Rhett (Rhett #1)(57)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“Well, that’s definitely a problem.”

“Can I come over this Sunday? I want to tell her how I feel.”

“In front of the family?” She sounded surprised.

“Yes.”

“A grand gesture then?” She sounded pleased.

“Yes. I want the world to know.”

“Good.” She sounded happy. “Come over around noon.”

“Great.”

“Oh and Rhett.”

“Yes, Nanna?”

“Sunday is her farewell lunch. She’s moving to Cambridge next week.”

“Oh.” My heart dropped. “Isn’t that fast?”

“Life goes quickly, my dear. That’s why we must seize every opportunity and live life to the fullest.”

“Yeah, thanks Nanna.” I hung up the phone, feeling excited and depressed. Part of me wondered what the point was. If she was leaving anyway, what did it matter? But I knew in that moment that it would always matter. She would always matter. I had to let her know of that fact.

***

Sunday came quickly. I felt like my whole life was on the line. This was the most important day of my life and I was scared that I was going to f**k it up.

“You guys sure you know what to do?” I looked at Tomas, Brody and Jake in my back seat.

“Yes,” They chorused and grinned.

“Don’t mess it up for me.” I glared at them, feeling agitated.

“We won’t.” Jake smiled. “I’m glad you’re finally admitting you have the hot’s for my sister. I wasn’t sure how long I could take it.”

“Very funny.” I groaned and grinned back at him. “Okay, sshh. I’m calling Nanna. She’s going to bring your parents and Clemmie outside.” I pulled up and parked a few houses up. “Hey, Nanna. It’s me. Bring them outside.” I looked at the guys and wiped my forehead. I was sweating bullets of fear.

“You’re going to be fine, Rhett.” Tomas grinned at me.

“I feel sick to my stomach.” I groaned and adjusted my bowtie. “Do I look like a fool?”

“Honestly?” He laughed and I glared at him. “You look fine bro.”

“Argh.” I looked at my reflection in the window. My hair was recently cut and it looked as perfect as it could. I looked like a bit of a nerd in my tuxedo, but it was all a part of the act. “Brody, Jake, Tomas, you all know what you have to do?” I asked again.

“Yes,” they chorused again and I sighed.

“Just checking.” I looked at Jake and grinned. “That costume suits you.”

“I would never have dressed up like a white horse if you weren’t wooing my sister.” He made a face. “I look like an idiot.”

“You look fine.” I grinned. “Brody, you got the camera ready?”

“Yes.” He nodded.

“You ready to fight?” I grinned at Tomas and he nodded and played with his sword.

“Yes, Prince Charming. Let’s go.”

“They’re outside.” Jake exclaimed and I froze. “Let’s do this shit.”

“Okay, guys. Let’s go.” I took a deep breath and grabbed the reins on Jake’s costume. I tapped his shoulder and he pretended to gallop down the road. I pretended I was riding him and my heart was pounding as we came to Nanna’s house. Nanna and Clementine’s parents started laughing as they saw me, but Clemetine’s expression remained stoic.

“Has anyone seen the fair maiden, Princess Clementine?” I shouted out as we made our way up the driveway.

“Did someone ask where my Clementine was?” Tomas came running up the driveway with his fake sword.

“She’s not yours.” I shouted out. “I will fight you for her hand.”

“Who do you think you are, Prince Charming?” Tomas came charging at me and I pulled out my sword.

“My name is Rhett Charming.” I shouted and I could see Clementine’s lips twitching. That gave me the encouragement I needed and I got into character even more. “I’m here to win over Princess Clementine. I’ve come to show my love and to prove myself.” I turned towards Clementine. “I’ve come to woo you, Princess Clementine. Let me prove myself to you.”

“What is going on, Rhett?” She looked shocked.

“A long, long time ago, there was a girl called Clementine. She had a best friend called Rhett. He was a dumbass and for many, many years, he didn’t realize how much he loved her, until it was too late. Then one day, Rhett woke up and he remembered what his love had said. She said she wanted romance. She said she wanted a prince charming. She said she wanted her soulmate. She said she wanted someone who loved her more than life itself. I’m here because I’m that person. I never wanted or dreamed that I could be that person because I never believed in it. Yet, you’ve been here by my side this whole time. I never believed in it, because I was dumb. I didn’t realize that we had everything this whole time. Clementine O’Hara, you’re the anchor to my ship, the fire in my sun, the water in my ocean. You’re the love in my heart, the breath in my air, the voice in my dream. You’re my everything and I didn’t even know. I messed up and I almost walked away, but you never gave up on me and I’m not going to give up on you and your love.” I took a deep breath then. I could see Nanna grinning at me and crying. There was silence in the yard, asides from the sound from my beating heart. I walked over to Clementine ad grabbed her hands and fell to my knees.

“I beg for your forgiveness. I was young and dumb, immature and childish.” I bit my lower lip. “I love you Clementine, please say you can give me another chance.”

“Oh, Rhett.” Her eyes were full of love. “I can’t believe you’re doing this.” She shook her head and she pulled me up to join her. “I just can’t believe this is you, Rhett.”

“You gave me wings, Clementine. You let me fly. I don’t want to hold you back from anything in life. I’ll always be here to support you. I don’t want you to think I’m just saying this because I don’t want you to go to Harvard. I don’t want to hold you back. I want you to go to Harvard. I want you do whatever you want. Even if that means dating other guys. I’ll wait for you. I’ll wait however long it takes. All I want is you. I don’t want you to think I’m doing this for me. I don’t want to stop you from doing anything. I’ll wait for you, forever, Clementine. I need you to know that I’m here forever. I’ll love you forever. Whenever you’re ready for me, I’ll be here. All I want is you.”