The Pretty Perfect Proposal

An uncomfortable feeling of pure panic pierced Darcie at the back of her neck and tingled down her spine. She couldn't believe that she had ever contemplated this to be a good idea. Her chest felt like one of Dominic's dumbbells was sitting there, precariously close to her windpipe. Even the ticks and tocks of the clock were taunting her with what a stupid idea this was. For the last hour, it changed between time going incredibly slowly as only something so torturous can, and then speeding up just as a calm was about to descend upon her. Darcie's head felt dizzy and her limbs uncoordinated as her gaze went from the clock to the door and back again twenty times a minute. Willing herself not to break into an embarrassed sweat for fear of ruining her 'up do', with more auburn curls emerging than the hairdresser felt necessary a few hours ago, she took one final look at the decorations; banners, balloons, streamers and photos of Darcie and Dominic in various coupley poses. Was it her imagination that the balloons seemed to be wilting and shrivelling the more she stared at them? Were the sandwiches going stale now that the cling film had been discarded? Was the DJ going to remember to play 'Congratulations' by Cliff Richard? Would he have the need to play that song? Would he say yes? What if he's so late he arrives after midnight? Does it still count if it isn't the 29th of February? Is everyone else clock watching too? Do people look bored? Darcie's hearing homed in on the tap, tap, tapping of mobile phone keys. This was going to be internet gold if it went wrong. Facebook statuses, tweets and Youtube were only the friends of the less adventurous. Dominic's youngest second cousin came careering in on his knees, deftly sliding along the golden floorboards. 'Look at meeeee, Darcieeeee' Callum squealed before collapsing in a heap of giggles. Darcie managed to nimbly side step him and the array of even younger girls in huge, puffy dresses in various pastel colours. If she wasn't so preoccupied the scene would have definitely made her broody. The mothers of the little harem itched to get on the dance floor; it was obvious that their teetering on their skyscraper heels would turn to toppling if their feet had to endure much more shoe-induced pain that was not in tow with cocktails and "bopping". Darcie's teenage nephew was scowling from the corner, following his mother with a glare that was capable of curling the slices of those uncovered sandwiches. Mothers doing sixteen year olds shirt top buttons up in public tends to have that effect! Another glance between the DJ, the clock and the door had Darcie noticing the karaoke machine. She hadn't booked him for karaoke. An impatient sigh from Darcie's frowning and glossed mouth occurred about the same time as the thought that someone had interfered. It could have been any of her meddling family. 'Excuse me Miss Manning but could you remind me when you would like the cake wheeled out? Sorry to have to bother you.' mumbled the voice of short, frumpy girl noticeably uncomfortable about having to ask this question again. 'The cake,' Darcie answered with the winning smile she was known for, 'will be wheeled out if Dominic says yes.' The room suddenly fell quiet as Darcie chatted distractedly with the young waitress. Distracted, she turned to see Dominic on the stage. This wasn't the way it was supposed to happen! It was all wrong! He had the microphone attached to the karaoke machine in his right hand and his left was casually in his trouser pocket. 'Darcie, please come up here with me.' he cajoled with a lopsided grin. Without being conscious of her movements her legs propelled her on to the stage. Dominic, still grinning, got down on one knee and thrust an open jewellery box with an exquisite diamond ring towards her. 'I thought I'd save you the bother. Darcie Manning, will you do me the honour of agreeing to be my wife?' Darcie, convinced that her heart had stopped, sobbed something that resembled a yes, and the roaring applause of their friends and family drowned out all her thoughts. 'Real Love', their song, began to play and still Darcie blanched at it not being Cliff Richard until she remembered that although things hadn't gone to plan, they were still pretty perfect.