Imperfect

A Prior Engagement

Finley's POV

Claire and I headed to her parents house. We were meeting Jamie and Kyler there and going on a hike. I had it all planned out. I looked over at Claire who still looked a little groggy as she sipped green tea from her travel cup. She frowned out of the window, and I couldn't help but smile. She was always so cranky in the mornings. I had got back from filming the day before and realised what I needed to do. I had to make sure I would never lose Claire again.

"Remind me again why we agreed to go hiking at six in the morning on a Saturday." Claire mumbled.

"Because you keep saying you need to get in shape. I think you're perfect the way you are, but since you insisted." I glanced sideways and saw her blush. Even after all these years, she didn't know how to accept a compliment. I pulled up to her parents house and waited for the gates to open. We drove up and I quickly got out of the car. Claire was still brooding over her tea and I opened her door for her.

"Thanks Fin." She said. She stepped out and I closed the door behind her. The door to the house swung open and we were bombarded by Maisie and Max. I fussed them and we walked into the hall. Jo greeted us both, and dragged Claire to the kitchen to help her with something. I ducked into the lounge where Jamie, Kyler, and John were sat chatting.

"Hello Fin!" John said, standing to greet me.

"Hey Fin!" Jamie said excitedly. Kyler whispered something to him and wouldn't look at me. I smiled and greeted them all. I looked over my shoulder. Now that this moment was here I was feeling nauseous. I began talking in a lowered voice.

"John, Jay, can I ask you both something?" They stopped chatting and looked at me.

"Of course Fin, what's up?" John asked. I started fumbling around in my pocket. Searching for what I needed. I felt all eyes on me, and little beads of sweat were forming on my forehead. I found it and pulled out the small package.

"I want to ask you something." I cleared my throat and checked over my shoulder again. I took a deep breath. "I want to ask Claire to marry me. But only if I have your blessing to do so." I looked between the two of them. Jamie had his hands clasped to his mouth and John looked surprised. I checked once more that Claire wasn't coming and opened the small box. I showed them the ring I had bought. It was a beautiful deep blue, pear shaped sapphire, with beautiful crystal clear diamonds set around the outside, on a pretty silver band, with some more diamonds set in. They both gawked at it and I stood there awkwardly waiting for their answer. I snapped the box closed and pocketed the ring.

"Fin, I..." John started. "Of course. Of course you have my blessing!" He quickly gave me a hug which shocked me. John had never hugged me before but I felt an overwhelming sense of joy that he had agreed. Jamie was still silent. That worried me. I looked at him and his face suddenly erupted into a huge smile.

"Of course Fin! I'm so happy for you!" He practically squealed and I hushed him. The last thing I wanted was Claire hearing. He wrapped his arms around me tightly and I hugged him back. I loved spending time with Claire's family. They had accepted me back like nothing had happened, and they had included me as part of their family immediately. Unlike my own family. Claire and Jo reappeared and we all fell silent.

"What's going on in here?" Claire asked. She looked between us all.

"Nothing, are you ready to go?" I quickly interjected. Claire still looked suspicious but we all gathered ourselves and got into the cars. We were hiking up to the Hollywood sign. We did it quite often, but today would be the special day. Claire climbed into the car next to me and Jamie, and Kyler hopped into the back. I drove off the driveway and waited for Claire's parents to join us before pulling off.