Chapter 86 The Surprise
When Emily got back to Vancouver, Byron still refused to tell her what the surprise was, other than it involved a trip. She packed a few outdoorsy outfits and something for a night out, just in case. They set out the next morning in the BMW, and she still had very little idea of where they were going.
At last, when she saw Byron taking the turn-off for one of the highways leading out of town, she was pretty sure they were heading for the mountains.
“This is exciting,” she said, “I still don’t know exactly where we’re going, but looks like you’ve picked a good direction to travel.”
“It’s one of the many things I love about you,” Byron replied, “You find our spontaneous trips exciting rather than annoying.”
“Well, of course I do.” She definitely enjoyed a little mystery and adventure. And she was always flattered and grateful that her boyfriend took the time to plan these special trips for the two of them to experience together.
They drove on for a couple of hours, and then Byron made a turn at a sign pointing to Dottcher Peak.
“There it is, up ahead,” he said, pointing at the wooded slope of a mountain. “I thought it might be fun to climb. Just a scenic hike, no special equipment needed.”
It wasn’t a very high mountain, and they were already halfway up when they got out of the car in one of the “scenic viewpoint” parking lots. From here, much of the valley below and the neighboring peaks could be seen, but it would probably be an even better view from the summit.
“I’ve brought some water and energy shakes,” Byron said, getting his backpack out of the car. “It should last us for a few hours’ hike.”
“Not a ‘long journey’ this time?” she joked.
“It will only take a couple of hours each way.” Byron winked at her. “I wouldn’t want you to get tired out before tonight.”
“What’s happening tonight?” she asked eagerly.
“You’ll see.” He seemed to be trying to hold back a grin.
Emily had assumed the trip was the surprise, but maybe he had something else in store. The climb was a fairly easy one. There was a gravel path leading all the way to the summit through serene forest land, crossed by a gentle brook here and there. Only a couple of times did they have to climb up a few boulders where the path grew steep.
Byron tested out a new bird whistle, and some birds answered with their shrill calls.
As the couple approached the summit, he blew on the whistle again three times. Then he glanced at Emily, and she realized the whistle had been a signal. A few seconds later, the most beautiful music began to play somewhere up ahead. It sounded like a quartet of cellos and violins.
“What’s going on here?” Emily asked. She knew this had to be the surprise, and she was slightly annoyed that Byron still wouldn’t tell her what it is.
“It’s only a short walk to the top,” he said, his gorgeous eyes glowing with elation.
It really was only a few hundred feet, and they finally reached the summit. Here Emily found a huge square tent. This was definitely where the music was coming from. It seemed big enough to hold a whole bunch of musicians, but she still couldn’t quite believe Byron had somehow brought a classical quartet to a mountain top.
When she entered the tent, she saw not only four musicians but also a familiar face: Byron’s usual limo driver, Alistair. He waved to her, and she waved hello to everyone. The musicians, three women in elegant black dresses and one man in a tuxedo, kept playing even as she entered the tent, Byron just a step behind her.
She half expected him to have magically changed into a tuxedo, but he looked just as good in his outdoor hiking attire, loose trousers hinting at his strong, lean legs and a tight t-shirt outlining his muscular torso.
“Cupcakes!” Emily blurted out. She knew those mysterious cupcakes had something to do with this. All along the side of the tent to her right was a table laden with snacks and pastries.
“You’ve brought the ring?” Byron asked.
Alistair nodded and handed over a small jewelry case. Emily’s heart pounded rapidly. There was a ring?! The musicians came to the end of their piece and started playing “To Love Someone Like You” by Quinn Faines.
Before she knew it, Byron was on one knee before her, holding a diamond ring. He looked up at her with hope in his eyes, his breath slightly uneven as he too was probably trying to control the frantic beating of his heart.
“My dear Emily,” he said, “You were right earlier when you mentioned the long journey. As we travel along life’s journey, I picture us always being together. And just because the journey is long, doesn’t mean it has to always be hard. We can have beautiful music and good food and laughter along the way. And I promise I’ll always be here by your side. What do you say, Emily Danzi? Will you marry me?”
