In the spring, nothing much had progressed in the ways of love, but the Earth had emerged form its icy shackles. Gone were the long days of sitting by the fire, replaced with lengthy walks through the rose garden.
The garden is where they now sat in near silence, the singing of birds, buzzing of bees, and the bubbling of the fountain were the only sounds beside their relaxed breathing.
She rested her head upon his shoulder, causing him to stiffen up in surprise. Besides the initial kiss but a month ago, little contact had been exchanged. And what touching they did have was brief, burning their skin and leaving their lungs breathless.
"Relax, love. I've just had a rough night sleeping, is all. I'd like gto rest my eyes."
Moments later, the tension in his muscles faded, leaving her with a soft pillow.
Another period of quiet passed before he responded, "If you're tired, why don't you retire for a nap? I don't mind."
She sat up and slowly nodded before they both stood and headed toward the house.

xxxx

Dressed now in a nightgown suitable for a mid-afternoon nap, she sat up in her bed, silentlyh watching her childhood friend as he went about the room, drawing the thick curtains.
"Arthur?" she called, her voice unusually high and uncertain.
"Yes, love?" he drew the last curtain and came to sit on the edge of the bed.
"I love you." she whispered, eyes misty.
"I love you too." he replied with a sad smile, squeezing her hand once then standing to leave.
She grabbed his hand, bringing him to sit by her side again.
"I can't fathom why. Especially after all this time. I've been so awful to you." the tears that had been growing now began to pool over.
He scooted farther onto the bed, gathering her into his arms as she cried. Kissing the top of her head, he mumbled into her hair, "Hush now, love. Don't speak like that. I love you. You are wonderful."
"Please don't lie to me, I don't know if I'll be able to take it." she looked into his eyes, the expression on her face pitiful. It caused his heart to give a painful squeeze.
"No, no, no. I would never speak such a horrible lie to you. You just wanted to protect yourself, that is all. I understand. It's alright."
He laid a soft hand on her cheek, wiping a tear from her face. He smiled gently and kissed her upon the forehead.
"I love you, Arthur. I love you so much."
She pulled him into a long kiss, her tears still flowing freely only to die on their fused lips. She broke apart the kiss, resting her forehead on his and bearing into his eyes.
"Marry me." she commanded.
"Marry you?" he laughed aloud and pulled back, "Shouldn't it be I who asks?"
"Then ask. I want to marry you."
"Alright then."
He stood, grabbing her by her hands and pulling her into the center of the room. Not releasing his grip on her hands, he knelt down in front of her.

"Yes, Arthur?"
He chuckled and her face fell into a deep pout, "Stop your laughing. This is serious."
"Sorry, my love." he coughed to regain his composure and continued, gazing seriously into her eyes, "_. I love you. I have always loved you and I know I always will. Now, would you please do me one kind favor and become my occasionally loving wife?"
"You don't even have a ring."
"I had no time, love. Would you like one? I will, if that's what you wish. I'll buy you the most expensive ring this country has to offer."
She scoffed, "And put us into debt for the rest of our lives? No. At least, nothing extravagant. I always imagined a silver ring. With a single diamond."
"Then I will go to town first thing in the morning. Will that make you happy?"
He stood now, level to her eyes, smiling at her.
She did not break her stony gaze, but her eyes shone with mischief.
"I suppose that will have to do. Now leave me. Ask me once again when you have that ring." she smiled and squeezed his his hands before sliding back into bed. He grinned wildly and left her to her nap.