‘That’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard,’ Ethan replies. ‘Anyone else?’
‘If I’m being completely honest, I did get rather tipsy at lunch,’ Tiggy replies. ‘I’m talking to two of you right now so perhaps it’s not the best idea for me. I’ll keep Beau company, make sure no harm comes to him.’
He’s statistically more likely to come to harm with a tipsy Tiggy looking after him but the risk is still probably less than, you know, walking across the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge!
‘I can’t believe what a bunch of chickens you all are,’ Ethan says, and that really is all it takes to convince Chester.
‘I’m no coward,’ Chester tells him. ‘And I’m not marrying a coward. Count me and Seph in.’
‘I’m intrigued,’ Dad adds. ‘I’m in too.’
‘Yes, well, so long as it is safe,’ Bea adds. ‘I never would have thought of this but… yes, intrigued is the word.’
Wow, I think they actually really want to do it.
‘Come on, Lana,’ Ethan prompts me. ‘I might have a surprise up there waiting for you…’
‘Okay, fine, I’ll do it,’ I give in.
‘Awesome,’ Ethan says. ‘Let’s do it.’
It all happens so fast – we’re strapped into our harnesses and sent on our way.
The word climb threw me, because I was imagining actually climbing, but really it’s just walking up a bunch of small steps, until we’re at the top.
The view reveals itself, getting more and more spectacular the higher you go, and by the time we’re finally at the top my fear has evaporated. Everyone seems so relaxed and happy, all taking in the truly unique perspective together.
‘Okay, you were right, this is a lovely surprise,’ I tell Ethan. ‘I feel on top of the world.’
‘You haven’t had your surprise yet,’ he replies. ‘And I feel on top of the world too – not just up here, but down there too, and it’s you, Lana. You make me feel like I’m on top of the world every day. You make me a better man and I like to think I make you a better woman – who knew that was possible? I’ve always thought you were perfect.’
Ethan slowly gets down on one knee and my heart stops. I hold my breath. I feel like I’m going to drop into the water below. What on earth is he doing? What’s he playing at?
‘Lana, will you marry me?’ he asks.
I can’t reply – of course I can’t, because I have no idea what he’s doing. We didn’t talk about this, this wasn’t part of the plan.
‘Oh, nice play, chap,’ Chester calls out. ‘Ask her while she’s stranded up here, so she can’t say no.’
I assume he’s joking.
‘Something like that,’ Ethan says with a grin. ‘So, Lana, what do you say?’
‘How about I give you a reply when we’re back on the ground,’ I suggest. ‘That way you’ll know I mean what I say.’
‘Fair enough,’ Ethan replies. ‘But don’t keep me waiting.’
‘No, don’t keep him waiting,’ Bea replies. ‘Eligible suitors aren’t common.’
Does she mean generally or for me?
‘You didn’t ask my permission,’ Dad reminds him, totally straight-faced. But his stern look dissolves into a rare smile. ‘But you have it.’
Oh my God, they are – bizarrely – all on board with this. Even Seph is smiling.
As we continue our walk, Ethan keeps giving me these little glances. His eyes are somehow saying everything and nothing. Honestly – what is he playing at? Obviously he isn’t serious, he isn’t actually asking me to marry him, and this wasn’t part of the plan, so what’s the play? Is he working for me or against me? With Ethan, from one minute to the next, I feel like I can never quite tell.
40
