An Unexpected Romance
A.J. Roye
Copyright 2020
Chapter 100
"That was a great game, James! Michael is really getting good!"
"Thanks, Angela. Michael is looking really, really good. He closed out a tough game. Look, I'm in a hurry," he barked. "I have to change and get ready to meet someone. Will you wait for me right here? I'll be out of the locker room in 5 minutes."
James gave her a quick kiss and began running.
"Sure," Angela replied, with a curious tone. "But... Who are you meeting?"
"I'll tell you on the way!" he replied, as he ran to the locker room.
When James entered the locker room, he took his phone and called Cathy Young.
"I'm leaving in 5 minutes. Thank you, Cathy, for doing this for me."
"James, this is a great idea. I wouldn't miss it for the world," she giggled.
James changed into his jeans, boots, plaid button down western shirt, and straw cowboy hat. He walked briskly to meet Angela and took her hand without stopping.
"Let's go. We're late" he barked.
"Where are we going?" she asked, with concern.
"I'm meeting someone and it's a surprise. For you. Back in George County. We have a 130 miles to drive."
They hopped into James' pickup truck and sped out of Thessaly. On the way, Angela badgered James into telling her the surprise. She even tried a couple of tricks. They all failed. On the drive to George County, they discussed school, an upcoming trip to Kansas City, Michael's improvement with pitching, and how much they loved one another.
When they arrived in George County, there was a traffic jam on the narrow two lane road ahead. A sheriff's deputy was directing traffic around a pickup truck pulled to the side of the road. There were about 10 or so people around the truck.
"I hope no one is hurt," Angela offered, with concern.
At the pickup truck, Cathy barked, "HERE THEY COME, EVERYONE!"
James pulled to the road shoulder, stopped, and turned off the engine. He got out of the truck, walked around to the other side, and opened the door for Angela.
"What are we doing, James?"
"The person I'm meeting is by that pickup truck. Come with me, please."
She offered her hand to him and he helped her from his truck. They walked hand in hand toward the small crowd gathered by the truck. They were all smiling.
Angela noticed her parents and brothers were there. Along with James' father, Samuel, and David and Cathy, and their children. Michael was there. He raced ahead to get there. Also, Jennifer, Laura, and Maria were present.
Angela turned to James and furled her brow. "What's going, James?"
Just as they arrived to join the crowd, James answered, "The person I am meeting here is you."
Angela was really confused now.
James chuckled, then spoke to those gathered, "Angela and I are in love. We have talked often about a future together. So, now... I have brought Angela to the exact location the day I met her. To start our future together."
Angela suddenly realized what was about to happen. She gasped and threw her hands over her mouth in surprise. Her eyes were wide with anticipation. Cynthia began crying, along with Cathy, her daughters, and Angela's friends.
While holding her hand, James turned to Angela, knelt on one knee, and said, "Angela, I wanted my proposal of marriage to you to be memorable. You and I have often talked of the day we first met. And, I felt here. One year ago, today. The exact place where I found you. Next to a pickup with a flat tire, would be a memorable proposal." He paused.
Angela was near tears of joy. One hand in James' hand and the other over her mouth.
"Will you marry me, Angela? Please?"
"Yes, James!" she sobbed. "Yes I will! I have dreamt of this day with you! It's perfect!"
"YEAH!" yelped those gathered to witness their happiness.
James stood, released her hand, and took her into an embrace for a kiss. She took the back his head and brought him to her lips. Their kiss was romantic. On the side of the road.
When they broke their kiss, he reached into his pocket and withdrew a ring box. He opened the box and presented it to her. In the box was a modest white gold engagement ring with a single solitaire diamond.
"This is my gift and promise to you, Angela. To love you and to take care of you forever. May I place it on your finger?" he asked.
"Yes! Hurry! My hand is shaking!"
Chapter 101
The newly engaged love birds were at James' father's house for an engagement reception. Those in attendance on the side of the road were all present.
"Do you have a date in mind?" Maria offered with a giggle, while Angela was holding James' hand.
James grinned at Angela and arched an eyebrow.
Angela grinned at him, then turned to Maria.
"As soon as I can before he changes his mind!" she giggled loudly for everyone to hear.