The Height Of Happiness

“In the middle of summer?”

“Maybe we could do it for your birthday in August?”

Taking a sip of her water, Serena agreed, “That would be nice.”

When they both had their fill of the food, Teddy suggested they go take a walk before they lost the light. Neither of them had the space for cake just yet, and the stroll would help them both find room for the decadent cake just waiting to be cut.

After pulling on a cardigan and some flats, Serena took Teddy’s hand and followed him out into the vineyard. They walked all the way out to where Serena had led them his first week there. As the light began to fade and the sky took on a shade of violet, they could look out and see everything that belonged to Belle and Beau. They had been talking about the harvest, but as they stopped there Teddy changed the subject.

“We’ve been officially dating for a year now, right?”

Serena nodded, “Yes, it’s true.”

“And you could say we’re happy, right?”

“It depends on who you ask,” she teased back.

“Well, I was thinking that you could actually buy us.”

Serena laughed, thinking it an absurd idea she asked, “With what money?!”

“Our money,” Edward said in a calm and even tone.

Pausing, Serena turned to look at him and noticed a red velvet box in his hand opened to reveal a glittering piece of jewelry. At first, she felt so idiotic for not seeing it sooner. The signs were so clear, but that self-deprecation moved aside as she took in the rock that rested in Teddy’s hands. Looking it over as she slowly took the box, Serena could see that the ring was a massive rose cut diamond with two smaller pear-shaped diamonds flanking the main diamond as cushions. The yellow gold band already had a mate. The wedding band curved organically around the engagement ring and was adorned with little sparkling accent diamond that were reminiscent of berries on a vine.

“The ring was actually my grandmother’s, but the band is new.”

“When did you plan on this?”

“Oh, I didn’t really. My mother actually gave me this ring the day after you left California that first time. I’ve had in my possession ever since, and you’re the only person I could ever consider giving it to.”

“So if I refuse you…”

“It will go in a vault,” Edward sighed. “I’m hoping you won’t refuse me though.”

Serena smiled, looking up at him as she replied, “Well what do you think?”

Teddy grinned like a jubilant boy. Getting on one knee in the traditional way, he looked up at her as he held out the velvet box.

“Serena Claire Beauchene, you make me feel like anything is possible. You make nights at home more wonderful than the most lavish holiday across the world. If I could I buy you the stars, I would waste my fortune on them just for you. Will you do me the honor of letting me spend the rest of my life as your husband?”

Serena beamed as she answered, “Yes, Edward, a thousand times yes.”

Standing back up, he slid the ring onto her finger. It was a perfect fit.

“I stole one of your old rings you never wear to have it sized, but I promise I put it back.”

As Serena laughed at him, Teddy kissed her quiet. Throwing her arms around him, Serena let her foot pop up in a cinematic moment and her now fiancé held her close. Happiness bubbled inside her, but underneath joy Serena sensed something more intimate and innate that she couldn’t deny for long. She knew how this night would end already, but Teddy reminded her of something after he broke their kiss.

“Do you want to go split a slice of that cake now?”

Serena smiled and nodded.

When they got back to the house, Serena put on a new record as Edward cut them a decent portion of the desert. Giving it a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some fresh whipped cream he had concocted himself, they both ate in stilted silence. Neither wanted to rush through the dessert. It was delightful, but passing glances began to build up tension. Serena tried her best to focus on the music coming from her record player’s speakers in the living room.

It was an old one that belonged to her grandmother. French love songs. The melodies were familiar, but Serena couldn’t understand anything they were saying. But even if it had been in English, Serena wouldn’t have known, her mind was too fixated on the man in front of her. His eyes were electrified with the same thoughts Serena had on the hillside. She could tell. There was no question about what was to come next. When the last bite of food was finally finished, Serena looked around the room to see the cat was outside and they were entirely alone.

Looking around, she finally asked, “You wouldn’t want to… go upstairs, would you?”

In an excited tone, Edward quickly replied, “Oh yes, I would love to do that.”

He quickly won.