Chapter 147 - Valentine's day (2)

Later in the afternoon Aiden and Sarah took a car ride to the Cape Sounion. Two of them held each other in the back seat, while driver navigated skillfully through dense and slightly chaotic traffic during one-hour drive towards South.

Sarah didn't know where they are going. Aiden refused to tell her, while only explanation he provided was that he wants to keep this part of the day as a surprise for her.

Aiden was happy to see that halfway through the drive she slept off in his arms. That will only make the surprise better when she wakes up. He held her in his embrace and gently ran his fingers through her hair, careful not to wake her up. Aiden's heart was full when he thought that this amazing young woman is full of love for him. He never thought that he could feel so strongly about someone. Desire to hold her and protect her happiness consumed him every minute of every day, and with each passing moment his feelings grew stronger. Aiden is hoping that he can to convey his feelings to Sarah properly, to let her know how much she means to him, to tell her that without her his life does not have any meaning.

He kissed top of her head and inhaled scent of her shampoo. He remembered when he did that sneakily in the classroom, and then in his apartment in Fairfield… He observed her sleeping in his arms, relaxed. She even smiled a bit. He remembered when she slept off in his apartment in Fairfield, and then in the plane. Both times before they even kissed. Sarah was always carefree around him. She was lucky that he didn't want to take advantage of her. And he was happy that she feels safe enough in his presence so that she can sleep off like that. She trusted him, and she still does. He could not help himself but wonder if she just blindly believed in him, or does she have some sixth sense that allowed her to feel the depth of his emotions… before even he was aware of them.

When they reached their destination, sun was low on the horizon. Sarah woke up at the same moment when car stopped moving. Aiden rushed to her side of the car, opened the door and extended his arm, palm up for her. She took his hand and stepped out of the car… her lips stretched into a smile. "Temple of Poseidon", she murmured while taking in the sight of a temple columns which stand high even after more than two millennia.

"I heard this is the best view of sunset in Greece", Aiden said with a smile as he led Sarah toward the temple located at the edge of a majestic cliff above Aegean Sea.

He took a seat on one large rock next to the temple, and patted space between his legs. Sarah sat where he patted and leaned her back on his chest while he embraced her. The weather was pleasant, without any wind. As sun traveled lower on the horizon, scattered clouds got hit by the dying sun rays, and reflected red and orange colors. It seemed like sky is on fire.

"Happy Valentine's", Sarah heard Aiden whisper in her ear. At the same time, she felt that he placed a small box in her hand. She turned to look at him, wonder obvious on her face, and he pointed with his chin toward the box. Sarah opened the box and held her breath when she saw the ring inside. It was a platinum ring with details in yellow gold showing symbols Σ and Ω.

"Is this... a promise ring?", Sarah was surprised. She didn't expect anything, even less a ring.

He nervously smiled and nodded.

Sarah was overwhelmed. "I... I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to say anything... but I hope you will wear it.", he reluctantly finished and observed her reaction keenly.

Sarah nodded and took the ring out of the box with intention to put it on her finger.

Smile bloomed on Aiden's face and he took the ring out of her hand. "Let's do this properly."

Aiden cleared his throat as he held her left hand in his, and slowly slid the ring on her ring finger while looking Sarah in the eyes. His deep voice rang in her ears, "Sarah Hill, this ring is a symbol of my commitment to you. I will be forever faithful to you, and only you. I will cherish you and protect you until my soul ceases to exist." As he finished speaking, ring reached the base of her ring finger.

Sarah felt a surge of emotions starting from her chest, and overfilling her body, she was not able to speak. This was the first time in her life that she was absolutely speechless, not because she could not find any words, but because she was not able to form any.

Sarah faintly smiled and leaned into his embrace. Aiden's arms wrapped around her and she placed her arms over his. As she touched his left hand, she felt that he also has a ring on his ring finger. Sarah lifted his left hand towards her face and observed his ring. It was an exact match with the one he just put on her finger. She smiled as their fingers intertwined, two rings now positioned side by side.

Sarah's gaze was drawn toward the sky as sun put up a last struggle before diving in beyond the horizon, lighting up the sky in a fiery display of bright red and orange colors. This was truly a Valentine's day she will never forget.

...

When they reached back to the Villa, inviting candle lit dinner was set up on the dining table with rose petals scattered all around. Sarah took in the surroundings with her eyes wide open, and then turned to Aiden, "Today, surprises don't stop."

He hugged her from behind and said in a low voice, "Not just today... forever." He placed a light kiss at the back of her head and led her by the hand toward the dining table.

Sarah felt as she is floating. The whole day was just amazing... from sunrise to sunset, to evening. Everything was perfect.

"Just when I think that things can't get any better, you show me that there is next level." Sarah was beaming from happiness.