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The day of our big announcement catches us making fun of parents and their obliviousness as we get dressed and prepare for our departure, with Stephanie ironing and folding our clothes for the trip in the other room. She’s the silent type, doing her work diligently, and I admire that about her.
After packing some clothes for London, and with the suitcases ready for the next day, we leave the condo hand in hand. In the underground parking lot, Damien opens the door to his black GranCabrio Maserati and drives to our parents.
Everyone is already there. Our parents and Quinn chat as our siblings and Alex make plans for the weekend. We approach them, and they greet us with smiles plastered on their faces. We hug and take our seats. After Damien pours us some wine, I peck him on the lips.
Our mothers have tears in their eyes as the men in my life nod in approval, and Sophia squeals. Damien, at the exact moment when everyone’s gaze is on us, raises my hand, beaming, and says, “Family, she said yes.”
The ones already knowing smile at us, and Quinn’s eyes filling with happiness for me warm my heart. Our mothers blink at us, and they both rise to their feet, rushing to us.
“I’m so happy for you two. I never thought this day would come,” says my mother, her feelings speak loudly with the tears welling in her eyes, and I can’t contain mine. They don’t stop falling when my future mother-in-law hugs me. Love surrounds me, shaking me to my core, and her words are something I will never forget.
“Thank you for making my baby boy a happy man. I will be forever grateful to you. Welcome back to our family.”
Our fathers battle with their own emotions, and when they come to congratulate us, it’s with pride and love shining in their eyes. I hoped for this kind of reaction and I breathe relieved. My brother and Sophia shout their congratulations as the four of us embrace. I don’t have to search long for Quinn and Alex. They stand beside each other and I walk toward them as they open their arms in invitation.
Quinn kisses me on my temple. It’s such a sweet gesture, and I smile in the arms of the one man who saw me evolve into a woman.
“Congratulations, you two.”
He shakes hands with Damien. His look turns threatening. I’m sure he guessed the meaning too.
“Harm her, and I will find you, and it won’t be good for you.”
What Quinn doesn’t know is Damien would never hurt me again, intentionally at least. In the arms of Alex, I let peacefulness take me in.
“Who would have thought? Are you happy, Bria?”
His eyes seek mine, needing for me to give him more than a nod as being the one obsessed with my wellbeing.
“I am like I never expected I would be again. Thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t be here.” Alex waves me off with a hand gesture, reminding me once again how incredible he is.
“Thank you, Alexander.”
Damien extends his hand toward him, while Alex sways his chin in acknowledgment, shaking his hand. I’m proud of Damien. We both appreciate what he did, even though I’m not sure I want to hear the length he went for it.
“It’s Alex for family and friends.”
Damien’s expression turns to surprise. I’m sure he didn’t expect such a friendly answer, but I love my best friend even more for that. He nods and says, “Okay then, Alex.”
“And something else.” Alex’s voice drops as he whispers something to Damien, but I only hear Damien’s answer.
“It will never happen. I can guarantee you.”
“Good, then.”
My mother and Rebecca ask to see the ring. I should just keep my hand outstretched for the rest of the day.
“Damien, the ring is stunning. Where did you find it?” his mother asks, bewilderment lacing her words.
“Cartier, but it’s custom made. The ring symbolizes something for us.”
He winks at me, sharing our own little secret no one else can decipher.
“But how did you come up with it so quickly? You’ve only been back together a short while,” questions my mother.
A flash of pain clouds his eyes, and sorrow pierces my heart as our eyes lock together. Through a gulp, he answers, “Katherine, this ring is seven years old.”
Everyone freezes, and only faint breaths are audible. The only one not surprised is Andrew. My mother is the first to find her words.
