Chapter 50: Epilogue, Part Two

Helmet strapped on, Lizzy stared at the falls wondering how she ever made it up them the first time.

That must have been one hell of an adrenaline rush; I'm not sure that I have the stamina for this…It's so STEEP!

She glanced over at Will, who seemed to have his game face on. Gently shifting his weight from one foot to another, he almost seemed ready for a sprint.

"Are you planning on racing or something?"

"Isn't that exactly what we did last time?"

"I was trying to create some distance then…yes," she glanced at him coyly, "…possibly. But you look marathon ready and I'm just trying to decide if I made it through the qualifiers."

"I suppose I'm just incredibly excited to do this the right way…with you."

His tone melted her entirely. "Well, unlike you, I really have no memory of the view, I hate to be honest. I'm genuinely happy that we have the opportunity for a do-over."

He seemed to want more from her response than she gave. "I can see you aren't fully excited about this. I do appreciate you entertaining me, but if you aren't up to it I don't want you to feel pressured."

"No…I am. My energy is just low. I've got this though. Let's make a memory." She grabbed his hand and flashed him a reassuring smile.

The tour guide finished his safety speech, and before she knew it their upward journey had begun. The hot sun was still kissing her back with delicious warmth, and the rock face was glittering in the brilliant light. Taking deep breaths, she inhaled the cool, mist-filled air as she rose higher and higher amongst the cliffs. Will stayed immediately behind, occasionally pinching her calf to get her attention and point out some wildlife or brilliantly colored flora.

Slowly and steadily they rose, and eventually they reached a precipice that was even familiar to Lizzy: the first four falls. Ignoring the tenacity of twenty-seven, she quickly rounded the bend and splashed unceremoniously through the ankle-deep water provided generously by twenty-six. Her destination was singular; being in the environment brought purpose, destiny and memory into one specific focal point. Her gaze immediately drifted to the far left, and of course, the shadow that had attracted her attention the first time was still clearly visible behind the cascading water of twenty-four. She glanced back at Will, who gave her a confirming head nod. Her curiosity piqued, she edged her way to the entrance and ducked her head inside.

The cool of the cave was memorable. What had served as a seemingly welcome escape initially had lost none of its charm the second time around. The mist kissed her skin, casting a haze in the tight space and lending an aura of mysticism to the familiar surroundings. Vivid memories flooded her like the falls just a few feet away: the safety she thought she had found, the intensity of emotion that had erupted the moment Will entered the space, and the gravitational pull she physically felt drawing her to Will, even as she fought that same force with every ounce of her strength. She glanced lovingly at the glistening walls as she felt the soft white sand find its way into the tops of her water shoes. Putting her hand on the crystalline rock in a small gesture of "thank you", she turned around surprised to find that Will was not behind her.

The knot in her stomach increased momentarily; she wanted him there, to heal together, to make peace with the space and to finally and firmly leave it behind. Considering her secret, she knew that they needed to; she needed to be sure that they were ready for what was coming next. And yet, he was nowhere to be found.

A slight flicker at the back of the cave distracted her. She had noticed it earlier but had simply assumed it was sunlight finding its way to the deepest reaches of the magical space. However, a disjointed dimming and re-lighting informed her it was much more likely to be a flame than the sun. Venturing back, she was surprised to discover five candles, and a message in the sand written out in Rosa de Bayahibe petals,

"Marry me…Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth?"

The light danced as the cave took on a deeper surreal feeling. The mist swirled around her, carrying her heavily beating heart to an ascendant plateau, her arms reaching blindly for the man making the request. Almost as if on command, strong arms wrapped around her torso, drawing her in and holding her close in the deepest feelings of love and solace.

His breath caressed her ear as he spoke, "Tell me that you'll be mine; that I can have you as my own. Not possession, never that...It's partnership I want. I love you Elizabeth Bennet." He paused and waited for a response. Frozen in place by the many thoughts and emotions that quickly overcame her, the whole of their astonishing acquaintance passed through her spirit in a wave that carried her back into the perfect moment. Although she could have sworn it was only a second, she must have lingered in the memories because he spoke again, attempting levity to break the silence, "We also do need to replace your mother's background with wedding photos, you know…it's only right."

She twirled around to face him. "Oh Will…" she felt the tears pricking her eyes as the full force of all she felt for him consumed her. "Yes, yes, absolutely yes. I will marry you. My spirit recognized yours before my eyes would see, and my heart chose to beat in time with yours before my ears were willing to hear." She glanced up momentarily at the cave walls with a look of gratitude, "Thank god for second chances from first impressions."

His wondrous eyes flickered in the candlelight as mist swirled around the two happy souls in the cave. Will bent on one knee and presented an open box for Lizzy to inspect. Inside, was a stunning, 5-carat step-cut diamond, surrounded by a glittering halo of emeralds.

"I told you, that emerald gown made a lasting impact. I just wanted you to have a permanent reminder that your...," he paused and considered her remark, "first impression was everything that it needed to be...it's how I will always see you, Lizzy."

He slid the ring on her finger, but he could barely get it on before Lizzy pulled him up for a deep kiss. In that moment, the forces uniting them pulled them off the ground, levitating their souls in a place of unreserved devotion and affection. Closing her eyes, Lizzy did what she could to capture the moment in her memory; the happiness and joy she felt were certain to overtake her otherwise.

After a long embrace, he gently pulled back from her and kissed her temple. "Here, come," he said, pulling her hand to lead her from the cave. "We have to celebrate. I have champagne waiting for us at the bottom, and we still have a number of falls to enjoy at our leisure."

Reality and her secret came rushing back. Unmoving from her position, she tugged on his hand to return him to a position facing her, grabbing the other one as his fantastic grey eyes once again met her countenance and showered her with passion. He looked slightly concerned, but the delight of the past few moments still radiated from his being.

Lord, how I love this man. And what are the chances that I get to make this moment even more memorable?

Breathing deeply in wonder at their unshakable connection, and spurred on by their engagement, she was unable to tame the beaming smile that immediately spread across her face as she began, "So, actually…about that champagne…"

The End