Two Years Later...

Serena

A completed jigsaw puzzle.

That was currently how I felt. As if I had just finished completing a ten-thousand piece jigsaw puzzle, where all the pieces fit, nothing is missing and everything is whole.

It was both a satisfying and content feeling.

That was the only way that I could think to describe my life right now.

Liam and I had officially been together for about two years now, even if it felt like a lot longer. It was probably because we had known each other our whole lives, plus that unofficial year, but still, being in an actual relationship was a lot different.

A year into our relationship we took the next step...of living together.

Last year, we got a new place together and Liam, Bea and I, all moved into our new home.

I knew how much Liam wanted for us to live with one another, since he hated seeing me leave or when I'd refer to his place. He didn't like it.

When he asked me to move in earlier on, I declined. I told him it was too soon. He waited a year, before asking asking. And I mean exactly a year.

I wasn't sure if Liam just noted the date in his mind or what, but a year later he asked me again and I couldn't even refuse him.

Both our parents were so happy for us, but were seriously and not subtly, hinting for us to tie the knot.

In their eyes, we had known each other forever, it just made sense to be married already.

I, again, refused to do that.

It just didn't feel like it was time, for some odd reason. Despite the fact that I had been wanting this moment for so long.

I already felt like we were a married couple and a family together with Bea, I didn't really need a wedding.

Also, the marriage talk would always make Liam be on edge a little and that worried me slightly.

This wouldn't exactly be his first wedding and I was worried just the thought or talk of doing it again, would make him sink into dark thoughts.

If he wasn't ready to go through it all again, I didn't mind. I understood it would be easy for him.

Presently, Liam had taken Bea and I to this beautiful, traditional Victorian Mansion for weekend away.

He said it included some amazing spa facilities that he heard from a coworker and that it was a place that was perfect to rest and relax.

When he said spa, I didn't even think twice about saying yes.

I definitely didn't imagine that this place would be so amazing. The host at the place informed us it was built in the 1800's and had eighteen rooms.

I wanted to stay here forever and we'd only just got here.

It was a little strange to me that I hadn't really seen other guests, but I guess they were in their rooms? Maybe just thoroughly relaxed that they were sleeping peacefully. I wanted to be in that state too.

Liam led us outside, towards the large garden. Again, the place was beautifully designed. Just the entire landscape of it was entrancing, with a gorgeous fountain and an abundance of flowers, in endless colours.

If peacocks were to stroll out, I would not be surprised.

"Liam, this place is beautiful," I told him in awe, not being able to take my eyes off the garden.

"Look, Serena! Flowers!" Bea gasped, running towards them.

Bea was very serious in not calling me her mother until I was married to Liam. Although, it would slip out accidentally sometimes.

She was now eight-years-old, and growing more and more beautiful by the day. Her hair was still long and dark, and her green eyes were vibrant as ever.

"I'm glad you like it, darling," Liam said, as he came to stand next to me. He wrapped an arm around my waist and kissed the top of my head.

"I could just stay here forever. Just in the moment," I said, leaning into him and he held me closer.

Everything about this place seemed to serene and calm, it was already relaxing me.

"Sorry, Rena. I haven't got that kind of money to buy this place," he joked and I turned to face him, smacking his shoulder lightly.

"You know what I meant. This place is so lovely, even Bea loves it," I noted.

He smiled at me and then turned his head to look at Bea, as I did the same. She was dancing around, twirling, looking so happy in her own little world.

She almost looked like a little pixie.

"Oh, check this out," Liam said to me, causing me to face him once again. He took something out his pocket and I saw a little velvet box in his hand.

"I got this for Bea," he said and then opened the lid to show me this gorgeous little ring. "Do you think she'll like it?" He asked.

I nodded straightaway. "Yes, of course. It's beautiful, Liam."

I gave him a genuine smile and he looked sort of relieved. Bea loved anything Liam would get her. She would never be rude enough to refuse a gift, or be offensive about it.

"Would you call her over?" Liam asked me and I nodded.

Turning, I looked to Bea. "Bumblebee! Could you come over here, please?" I asked her and instantly she nodded, running over towards us.

"Yes?" She asked, looking between Liam and I.

I nodded at Liam, gesturing for him to give her the gift.

He opened the lid of the box towards her and Bea gasped.

