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“Mom, Dad, Meg!” I exclaim, taken aback by their unexpected presence. “What are you doing here?”
“Surprise, sweetheart,” my mom says, rising from her seat to envelop me in a hug.
My dad and Meg follow suit, each offering their warm embraces. I’m thrilled to see them but still confused. Why are they here?
And why didn’t they tell me they were coming?
“What’s going on?” I slowly ask.
My mom takes Rose from Felix’s arms. “Oh, we couldn’t miss this special day.”
I frown. Uh-oh. Did I forget something? An anniversary or a birthday? “What special day?”
“I hope I’m not too late!” a man’s voice calls out.
I turn around to see Felix’s best friend Enrique striding into the garden.
Okay. Now I’m certain that I’ve forgotten something. But what?
I nibble my lip, trying to think clearly through the postpartum fog that has followed me around the last few months. Even with a nanny and my parents, it’s been hard keeping up with Rose, and I’m more than a little sleep-deprived.
I catch Meg subtly shaking her head at Enrique, and my suspicion grows. Something is going on here.
“What am I missing?” I ask my mother.
But my mother just smiles, and I follow her gaze to Felix.
He’s on one knee next to me, a stunning ring in his hand. My heart races, and for a moment, I’m lost for words.
“Wh-what’s going on?” I stammer, my eyes darting between the ring and Felix’s earnest expression.
“Lily,” he begins, his voice filled with love. “I know we got fake-engaged once upon a time, but now, I want to do this right. I want to make us real, to show you how much you truly mean to me. Will you marry me? For real this time?”
It all hits me in a quick flashback. Our friendship, our past struggles, and the beautiful family we’ve created together. And as I look down at Felix, the man who has shown me that love can blossom even in the most unexpected places, I know without a doubt what my answer will be.
“Yes,” I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion. “Absolutely, I’ll marry you.”
His face breaks into a wide smile, and he carefully takes my left hand, sliding the stunning ring onto my finger. It fits perfectly, as if it was always meant to be there.
“Thank you,” he says, his voice thick with emotion.
He stands up, wrapping his strong arms around me. Our lips meet in a tender yet passionate kiss, sealing our commitment to one another.
Our families and friends applaud and cheer, their happiness for us evident in their smiling faces. Rose, cradled in my mom’s arms, coos and gurgles as if she understands the significance of this moment.
“Congratulations!” my mother exclaims, wiping away tears of her own.
“Welcome to the family, Lily,” Felix’s father says, his voice sincere and kind. His hearty handshake makes me feel like I truly belong.
As our families gather around, offering heartfelt congratulations and warm embraces, I marvel at how far Felix and I have come. From friends who shared a sense of not quite fitting in, to parents of a beautiful baby girl, and now to soon-to-be husband and wife.
It’s as if all the pieces of our lives have finally fallen into place, creating a picture that’s more vibrant and beautiful than anything either of us could have ever imagined.
“Can you believe it?” I ask Felix, still feeling slightly dazed by the whirlwind of events. “We’re getting married. For real.”
He grins, squeezing my hand. “I can’t think of anything I’d want more.”
“Neither can I.” My heart leaps with happiness at the thought of spending the rest of my life with him.
As we stand there, surrounded by our loved ones, my thoughts drift towards the future. I envision years filled with laughter and love, adventures and travels, and maybe a sibling or two for Rose. And as I look into Felix’s eyes, I know that no matter what challenges we may face, as long as we have each other, everything will be all right.
“Here’s to forever, Lily,” Felix whispers, his breath warm against my ear.
“Forever,” I echo.
The End
