before turning to his wife. "Why, we're having a family breakfast."
"With the ducks, Mummy!" Exclaimed George, holding up a bag of breadcrumbs.
"The pond, oh I should have guessed the pond! Blame it on the time, I beg you." She leaned her head on his shoulder as they descended the short hill to the quaint body of water Mary used to play by as a child.
As the four settled down, Henry let George begin munching on the berries as he took their daughter from his wife. "So, are you surprised?"
"Very much so, darling. Thank you." She accepted a berry from her son and chewed it.
"Good, because I have one more surprise." He pulled a little box out of his jacket pocket and placed it in her hand.
Her eyes widened as she held them opened it. "Oh my goodness- Henry. How on Earth did you afford this?" She stared in awe at the sparkling diamond ring in the box.
"I've been saving. Ever since our brief engagement, I knew I had to get you a ring. I'm sorry it's a little late…" he apologized sheepishly.
"No, no- don't apologize! I never expected a ring. This is gorgeous." Her eyes watered as she let him slide it on. Once he'd finished, she took his face in her hands. "Thank you, love."
They shared a long kiss before Caroline tugged at Henry's tie and interrupted it. Both laughing, they broke it.
He stroked the infant's cheek with his thumb as he gazed at Mary. "You are very welcome, My Darling."