"For me?" She asked and Liam nodded at her.

"Yes!" She replied ecstatically, causing Liam and I to chuckle.

Liam crouched down, onto one knee, holding out the ring. Bea stood excited and put forward her left hand, and wiggled her ring finger.

I laughed at her actions and when Liam looked up towards me, I laughed even more. Taking out my phone, I quickly tried to record the cute moment.

When I saw Liam was still looking at me amused, I waved him off.

"Continue," I said, wanting him to carry on with this.

Liam shook his head and I heard a giggle come from Bea. He then proceeded to put the ring on her finger, giving the back of her hand a little kiss.

Bea then turned to me and showed me her ring.

Putting my phone away, I looked at her with a grin. "It's beautiful, Bumblebee."

Weirdly, Bea then took my left hand and moved it to the side, towards Liam. I gave her an odd expression, but when I saw Liam still on one knee, but now holding out a ring towards me, I gasped.

"Liam, what-" I couldn't even get the words out, seeing him holding out a ring in front of me.

Liam took my left hand in his, giving me that warm smile of his that I first fell for.

"Will you marry me, Rena? Will you make me the happiest man alive?" He proposed.

I couldn't help but just stare at him in pure shock.

We never discussed this. I just thought that Liam never wanted to get married again and I was so ready to accept that, but now...what was even happening?

"Are you serious?" I blurted out, taking a small step back but the hold Liam had on my hand, kept me in place.

Liam continued to smile at me. "I love you, Rena. I just-...I want have you in my life forever. I wake up everyday feeling like the luckiest man alive, knowing that I have you by my side. I want feel even luckier, by being able to call myself, your husband. Would you do me the honour of being my Mrs? Because I can't wait to marry you, darling."

My eyes welled up at I listened to his words and saw his face. He was serious about this, about us, about taking this step. Any worry that I had was now long gone. He wanted to be mine and I was speechless.

A tug on my dress, caused me to look to my side. "Be my mummy, Serena. Please?" Bea asked, with an eager expression on her face.

When I smiled and then looked to Liam again, he looked like he was holding his breath waiting for an answer.

"I love you," I told him, my smile stretching as wide as I could make it.

"So, is that..." he trailed off anxiously, waiting for a clear answer in bated breath.

I nodded. "It's a yes. Definitely, a yes," I said.

Liam wasted no time in putting the ring on my finger and getting to his feet to hug me tight. He was lifting me of my feet, whilst I wrapped my arms around his neck.

All I could hear was him mumbling sweet words against my hair.

When he finally placed me down, and kissed me, I was left breathless. He broke away, only to rest his forehead against mine.

"I love you," he said, his voice sounding quite hoarse.

Before could reply to his words, Bea then wrapped her arms around my waist. I moved away from Liam, to crouch down and hug her close to me.

I could help the tears that escaped from me.

"She said yes!" Liam shouted and I laughed.

I thought Liam was shouting this in excitement, but when I heard some voices coming from the entrance of the garden, I turned my head to see another surprise.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, was pouring out into the garden, with happiness all on their faces.

Not only was it our parents, and close friends, but it was also friends from high school, and ones we had lost contact with along the way.

"What- what is this?" I stuttered in shock, watching my loved ones standing in front of me with the most gleeful expressions.

Liam squeezed my hand. "Well, I said I can't wait to marry you..." he said, and when I realised what he meant, my snapped my head towards him.

"Right now?" I exclaimed.

Liam nodded. "I'm not wasting any more time, Rena." He stepped closer to me and cupped my face. "I love you so damn much and I can't wait for me to be your husband," he told me.

There was sheer determination on his face. I realised, what would even be the reason for me to say no? I have all my friends and family here. The location is beautiful and it was only occurring to me now why Liam had brought us here, clearly intending on doing this from the very start.

I had all I ever wanted right here.

"Let's do this," I said with a smile and Liam smiled, before leaning in for another kiss.

"Alright, son. Leave that for the ceremony," my Dad's voice then interrupted us, reminding us we had an audience.

We broke away from each other, laughing. A blush had formed on my cheeks and Liam also looked flustered.

Sara then stepped forward, with a shit-eating grin on her face.

"Come on, S. Let's get you ready," she said.

I'm getting married!