By: Echo
June 11, 1906
Trini stared out the small window, watching the scenery swiftly roll past. She turned away to look at Sandy, who watched her with a small smile. "Quatre, where are we going?"
His smile widened slightly. "I told you, it's a surprise."
She grinned and looked out the window again. "You'll have to tell me sooner or later."
The other passengers were hustling to get their bags and be off the train by the time Sandy patiently stood to retrieve the small basket stored away above them. He offered an arm to Trini and waited for the crowd to subside before stepping out into the aisle and leading her off of the train. She clung to his arm as she glanced nervously around the crowded platform. Sandy directed her over to one of the benches, handing her the basket. "Wait here a moment. I'll be back soon."
She nodded and waited anxiously as he disappeared into the mob of people. He returned soon after he had gone and offered her a dazzling smile. "We can go now."
She smiled and took his hand, manuevering through the many people until they walked outside and he lead her to a small buggy. She looked at him doubtfully, but let him take the basket from her and help her up into the buggy. She gathered her skirt up away from the wheel and took the basket back into her lap, glanding around self-consciously.
Sandy went around to the other side and stepped up into the buggy, taking hold of the reigns as he sat down. "Ready?" He smiled at her.
She nodded and grabbed hold of his arm as the horses pulled the buggy away from the edge of town.
Once they stopped he took the basket back and helped her down. "Almost there."
She grinned and hugged his arm as he escorted her away from the road. "It's beautiful here."
"I know." He smiled and stopped next to a willow tree growing near a small lake. "Are you hungry?"
"Well, yes . . . "
He sat the basket down and opened it, pulling out a blanket which he spread on the ground. She smiled and wathed him pull out food and set it on the blanket. He pulled out to glasses and she sat across from him as he poured wine into them.
"I can't believe you did all of this." Trini smiled.
He smiled and blushed, handing her a plate and her glass. "It wasn't hard."
"Probably harder than you'll admit." She smiled to herself and ate quietly, enjoying the serne landscape. Sandy gathered their things back into the basket as they finished and helped her up. "Walk with me?"
She smiled and nodded. They left the basket setting behind them and walked arm in arm along the edge of the lake. He smiled as she leaned against him slightly. "Are you happy?"
"Of course." She laughed. "I haven't gone daft yet."
He stopped and turned toward her, taking both of her hands in his own. "Julianna, will you marry me?"
She threw her arms around his neck and grinned. "Will I marry you? You silly boy! You know I will!"
He smiled and hugged her back. "I have one more thing to show you."
She looked at him quizzically, but he simply smiled secretively and led her once again around the edge of the lake until they came to a pretty blue Victorian house. He watched her as she looked at it and smiled.
"What is it?"
"It was my home when I was growing up. Now it will be ours; yours and mine." He squeezed her hand and watched it register on her face. "Would you like to get a closer look?"
She stared at him, shocked. " . . . Can we?"
"Of course. Follow me." He smiled at her and led her inside.