Chapter 81

After a few weeks of recovery I was finally back to feeling like myself.

Raph was still very protective of me, but I liked it. I never wanted to leave his side, ever. It did get a little annoying when he stood outside the bathroom door and waited for me, but it was growing on me.

My nose was still a little stuffy but it was also probably because of my allergies. Our room was filled with Kleenex boxes and full trash cans. I was constantly sneezing and me and Raph both think that my record is fifteen in a row, although I had nearly fainted that time because I had been so lightheaded.

Parker, my new cat was happy to see me and Raph again and he would snuggle up beside Raph all the time. It was adorable. I have so many pictures and my siblings can't wait to meet him, Parker.

I was cooking up some pork chops for dinner when I heard a knock on the kitchen door. I didn't sense anyone out there, Raph moved to open the door and when he did a blast of cold air entered the kitchen and Charm walked through, bundled up in a warm carollers outfit, with a fur lined shawl around her shoulders and a long coat that reached her ankles. She looked very stylish.

"Oh, Brooke. You're looking well." She said and came to hug me. I hugged her awkwardly back.

"Um, thank you. You're looking well too, pregnancy suits you." I said earnestly.

And it did, her normal natural glow seemed to have increased and her eyes always shone with happiness, her belly was also beginning to show a little baby bump.

"Oh, thank you." She said swatting her hand bashfully, "Now if you do not mind Raphael, I would like to talk with your mate alone." She said while hanging her coat on a hook. I took her bonnet like hat and hung it overtop.

"Will you be alright?" He asked looking at me, his forehead creased in concern.

I gave him a look, "Of course I will, now go, spend some time with Duma." I said waving my hand to shoo him out of the room.

Charm took off her beautiful, brown leather, winter boots, "So…?" I asked as I flipped the pork chops.

"I was wondering if you would like to help with a daycare we host every week. Raphael mentioned that you worked in childcare, and I was wondering if you would be interested." She said, still standing at the door.

"Yeah, yeah I'd love to." I said putting the tongs down.

She looked at me gratefully, "Oh, that is wonderful! We host it at my house every Tuesday."

"Okay, I'll be there." I smiled.

Charm redressed herself and opened the door. She was about to head out when I called after her, "What time should I be there?"

"Hmm? Oh, anytime between eight and nine. Bye." And with that she shut the door.

I continued cooking the pork chops relishing in the warmth from the stove.

"Raph! Duma!" I called. They came in and began serving themselves.

"What'd Charm want?" Raph asked with a mouthful of rice.

I smiled at his adorable stuffed cheeks, "She was wondering if I was interested in helping out with the daycare she hosts." I replied as I dipped a slice of pork chop in maple bacon barbecue sauce.

"Alone?" He asked putting his fork down and resting his chin on his fists.

"Well I'm sure she'll be there and it's at Thresh's house, I doubt I'll be in any danger." He was still looking at me questioningly.

I sighed, "But if it would put your mind to rest, you can walk me to the door." I said with a hint of sarcasm, I saw Duma crack a small smile.

Raph nodded taking my suggestion very seriously, I let out a stifled laugh, "When is it?" He asked.

"Tuesday, at eight." I stuffed a forkful of peas and corn in my mouth, it was burning from the barbecue sauce. No, it was not strong at all, it was some of the mildest barbecue sauce you could get but I also had the weakest spice resistance of all time. Pepperoni made my mouth burn and my eyes water. My entire family would roll their eyes at me but my mouth would really go numb if I had it.

We finished eating and went to the upstairs living room where it was our new tradition to watch a few episodes of Murdoch Mysteries. It was a ridiculous show at times but I enjoyed the levity of it.

I would occasionally make popcorn dusted with cinnamon sugar or cookie dough but tonight I didn't. Parker made himself comfortable on Raph's lap and he sighed in annoyance, but I could tell he was getting used to it.

When we'd watched five or six episodes it was ten-thirty and we headed to bed.

I changed into my pyjamas and crawled beneath the covers. Raph came in a few seconds after and I snuggled next to him.

After it was quiet for a few minutes he spoke, "I think you'd look beautiful pregnant."

At first I was stunned, 'What did he mean? Me pregnant, and I would look fat.'

"What do you mean I'd look beautiful?" I asked, teasing him.

"More beautiful." He said and nuzzled the top of my head where my healing wound was.

"Hmm, but to have children together we'd need to be married." I said staring at the wall ahead of me. I was nervous for some reason, bringing up the topic for a wedding. That would mean I was married. The thought seemed too unreal. And I had promised myself, and my mother, that I would wait after marriage to have children.

And I was content with that, I wanted to have children with the man I'd chosen to live with did the rest of my life.

"Do you want to get married?" Raph asked after being silent.

"Really?" I asked in unbelief, "We can get married?"

He chuckled, "Of course we can." He kissed the top of my head again, "When do you want to get married?" He asked.

His words pounded in my ears.

"I-I don't know? This all seems too easy." I said sitting up a bit.

He chuckled again, "Things can be easy you know." He held my hand.

"But, just like that… we can just plan a wedding?" I asked getting a little dizzy.

"Well I'm sure there are other things to consider and plan but, yeah. If you want to get married I'm all for it."

He get out of the bed and opened the top drawer of his nightstand then he got down on one knee, "Brooke Neil, will you marry me?"

I clasped my hands over my mouth, my heart was beating faster than usual and my eyes were stinging.

In his hand was a beautiful opal ring.

My throat closed up, 'How long had he been waiting to ask me?'

I looked into those expectant and nervous golden eyes and I smiled, 'Like I would ever say no.'

I nodded my head vigorously, "Of course I will!"

He slid the delicate ring on my finger and I leapt forward and hugged him.

'I was engaged! To Raphael.' I said happily over and over through my head all night long.