Once we were cuddled beneath the covers, I explained the vision I had experienced over the past four years. Thinking about my vision, I realised that the ring worn by the mystery woman could, perhaps, have been Suzanne’s future wedding ring. Did the ghost inhabiting my house wish to prevent our future wedding? If this was the case, then it would not succeed, since this is what I wanted more than anything.
Suzanne shuddered at the thought of what had nearly happened to her and, gradually, we both fell into a deep sleep, still naked and in each other’s arms.
Chapter Nine: Sweet Suzanne
Somehow, we awoke refreshed and very happy with life the next morning, the mysterious events of the night temporarily buried, yet never to be forgotten.
“It’s a pity that we have to go to work, today”, said Suzanne with a long yawn followed by a laugh. “I feel so relaxed and happy. It would be great just to make love to you all day long.”
Her words excited me, again, yet I knew that it was not to be. “Me too, but it would seem a bit suspicious if neither of us appeared at the office. Tongues would wag and everybody would know about us.”
Suzanne laughed. “You probably hadn’t realised, but we have been hot gossip in the office for quite a while.”
“Really? I had no idea!” I confessed, innocently.
“Sorry, Tonie. I should have told you. People at the office don’t actually say anything about us to our faces, yet they smile and show knowing looks when we go out together at lunchtimes.”
“Oh, I suppose that I should have realised. I just never thought that you really liked me that much. Sorry, I was a bit slow to realise.”
After that, we had breakfast and prepared for the journey to work.
Suzanne left her car in the drive, while we used the Metro for the journey into Manchester. This made sense as parking in Central Manchester was becoming ever more difficult and really quite expensive. This is the reason why the Metro was so popular and packed every weekday morning.
Usually, someone would offer me their seat, but, on this particular day, nobody was willing to give up their hard-won seats. My main concern was for Kelly, as on several occasions, the jumble of bodies had resulted in someone standing on the poor dog’s paws. A loud yelp from her would often result in the offending person taking a quick step back, pushing against other passengers in the process. Thankfully, with Suzanne facing me and both holding on to a support, we managed to avoid anybody trampling on Kelly.
As we entered the office together, that morning, I felt my face blush with embarrassment and I had a feeling that all eyes would be on us, something which Suzanne confirmed when we were sitting at our adjacent desks. In a strange way, I felt relieved that our relationship was now out in the open.
I had to admit that I had difficulty concentrating on software coding, that day, as thoughts of the events of the past two days circled, endlessly through my mind.
I certainly felt very happy and comfortable with Suzanne, but, was she the one who I would want to live the rest of my life with? Over the past two years, I had found out a great deal about Suzanne and there had been nothing to deter me from wanting to spend the rest of our lives together.
Putting all these thoughts to one side, I turned my attention to the job at hand and kept my head down, doing what I was paid to do.
By the end of our working day, I had decided what to do. As we were leaving the office, I said, “Suzanne, do you mind if we go to the Arndale Centre before catching the Metro home?”
Puzzled, she said, “That’s fine by me. Which shop do you want to go to?”
With a huge smile on my face, I answered, “A jewellery store.”
Realisation dawned and, suddenly, she stopped walking. Oh! “Tonie Buckingham! Is this really a proposal of marriage?”
“Exactly! Suzanne, will you make me the happiest guy and marry me?”
People were passing by, probably giving us extremely odd looks, as we stood in the middle of the pavement. Suzanne laughed, saying, “A pavement in Manchester City centre is not exactly the most romantic or appropriate place to ask me, but the answer is a definite yes. It would make me very happy to be your wife.” After a moment’s thought, she added, “At least, that would keep my parents quiet, if we made it official.”
Within fifteen minutes, we were in a jewellery store in the shopping precinct. The assistant was very patient as Suzanne studied a wide variety of engagement rings. She described to me those she particularly liked, asking for my opinion. We narrowed it down to a choice of three rings and then, I felt the shape of each, trying to assist with her difficult decision. At last, we agreed on the final ring and I paid the assistant for our purchase.
“Thank you so much, darling Tonie.” I could hear the emotion in her voice and held her close.
“You can wear the ring straight away, Suzanne. I know that I am a very lucky guy! I just wish that my proposal could have been in a much more romantic setting.”
We hurried out of the Arndale Centre and walked towards Piccadilly Gardens to catch the Metro, home. Our diversion had another beneficial effect. At nearly six-fifteen, the metro was not quite as busy with commuters, allowing us to sit next to each other for the journey back to Sale.
When we arrived home, Suzanne insisted on making dinner. I did not argue and spent the time generally tidying the house. Suzanne turned out to be a tremendous cook and, by the time we had finished dinner, I was feeling very full and satisfied. We sat, together, on the sofa, relaxing and holding each other close, kissing and petting.
It came as quite a shock when the front door bell rang. I went to the door and opened it, wondering who could be there.
“Hello, Tonie. Whose car is that in your drive?”
Recognising the voice as that of my mother, I answered, “The car? Oh, that’s Suzanne’s.” My thoughts were now in quite a turmoil. Mum and Dad knew that I worked with Suzanne, but they had never yet, actually met her. “I wasn’t expecting you, tonight.” I opened the door wide.
“I did some baking, yesterday and I suggested to your father that we brought some round here for you.” My mother and father passed me in the hall, allowing me to close the door behind them.
“I’ll put my baking on your kitchen table, Tonie“
“Hello, son. After you.” My father was well used to avoiding collisions, over many years of practice. I entered my living room, hoping that Suzanne was going to be okay when meeting my family for the first time.
As I walked towards the sofa, Suzanne gently, took my hand to guide me towards my seat. I heard my father give a weary sigh as he sat heavily in one of the chairs. For once, he seemed absolutely lost for words and, noticeably, waited for Mum to return.
Mum wasted no time and quickly followed her husband. “Well, this is a nice surprise. What brings you here, Suzanne?” Mum took the other armchair.
Before Suzanne had chance to answer, I said, “Mum, Dad, we have something to tell you. Suzanne and I are engaged to be married.” I held Suzanne’s hand in obvious affection, displaying the new ring on her delicate finger.
There was a noticeable intake of breath from both of my parents. “Well, that’s a tremendous surprise, yet great news. Congratulations to both of you.” I could tell from mum’s voice that she had never thought of the possibility of me getting engaged, especially so soon after moving out of their house. I did wonder if she may have thought it to be my plan all the time.
Dad gave an unusually-nervous cough. “When did you get engaged?”
I smiled. “Well, actually, we have just got engaged, today, less than three hours ago. Show Mum and Dad your ring, Suzanne.”