For Your Own Protection(82)
Beth smiled as Charlie entered the bedroom, brandishing a piece of paper.
‘This is for you, Daddy,’ he said, handing Matt the drawing. It was of a man with a huge head, holding a pen, in front of lots of smiling faces.
‘Is that of me, Charlie?’
‘Yes. Doing your teaching!’
‘Oh, that’s lovely.’ Matt crouched down to take a closer look. ‘Thank you so much.’
‘I did it for you, Daddy. I know you’ll be great!’
Matt stroked his hair. ‘You’re too sweet.’
‘Can I watch TV now?’
‘Of course.’
As Charlie raced back downstairs, Matt turned back to Beth. ‘I’ve got a confession.’
‘Go on . . .’
‘The teaching isn’t the only reason I’m nervous.’
‘Oh, right. It’s about yesterday – about what you asked?’
Matt nodded.
‘I just need a little more thinking time.’ She watched Matt for his reaction. ‘You know I love you, don’t you?’
‘Of course I do.’ Matt smiled.
‘It’s just that, you know . . .’
‘Don’t worry. Take your time.’
‘It’s not that I don’t . . .’
‘If you decide it doesn’t feel right, I promise I’ll let it drop and we’ll be fine, absolutely fine. Oh, I’d better go,’ he said, realising the time.
He gave Beth a goodbye kiss.
‘Wait,’ she called, as he made for the stairs. Her voice was nervy. ‘I’m scared, Matt.’
Matt moved back towards her. ‘Scared?’
She smiled sadly. ‘I’m scared it’ll change things.’
‘I know.’
‘You promise it won’t?’
‘I promise.’
She visibly gathered herself. ‘Then the answer is yes.’
‘Are you sure?’ He moved closer, hardly daring to believe his ears.
‘Yes,’ she smiled, relaxing into the decision. ‘I would love to marry you.’
Matt was lost for words as they embraced.
‘What’s wrong?’ Charlie said, having returned from downstairs to seek out company. ‘Is something the matter?’
‘Everything’s fine,’ Matt said, as he and Beth parted. ‘You know how much you like parties?’
Charlie nodded excitedly.
‘Well, there’s going to be a really special one very soon.’
‘Will there be cake?’
‘Oh yes,’ Matt said, as mother and father cuddled their son. ‘A really big cake.’