50. Liam
Chapter 50
Liam
G rayson had walked towards and handed me a flower, one that Margo had grown very familiar with.
Her grin had maxed out as I held on to the flower.
“Do you remember this?” I asked as she laughed.
“It’s a saffron crocus.” She informed me as I grinned.
Margo held up her hand to stop me from talking, with an unserious face, “Do you have a speech prepared or something?”
I rolled my eyes, “Yes and you’re ruining it.”
“Okay I’m sorry, keep going.” She put her hands up in mockery.
My eyes twinkled as I turned to the group, still holding the saffron crocus. “This flower has seen better days, but it’s still standing,” I remarked.
I turned back to Margo with a meaningful look. “Just like us.”
I bridged the gap between us, “I’ve missed this,” I confessed, “Missed you. And I flew all the way to Greece so that I can bring this back.”
Margo’s face showed nothing but happiness, “I’ve missed you too. I promise, I’m not going anywhere this time.”
Margo laughed, “Oh yeah? Do you have another trick up your sleeve?” She mumbled as I rolled my eyes and snapped.
This prompted Neil to walk up next to me.
He held out twenty full pieces of jalapeno peppers.
Margo’s eyes had widen, only because I had come to the conclusion that she had now remembered what on Earth I was up to.
“Liam, you don’t have to do that.” She warned as I laughed, “No I have to, I’m prepared.”
I bunched up all of the peppers into one hand and stuffed them into my mouth.
I crunched down on the fiery jalapenos, their searing heat erupting in my mouth like volcanic lava. I could feel the burning sensation radiating through my entire being, but I refused to give in.
Margo’s eyes grew wide with a mixture of amusement and concern as I continued chewing.
“You’re crazy!” Margo exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Crazy for you.” I forced out as she laughed.
Margo’s hand hovered near her face, her smile both impressed and incredulous. “Liam, you’re going to regret this later.”
I could barely respond, the heat had set my tongue ablaze, but I managed a confident nod. Swallowing the last of the peppers, I gave a triumphant grin, even as sweat beaded on my brow.
“I’m not done,” I said, my voice slightly hoarse from the spice. I lifted my shirt and showed her my new addition of art that was now permanent on my body.
“You know that this tattoo is because of you.” I muttered as she nodded.
Margo’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Alright, Mr. Tough Guy. Can you name all fifty states?”
I wiped the sweat from my forehead, took a deep breath, and grinned. “Piece of cake.” I declared, though I wasn’t entirely sure of my chances.
“Go on then,” She urged, crossing her arms and raised an eyebrow.
“Okay, here goes nothing,” I said, gathering my thoughts. “Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas...”
The group gathered around, intrigued by my latest stunt. As I rattled off state after state, my pace quickened. “California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia...”
Margo watched with a mix of skepticism and amusement. “Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts...”
Her laughter was infectious, and it spread among the group. I kept going, determined to finish the challenge. “Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire...”
My voice grew hoarser with each state, the residual burn from the peppers still lingering on my tongue. “New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania...”
“Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.” I finished off as she stood there agape.
The group erupted in laughter and applause; the camaraderie stronger than ever.
“Okay then Liam, what’s the last stunt you have for me?” She asked as I swallowed.
A loud noise echoed throughout the auditorium.
Margo turned to the doors and watched as both of her parents walked into the room.
Adrianna had ran up and handed me a small box, then I quickly got down on one knee before she turned to look at me again.
Margo’s expression changed as she saw me on my knee.
“I got your parent’s blessing, I knew how important it would be for you.” I muttered.
“Liam you don’t have to.” She cried out for a second as she wiped away her tears.
“I want to, I live for you Margo and I can’t go another breath without you being mine.” I pleaded.
Tears welled up in her eyes as the realization of what was happening dawned on her. I cleared my throat and began,
“Raine, will you marry me?” I asked her with certainty as she grins.
Margo’s hands flew to her mouth, and for a moment, the entire room held its breath. Then, with a voice shaky but filled with joy, she nodded vigorously, managing to whisper, “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!”
The group erupted in laughter and applause; the camaraderie stronger than ever.
Mrs. Margo Raine Brookshire has a pretty cool ring to it.