13. Chapter Twelve
Chapter Twelve
BETH
Beth waited at Pizza Bella Roma for Nick to join her for dinner. She scrolled through their recent messages and reread the beautiful words he’d sent yesterday. I’m adrift in the ocean of new love. You are my gift sent from above.
They spent every spare hour they could together—a morning stroll, her lunch break, dinner, and the weekend. Tomorrow was his last day in Fremantle. She’d miss him—unless?
Nick waved through the window before slipping inside. Before he sat, he kissed her on the top of her head. “How’s my girl?”
“I’m well. Not much has changed since lunchtime.” She smiled.
“Maybe you need some more excitement in your life.” Nick winked and picked up the menu. “Have you ordered for us yet?”
“Garlic bread for starters.”
“Good. And I feel like some greasy pizza.”
Beth scrunched her face. “Ew. Sounds gross. I’ll have the grilled field mushrooms with a Greek salad.”
“Mmm. That almost sounds yummy—if you’re a vegetarian.”
A waitress placed a large pizza between a couple on the next table, then came over and served garlic bread to them. The mix of garlic and herbs rose to her nostrils.
“You look hungry, Beth.” He squeezed her hand. “Go for it. Dig in.”
Beth tore a piece of crispy bread and let the flavors ignite her taste buds. “Mmm.”
“I’ll go to the counter and order our mains.”
She covered her mouth and nodded.
When he returned, she offered him the remaining garlic bread.
“No, I’m good. The ground meat pizza will fill me up to overflowing.”
“Ground meat? Oh, you mean the beef mince?”
“I guess that’s what you call it here.” He shrugged and brushed some crumbs from the corner of her mouth.
Her cheeks heated.
Nick placed his hands under the table and leaned his chest against the edge. “I’ve made some contacts in Israel. I’ve booked a video conference call for next week.”
“That’s wonderful, Nick. It’s all starting to unfold for you.”
He returned his hands to the table and held hers. “What about you? Do you want to come to Jerusalem with me one day?”
Beth tried to suppress the shock. Nick had missed a couple of steps that needed to happen before they go on overseas trips together. Like discussing their relationship status first. Dating, getting to know each other. An engagement and marriage. She would want a firm commitment before traveling overseas.
“What do you mean by ‘one day,’ exactly?” Her voice remained soft.
“I’ve got four weeks in Exmouth, and then I’m free.”
The waitress approached with their meals, and for the next ten minutes, they ate in near silence. But Beth’s mind wasn’t quiet—it whirled with questions. Unanswered ones.
Nick touched her hand. “Are you feeling okay?”
She blinked. “Oh. Sure. I’m fine.”
“Good.” He grinned and patted her hand. “Beth, I’ve had an amazing two weeks here. Every minute has been fun, and I love spending time with you. Are you able to visit me in Exmouth? I know it’s a long drive, so I’m happy to pay for your flights.” He held both of her hands and gave his puppy-eyed plea that he was so good at. “Can you get time off work or come for a weekend?” He tilted his head. “I’ll pay for your accommodation and visit you between training schedules. We’ll do touristy things. Have a blast.”
A slow grin tickled her cheeks. “I thought you’d never ask. I hoped you would.”
He kissed her hand. “You’ve made me a happy man.”
“You’re always happy.”
“That’s because I now have you in my life.” Nick leaned back and circled his belly with his palm. “Shall we go for a walk around town? I need to walk this off.” He patted his stomach. “Full as a bull.”
“Sure.” She smiled, tidied up her side of the table, and dropped a crumpled napkin on her plate.
Outside, the warm breeze fingered her long hair. Nick wrapped his arm around Beth’s waist as they walked through the Esplanade park. The tips of the pine trees swayed side to side, and beyond the full moon, the stars shaped into the Southern Cross.
They passed a colorful playground, and to the left, there was a well-lit skatepark, empty of people. To the back of the oval, a massive Ferris wheel towered with blinking lights.
Nick pointed. “Hon, let’s go on the Ferris wheel.”
The ticket lady offered to take photos first. Beth wasn’t keen, but Nick insisted. He kissed her cheek as the camera flashed.
He helped her into the steel carriage. Nick hopped in and sat opposite her, then the ride operator shut their gate, and secured the bolts. The man pulled down a lever, and their carriage swung to the next level so that another couple could join the ride. Five minutes later, they were two-thirds to the top.
Nick gave a cheeky grin and used his weight to rock the carriage.
“Stop it, you.” She slapped his knee.
He feigned a pout but stopped his child’s play. The wind was enough to add movement.
Next, circus music increased in volume, and the Ferris wheel moved at a steady pace. Beth’s belly fluttered as the carriage climbed the peak, and she gazed at the miniature playground below. Nick touched her leg, and she flinched.
She placed her hand on his and met his gaze. “It’s higher than I realized.”
“You look beautiful tonight.” He moved across and sat next to her, still holding her right hand. He tucked the floating strands of hair behind her ear. Then stroked her cheek with a finger. “I’m sorry if I surprised you at the restaurant by asking you to come with me to Jerusalem.”
“That’s okay,” she whispered into the night air.
“I just got ahead of myself.” He shook his head.
Their carriage passed the base, and Nick nodded a hello to the operator. They began their climb again, but as they approached the top, the machine slowed until they stopped at the peak. Beth peered out the side. Perhaps they give each couple a turn at staying on the top. When she turned back to Nick, he was on one knee. Her eyes widened.
He gave an adorable smile, his eyes sparkling from the lights surrounding them.
“Bethany Michaels, you have stolen my heart. I believe my coming to Australia was no accident. We were destined to meet and meant for each other.” He held one of her hands, and in his other was a huge diamond rock.
She gasped, “Nick.” She covered her mouth with her free hand. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes.
“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Oh, my goodness.” She touched her throat. “Yes! I’d love to be your wife.” Trickles ran down one cheek.
He slipped on the ring, and in one swish move, sat next to her, brushed her tears away, cupped her cheek, and kissed her tender and slow.
When Nick pulled back, he smiled the widest smile she’d seen on him. He leaned to the edge of the carriage and gave the thumbs up to the man below.
“You planned all this?”
“Of course. I wrecked the mood at Pizza Bella Roma, but you forgave me.”
She tilted her head back with a laugh. “I did have a moment of disappointment, but I should’ve known better.” Beth held out the ring and let the light catch all the fine angles. “Nick, this is beautiful.” It must’ve cost a small fortune.
“By the way, we have your dad’s approval.”
She startled. “You spoke to Dad first?”
“I knew he would appreciate the respect. Plus I didn’t want him to freak out and talk you out of it. Just because circumstances are fast forwarding our decisions, doesn’t mean it’s not right. We’re not young adults anymore. The time is right, and there’s no need to wait.”
“Oh, Nick, that’s so sweet of you to honor him like that. Thank you.” She snuggled into his side and breathed in his delicious scent. With the security of his arm around her shoulder, the view from here just got a whole lot better.