Chapter 136: Chapter 136

Tristan's POV

We ordered two plates of chicken fried steak, which was their star attraction with Cajun potatoes and coleslaw. Amelia ordered blueberry cheesecake as well and we attacked the food hungrily. It was very nostalgic for both of us. I couldn't believe that I was here again, with the woman I loved, having no fear of being caught, no fear of confessing my true feelings. We ate happily, chatting about how I managed to get Brittany to help me. She told me what Claire told her and I smiled when she pouted for being kept in the dark about everything. It seemed as if she couldn't stop accusing me again and again, albeit playfully. It gave her immense pleasure to have me apologize to her again and again.

After our plates were cleared, I took her hand in mine and pulled out a small box, took out a bracelet, an exact replica of the one that I had given her that day, and fixed it on her wrist. Her eyes widened in surprise, and suddenly she gasped upon taking a closer look at the bracelet, the words 'marry me' were engraved upon it.

I went down on one knee in front of her, not giving her any time to recover. Taking out the ring which I had bought 3 years ago when Amelia had come back to see her father, I held her hands in mine and looked deep into her eyes.

The manager of the restaurant gestured to his staff and they played 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran for us.

When realization dawned on Amelia, she cried with happiness, unable to believe herself, "Baby doll, I have loved you for the last 15 years of my life. Believe me, if I had my way, we would have been married long back, I would have asked your dad for your hand. But things happened so fast that I was helpless. But although we separated, I have never failed you. I have pursued you relentlessly all these years and finally, we found each other again. Our love has grown stronger than ever. Now, I cannot imagine a single day without you. So please will you marry me and be mine to cherish forever and forever, as long as I live? Please will you marry me, Amelia McGrath?" I asked as she was unable to contain her happiness.

"Yes, I will marry you, Jay," she whispered and I placed the beautiful heart-shaped diamond ring encrusted with small rubies, on her finger. She gasped and looked up into my eyes, her eyes shining with raw emotions. I could see the love, the happiness reflected in them.

"It's so beautiful and so special, Jay!" she said, admiring the ring. I nodded, my heart swelling with joy. There was huge applause and congratulatory wishes, as well as sniffs and teary eyes as I got up and held her by the waist. Before she knew what I was up to, I leaned in and claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. We were at last engaged to one another. It was the first step towards my goal, the goal of finally being one in the eyes of the world. The goal of marrying Amelia.

The crowd cheered and we left after thanking everyone. I had everything planned, organized, and paid for when I called Julian for help.

Amelia shyly glanced my way as I held her waist and guided her to my car, both of us having silly grins on our faces. As I drove she looked at me. "So, when are we marrying?" she asked me, her eyes twinkling with excitement. I noted the way she kept glancing at the ring on her fingers as if she still couldn't believe herself.

"In 2 weeks' time," I said coolly, obviously I couldn't wait anymore.

"Oh my! Isn't that too soon? How will we have the preparations done at such short notice?" She asked, her eyes widening at the thought.

I chuckled, "Don't worry baby doll, mom will manage. Else we will all go to Las Vegas and get married. What do you say?" I asked, wiggling my eyebrows at her. She rolled her eyes.

"No, I won't have an elopement wedding," she said. I nodded.

"I'm just kidding, silly!" I told her.

"Let's tell mom and dad over dinner tonight?" She suggested.

"No, we will invite the whole family over for dinner tomorrow and announce the news to them," I told her as she nodded in agreement.

As I drove on, she looked around and then again at me. "Where are we going now?" she asked with surprise.

"To Leo's house. I had informed him yesterday night," I stated, glancing briefly at her. I had promised her that I would help make peace with her brothers and that I would keep my promise. I didn't want to fight with Caleb forever.

Her eyes widened surprisingly, as she nodded, "I'm sure, Leo has accepted us but what about Caleb? I don't know why he is so against our relationship! He feels you are using me to get to him. I don't understand this at all. What happened between you two?" She asked. I was quiet for a while as old memories came pouring into my mind.

"That's not true. Caleb's last two girlfriends were bit*hes. They were best friends with each other and just used Caleb due to a bet between them. They had a fight amongst themselves and dumped Caleb lying to him that I was better than him, just to irritate him. Caleb believed them, he thought I slept with them to anger him. So when Brandon caught us, he got furious thinking I was playing with your feelings as well. I told him how much I loved you, but he thought I was snatching you away from him. He challenged me and beat me up and swore never to allow me near you. He didn't let me explain or confront those bit*hes," I explained as I maneuvered the car smoothly into Leo's driveway. There was another car parked in the visitor's parking lot.

"You both need to sit down and clarify your misunderstandings like adults," she said, shaking her head at my words.

"Yeah, I'm willing," I said truthfully. "It's Caleb who isn't, " I said with a shrug.