Never Let You Go

Part two of three.

 

Dayton unlocked the door to the small apartment he had managed to save enough money to rent for him and his fiancé. His stomach twisted as he opened the door and looked around for Elizabeth. He didn’t see her, but he figured she was probably upstairs.

            With a sigh, a failed attempt to release the butterflies in his stomach, he slipped off his shoes and tiptoed upstairs. He paused for a minute and looked into the small room that they had begun decorating in anticipation of the arrival of their baby, the start of their lives together. They crib they had picked out together sat against the wall with the teddy mattress she had loved so much lining the sides. He walked in and ran his hands along the edge of it, like he had done so many times before, and imagined what their baby would look like. Would he be around to be there for his son daughter? Would he be able to apologize to her before it was too late?

            He dried his eyes, which had started to water as his thoughts wandered, and stepped back into the hallway. He couldn’t delay any longer. He walked down the hall to the door of the bedroom that they shared. She had closed the door, but he hoped that she hadn’t bothered to lock it. He froze for just a second as his hand grasped the doorknob, his nerves almost getting the best of him. He sighed again and turned the doorknob. It was unlocked. Slowly, he opened the door and stepped in. She was lying on the bed, but he couldn’t tell if she was sleeping or not, her back was to him.

            Even though they had only lived together for a short time, they had already made a lot of memories in their small apartment, but mostly in the bedroom. If it weren’t for the kitchen and the bathroom, and his work schedule, they would spend all of their time in the bedroom and be perfectly happy. They had already shared a lot of laughs, a few tears, and a whole lot of love in that tiny bedroom. He hoped that they hadn’t thrown it all away.

            Being as quiet as he could, he tiptoed across the room to the other side of the bed. She was sleeping, and by the puffiness of her eyes, he guessed that she had cried herself to sleep. He sighed, knowing that it was his fault the argument had started. He wished he could take it all back. His eyes traveled from the bed to the picture sitting on the stand. It was a picture of the two of them on the night he proposed to her. He smiled briefly to himself as he remembered how magical it had been.

 

~*~

 

            Dayton could feel his stomach fluttering with the million butterflies that had accumulated throughout the day as he parked the car. They all climbed out and made their way into the concert hall. He smiled at Liz and took her hand as they searched for their seats. His sister was walking a step ahead of them, almost bouncing with excitement. She had been waiting for this concert for months, and he too, though for very different reasons. As they sat in their third row center seats, his stomach lurched. In just over an hour his life would change forever, but whether for good or bad, he wasn’t yet sure.

 

~*~

 

            He was pulled back from his memory by a sudden movement. He jumped, wondering if Liz had woken up, but as he looked back toward her, she was still sound asleep. Her arm had fallen off the bed, leaving exposed the teddy bear that he won her at the county fair two years before. She was clutching it tightly, like it was him that she was holding.

            He watched her for a minute, wondering what she was dreaming. She looked so peaceful, maybe she was in a dreamless sleep, or a pleasant dream. As he watched her, his thoughts began to wander back to the most nervous, yet rewarding, night of his life.

 

~*~

 

            All through the concert, Dayton found it hard to concentrate on the music. He cheered when he noticed everyone else cheering so as not to get her suspicious. She had no idea what he was planning, and that’s how he wanted it. He kept stealing glances in her direction though, his hand fumbling with the small box in his pocket.

            “Alright everyone, before I continue with the next song, I had a special request from someone in the audience,” the singer announced. “They wanted to ask someone special a question. Dayton,” he said, looking straight at them, “Come on up here.”

            Liz’s mouth dropped open as he stood and held out his hand to her. He couldn’t help but smile at her reaction as she slowly stood and took his shaking hand. He led her up to the stage, where he shook his hand and thanked him again.

            “It’s no problem at all,” the singer replied, then to the audience said, “And now, I am going to back off to let them have the spotlight.” He handed the microphone to Dayton and stepped back as the lights shone on them.

            “What’s going on?” Liz mouthed to him, confusion and utter surprise written on her face.

            Smiling, although his nerves were about shot, he brought the box from his pocket and lowered himself onto one knee. He raised the microphone up and looked into her eyes as he said, “Liz, you are the light of my life, my better half, the mother of my unborn child. I love you.” His voice was starting to shake, but he took another breath and continued on, “I need you with me, by my side, for the rest of our lives. Elizabeth Jade Carter, will you marry me?” He flipped open the box to reveal a small diamond ring. It wasn’t big fancy, but it was perfect to show her his love and devotion.

            The audience was completely silent as the seconds ticked by, waiting for her answer. Tears formed in her eyes, making them shine a brilliant blue, as she tried to catch her breath. Finally, she managed to choke out one soft word in answer. An answer that would change their lives forever.

            “Yes.”

 

~*~

 

            “Dayton?”

            The sound of her voice saying his name pulled him from the memory and made him jump. He wondered how long she had been awake, or what had woken her up. He looked at her, his eyes blank for a second, but his sadness came flooding back when he saw the look on her face.

            “Liz, I’m sorry,” he said, taking her hands in his. “I’m sorry for everything. I’m sorry for walking out on you, and I’m sorry for letting my temper get the best of me.”

            She looked away from him, ashamed, as tears slid down her cheeks. She didn’t look up as she spoke, afraid to meet his gaze. “No Dayton, it was my fault. I know you’re trying your best and I can’t expect anything more from you. I’m just… I’m stressed… because of the baby. I’m sorry for taking it out on you.”

            Dayton took her face in his hands and turned her gently to make eye contact. Slowly, he leaned down and kissed her, much to her surprise. It was a quick kiss, but it was filled with so much emotion that neither of them could deny the passion and love between them any longer.

            “Oh, Dayton,” she said, burying her head into his chest, “I love you so much. I don’t deserve you.”

            He shook his head. “You’re wrong Liz; it’s I who doesn’t deserve you. I almost let an angel slip through my grasp.” He laid next to her on the bed and wrapped his arms tightly around her. “But I’ll never let you go again. I love you, Liz.”

Author's Note

tell me if you notice any grammer problems, etc.