So sorry for the delay in updating! Thanks for all your nice reviews! Keep em' coming!

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Chapter 22

Alyssa swayed unsteadily on her feet, convinced she has misheard him.

“Pardon?” She inquired in disbelief.

“Marry me Alyssa.” He repeated as she continued to gape at him with a wry laugh and skepticism shining in her bright gaze.

“Are you kidding me?” She asked as she pulled him from his kneeling position back to his feet.

“I’m being absolutely serious.” He said in a hurt tone, clearly not expecting that reaction.

“No!” She corrected at once. “Don’t be upset with me. I’m just...in shock is all.” She said, grabbing for his hand and squeezing it reassuringly before brushing a kiss across his knuckles.

“Listen, I love you. More than anything in the world. I need you. I know this may seem fast but nothing has ever felt so right in my life.” He said as he stared into her searching eyes.

“Oh Colin. I love you too. Truly. I feel as if you’ve made me a complete, whole and... better person. I can’t imagine ever feeling the way I feel with you with anyone else.” Alyssa replied.

“Then what do you say?” He asked.

“Where will we live? Here in London? It would have to be, you can’t leave your mother alone. What about my family and friends? There is so much working against us.” She answered.

“I realize that. But we’ll work through it. I want to grow old with you, love.” He replied.

“Ask me again.” She told him.

Colin obligingly kneeled before her, clasping her hand gently as he slipped the ring on her finger and asked “Alyssa Ashmore, will you marry me?”

“Yes.” She cried as she tugged him to his feet and flung herself into his arms.

Colin caught her deftly and hugged her to him tightly as elation filled him.

“There you two are. Why are you hiding up there?” Came his mother’s voice from the bottom of the stairs.

Alyssa pulled away and beamed a smile down at her before Colin grasped her hand and led her downstairs.

“Mum, we have some news that will make you very happy.” Colin said.

“And what is that dear?” Madame Dashwood asked with a knowing smile.

“Alyssa and I are going to be married.” He replied.

“Oh darling, that’s wonderful news.” Madame Dashwood said as she pulled her son down for a quick hug before moving to stand in front of Alyssa.

“You know you’re getting one of the best men in world. Congratulations to you, dear.” Madame Dashwood said.

“Thank you Madame Dashwood.” Alyssa replied.

“Enough of this Madame Dashwood stuffiness. Please call me Connie.” She insisted before pulling Alyssa into a hug also. “You’re great for him, you know.” She whispered so her son couldn’t hear.

“Are you ready to make this public?” Madame Dashwood asked when she pulled away.

Colin glanced at Alyssa’s unsure look as shook her head almost imperceptibly and knew this was not the moment to announce their engagement. He wanted to shout it from the roof tops but if she was not ready, he would simply have to wait.

“Actually Mum we might keep it quiet for a bit. If that’s alright.” He said, raising his eyebrows meaningfully.

“Of course. I think this at least calls for a toast.” She said as she turned to excuse herself.

“Madame ?” Alyssa called.

“Yes dear?”

“Would you bring my family, Bridget and Daniel back with you?” She asked.

“Certainly. Why don’t you two go wait in the music room?” Madame Dashwood suggested leaving them alone again.

“I just want to tell my family before we make it public to strangers.” Alyssa answered Colin’s unasked question.

“I understand.” He said before brushing his lips across the back of her hand. “I just didn’t know if you were regretting saying yes already.”

“No, of course not. My heart is telling me I’ve made the right choice.” Alyssa assured him before leading him to the music room.

They sat on the couch, lost in their own thoughts until their families came traipsing through the doors.

Colin tugged her to her feet and reached for her hand as they turned to the inquiring faces.

“Alyssa and I have some good news and we want you all to be the first to know.” He said smiling down at her and nodding to indicate she should tell them.

“We’re getting married.” Alyssa said.

The room erupted into joyous shouting as she was pulled in seven different directions for hugs.

“Oh honey, I couldn’t be happier for you.”

“Congrats, sis.”

“We’re going to be sister-in-laws, Lyss!”

It was a blur of activity and she felt as if the room was spinning until everyone had quieted down.

“I think this deserves a toast.” Madame Dashwood offered as she poured champagne for everyone.

“To both of my sons happiness. May you both have the same wonderful happy marriage that I had with your father and that Jeanette and Peter still obviously have. Filled with love, compromise and warm memories. Cheers.” Madame Dashwood said gaily with her glass raised. “I hand picked these ladies myself and may I just say, I knew it all along. You should have both let me interfere earlier.”

Daniel and Colin rolled their eyes at each other and laughed before toasting with the rest of them before Colin noticed a suspicious glint in Alyssa’s eyes.

“Well I hate to break up this joyous occasion but I do have a very large party to be getting back to. I’m sure everyone is wondering where the hostess is.” Madame Dashwood said ushering everyone out the door and leaving them alone once more.

“What is it?” Colin asked.

“Why did your mother pick me? Did she feel sorry for poor little broke American?” Alyssa asked in an accusatory tone.

“Don’t lash out because your frightened.” He said seeing through her immediately. “Don’t deny it either. I know you and I know what you’re thinking.” He interrupted when she opened her mouth to protest.

“In my mother’s own words, she didn’t trust me to pick my own anymore. She picked you because she saw what a wonderful person you are. You see people for how they truly are, not because of what the can give you.” Colin reassured her.

“I don’t want expensive gifts or your money. I don’t want anything from you. Except your love.” Alyssa said.

“It’s yours for as long as you choose to keep it. It better be longer than forever.” He mock threatened.

“I am scared.” Alyssa admitted.

“Me too. It’s natural though. We’ll get through it. You know I’ll do anything for you.” Colin shared.

“I’d do anything for you.” She smiled.

“Like return to the party?” He coaxed.

“I suppose we better.” She replied and followed him back to the parlour.