LOVE AT FIRST DARE

Chapter three:THE PROPOSAL

Chapter Three: The Proposal

James pov

When I woke up the next day, I kept on thinking of what happened last night, John's outrageous dare, Emma's acceptance and the laughter and the mixed emotions that followed kept on replaying in my head over and over again.

But what if this wasn't a joke, what if Emma's acceptance had a hint of a little seriousness?

I dressed quickly and headed to my office, but my thoughts kept on drifting back to Emma. I couldn’t focus on work, and by midday, I decided to call John.

“Hey, John,” I started, trying to keep my voice casual. “About last night…”

John laughed. “I knew you’d call about that. Look, man, it was just a game, but… Emma didn’t seem to hate the idea, did she? I think she was up for it”

I hesitated and said “No, she didn’t. But this is serious, John. Marriage isn’t something to joke about and you know that”

John’s tone softened. “I know, James. But maybe it’s time you took a leap. You’ve been stuck in the past and crushing on her for so long. Why not see where this might lead you”

His words lingered in my mind long after the call ended. Maybe he was right, Maybe it was high time to take this opportunity that comes but once in life.

Emma POV

I spent the day in a daze, replaying the moment I agreed to the dare last night. 'Marry James Dawson' The idea was absurd, yet thrilling. I couldn’t deny the chemistry between us, the way his presence made my heart race and at the same time the opportunity to investigate better on my parents' death.

But there was more to this than just a childhood crush. There was a reason I was back in town, a reason that tied to James’s family. I needed to be careful.

In the evening, as I was sketching out a new design, my phone buzzed. It was a message from James: “Dinner tonight, Just us. I have something important to discuss.”

My heart skipped a beat. Was he going to bring up the dare? I quickly replied, agreeing to meet him at a cozy restaurant downtown.

James POV

When i arrived early, I nervously sat down and started thinking. How am I going to pull this off? I have to impress her and I had rehearsed what I wanted to say a hundred times, but now that the moment is very near, my mind went blank.

Emma walked in, looking stunning as always. She smiled as she approached, and I felt a wave of calm wash over me.

“James” she greeted, sitting down across the table. “What’s on your mind?”

"A lot but let's get something, shall we? What would you like to drink or eat", I asked her and called the waiter.

" Just give me an orange juice, I think that would do" Emma said in a calm voice.

" Okay ma, and you sir" the waiter asked.

" A whiskey "I responded immediately, and the waiter left.

I took a deep breath. “Emma, about last night… I know it was just a game, but it got me thinking. We’ve both changed since high school, but there’s still something about you, I’d like to explore and I'm very serious about it.

All of a sudden, emma’s eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked taken aback and at the same time surprised. Then she smiled softly. “James, I felt it too, but we need to take things slowly. And get to know each other more"

" Yeah, you're right, but will you marry me, and then we will get to know each other much better" i asked immediately, and hoped she didn't get the wrong idea.

" We can't get married immediately, we still have to go on more dates before deciding to get married" she said trying to make me understand what she meant.

Okay, she's right, I should not rush it. " So , I have always wanted to ask, how are your parents like, because you know, my parents died in an accident and ever since then i and my siblings have been struggling to take care of each other, so i would love to know more about your parents" I heard Emma said in a calm voice.

" Oh my God Emma, I'm so sorry I didn't know. Well, my parents are not more than the ordinary, ever since my father retired, he has joined my mom to pester me about getting married and having a lot of kids as soon as possible, and they're always getting on my nerves. But they are caring and loving and I'm lucky to have them as my parents", I said.

Emma pov

When I asked him about his parents, I thought he would not say much, but I was quite surprised by what he said.

" That's cool, but they're right, you are getting older day by day and they want to see their grandchildren, so it makes sense that's what all parents do" I said.

" Wow, I can't believe you agreed to what they've been doing to me all this time, marry me to stop them from pestering me more, would you" He asked, staring right into my eyes.

I could feel my heart racing and my cheek heating up so I looked away and sipped my orange drink. "Hmm" I cleared my throat, " so I have been wanting to ask you this question. Do you know Mr and Mrs Cater."

" Mr and Mrs Cater, I have not heard of them before. Why, are they related to you" He asked, watching me.

"Oh they are my parents' friends. I heard some rumor that they were working for your father many years ago, so I just wanted to ask, but never mind" i said, smiling and hoping he wouldn't start suspecting me.