Chapter 96

The crisp autumn air enveloped the park as Alex nervously adjusted the small velvet box hidden in his pocket. He strolled through the vibrant foliage, his thoughts centered on Ava, and he smiled. She was carrying their child, a secret they held close, a joy they eagerly awaited sharing with the world. It gave him anytime he thought about it.

Ava sat on a bench, her hands gently cradling her baby bump while admiring the changing leaves. Alex approached, his heart pounding with anticipation. " Hey, love " he greeted, his smile slightly nervous yet filled with genuine affection.

" Hey, Alex " Ava replied, her eyes lighting up as she saw him. " You seem excited about something. What's going on? "

Alex chuckled nervously, his mind racing. " I just wanted to spend some time with you, that's all " he said, trying to hide his nerves.

As they settled on the bench together, Alex stole a glance at Maggie, who was discreetly watching nearby. Their eyes met, and she gave him an encouraging nod before subtly diverting her attention.

" So, how are you feeling? " Alex asked Ava, attempting to ease into the moment. " You and the little one? "

Ava smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. " We're good, thank you. Can't wait for our little miracle to arrive, but we still have a long way to go though "

The words lingered in Alex's mind, fortifying his resolve. He took a deep breath and shifted closer to Ava. " Ava, there's something I've been wanting to tell you " He paused, feeling his heartbeat echoing in his ears. " I've been thinking a lot lately... about us "

Ava tilted her head, curious. " About us? "

" Yeah " Alex said, his voice softening with emotion. " About how much you mean to me. How much our future together means to me "

Ava's expression softened, sensing the depth of his words. " Alex, what are you trying to say? "

Taking a deep breath, Alex got down on one knee, his hand reaching into his pocket. He glanced at Maggie, who was now discreetly capturing the moment with her phone. With a trembling hand, he retrieved the velvet box and opened it to reveal a glistening diamond ring.

" Ava, I love you " Alex said, his voice unwavering despite the whirlwind of emotions within him. " Will you do me the honor of being my wife? I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, being there for you and our child. Will you marry me? "

Ava gasped, tears pooling in her eyes as she covered her mouth in disbelief. Her heart overflowed with joy, realizing the magnitude of the moment. " Yes, Alex! Yes, a thousand times, yes! "

Alex's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as he slipped the ring onto Ava's finger, sealing their love in that moment. They embraced, their laughter mixing with happy sobs, lost in the joy of their impending union.

Maggie couldn't contain her excitement and rushed over, enveloping them in a heartfelt hug. " Congratulations, you two! I'm so thrilled for both of you! "

With the sun setting behind the horizon, Alex and Ava lingered in each other's embrace, envisioning a future filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a growing family. The park echoed with their laughter and the joyous news as they shared their happiness with those around them, marking the beginning of a beautiful chapter in their lives.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the park as the trio basked in the euphoria of the proposal. Alex, Ava, and Maggie made their way to a quaint café nearby, their steps light and hearts brimming with excitement.

Inside the cozy café, they settled at a corner table, surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the comforting chatter of other patrons. The ambience perfectly matched the intimate celebration they were about to embark upon.

" Congratulations again, you two! " Maggie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight. " This calls for a toast! "

She waved to the waitress, who approached with a tray carrying glasses of sparkling cider. Alex raised his glass, his eyes locked with Ava's, overflowing with love and gratitude. " To us, to our future, and to the love that brought us here " he said, his voice filled with emotion.

" To us! " Ava echoed, clinking her glass with Alex's, her heart dancing with joy.

Ava looked at her ring again and she smiled, a year slipping down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly, not wanting either Mabel or Alex to notice but it was too late because Alex saw it all and he squeezed her thigh from under the table.

" Hey " He called softly " Why are you crying? " He whispered.

Ava stared at him with shining eyes, her eyes full of love for this man. She shook her head " Nothing really, I'm just so happy "

" I know, and I'm happy too " He replied, his voice thick with emotion.

As they sipped the cider, conversations drifted toward the wedding. Excitement bubbled as they discussed potential dates and venues, imagining the perfect setting for their special day.

"BAva, when do you think would be the ideal time for the wedding? " Alex asked, his eyes full of anticipation.

Ava pondered for a moment, her face radiant with happiness. " I want our little one to be a part of this beautiful journey right from the start. How about late spring, just before the baby arrives? " she suggested, her voice filled with hope.

A smile spread across Alex's face, the idea resonating deeply with him. " Late spring it is, then " he agreed, his heart swelling with excitement for the life they were building together.

Maggie chimed in, eager to assist with the planning. " I'll help with everything—venue, decorations, the whole shebang! We'll make it a day to remember "