Conclusion
It was roughly a week later. After careful prodding and pleading from three Cassadines, and three Spencers, Stefan had secured an early release from the hospital - but, with Bobbie Spencer’s strict orders to take it easy. Stefan had been willing to agree to almost anything, anyhow; he would have, quite honestly, jumped out the window if he’d had to stay in GH a moment longer. It wasn’t that the service was bad or anything. It was just that, now that his life was coming to order again, Stefan did not wish to spend more time out of service than necessary.
Now, he was at home. Safely lying a top his bed, late afternoon sunlight streaming over him from the bay window. Lying a top the dresser was the engagement ring that he had wanted to give Laura, where he had left it when he was packing. Stefan ignored it; he was deeply engrossed in Dr. Seuss. It was interesting how much he was enjoying these stories. Stefan was beginning to fancy he would never give to book back to Leslie Lu.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps. A tentative voice called out. “Stefan?”
It was his Laura. Stefan smiled. “I’m in my bedroom.”
Laura walked in, and started to laugh. “You’re still reading Dr. Seuss?”
“One does not live by Latin alone.” Stefan answered, smiling. “You look lovely, Laura.”
Her cheeks burned into a warm rose. “Thank you. You look as wonderful as always. But, actually, I’m here to make certain you’re taking care of yourself.” she moved about the bed, letting her fingers move as she spoke, around him and his bedroom. He watched her, happily.
“Nothing strenuous, yet, I promise you, Lasha.”
She kissed him, quickly, and then continued to search his room. Stefan regarded her, was amused curiosity. “What are you looking for, my love?”
“Nothing, nothing. It was just - “ she stopped, suddenly, a pulled the little rose jewel box from the nightstand. She opened it, and gasped. “Oh my- Stefan, what is this?”
Stefan discovered he wasn’t moving, blinking, or breathing. Quickly, he retook all 3, as he sat up, slowly and turned to see her. “You weren’t supposed to see that, yet. It’s left out from earlier. I was going to wait some more -”
“When did you buy this?” she asked him, still holding the box. She turned to look at him, her blue eyes wide and clear. “I haven’t been dating you since March.”
“I bought it in February.” he admitted. “When I began to make plans for that house. It wasn’t my intention to give it to you, then...but, I saw it, and I couldn’t leave it.” he paused, feeling awkward, his eyes refusing to leave his beloved. “You weren’t supposed to see it, yet.”
“It’s gorgeous.” she breathed, taking a seat on the bed beside him. She felt Stefan’s hand on her shoulder.
“I can put it away again.” he told her.
She turned to him. “Why in the world would I want you to do that?” Stefan suddenly saw the gold glistening in her blue eyes; the incredible sheer to them. Utter joy was radiating from her being. “Unless, you’re not ready, that is.” she said, teasingly.
Stefan could not believe this. “Are you saying...”
“If you’ll have me, my love, I want to marry you.”
“I don’t believe this.” Stefan said.
“I’m telling the truth. I want to marry you, Stefan. I know this. I want you now and forever.”
He couldn’t say another word. Simply pulled her onto the bed with him. They began to kiss. Slowly, at first, and then faster, as he took her under the covers. His kisses were like spring rain drops on her skin; his caresses gentle and soothing. His body was warm and strong against her skin.
Laura protested. “They said to take it easy.”
He smiled. “If you don’t tell, I won’t.” he moved to kiss her some more. Laura was in heaven. She succumbed to him, in love with him forever.
And, though nobody ever knows what the future will bring, she wanted to find it with him.
THE END
Index