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“Patience, princess. Soon. It’s not that far away.”
I’m overcome with a sense of freedom and embrace it. This is what true bliss feels like. You can practically touch it. The urban landscape out the window gradually transforms into a lush green forest and mountains. He takes a right turn onto a dirt road and suddenly a farm with several hot-air balloons appears before us.
“Hello, Avi,” Nolan, the farm owner, greets us warmly. “Everything’s ready as you’ve requested,” he walks us to the impressive hot-air balloon. The letters A&S are imprinted in lilac on the balloon.
“It’s so wonderful!” I exclaim. “Did you do all this?”
“Yup,” he nods. “Hang on, we’re just getting started,” he whispers. We climb up into the hot-air balloon gondola that has been prepared.
“Ready?” Nolan cried out, enthusiastically.
Avi looks at me and smiles. “Well, what do you say?”
“Yes, yes, we’re ready!” I yelp.
Nolan unties the rope and the hot-air balloon starts levitating. Slowly, and right before our eyes, everything below us grows smaller; the trees, the rocks, the roads, all of it seems tiny, yet charming and captivating. The experience is head-spinning, exhilarating and magical.
We hold hands and take in the mesmerizing view that continues to stretch beneath our feet with every passing moment. When we reach maximum height, he draws me closer to him.
“As you probably know, I’ve known you were going to be my wife ever since our first week together. I wanted to create a special proposal memory we’ll be able to share with our children. I’m so lucky I’m going to spend my life with you. So, after several unofficial proposals, and nowhere to escape,” he kneels in front of me and continues, “Sam, my gorgeous woman, will you marry me?” and he flips opens a black velvet box.
“Absolutely!” I say all choked up. There’s a stunning engagement ring inside the box, and it’s engraved with our initials. The bottom of the lid has a small golden plate with the words: “It doesn’t matter how many times you do it, as long as you do it right.”
“Come here!” I help him to his feet, terribly moved. “How did I manage to find such a prince among a sea full of frogs?” I squeal. “My Avi!” I grab both his hands and look into his eyes, overwhelmed with love and joy. “I’m so grateful for your love and your trust in my love for you. I’ll never take it for granted. You make me shine and experience life in so many different colors. I enjoy devoting myself to you because I strongly believe that you’ll never intentionally hurt me . It would be an honor to be your wife, my prince.” I kiss him passionately and hug him tightly. My heart races in my chest. You’re mine. Mine,” I scream with joy.
“Look at me, for crying out loud,” he laughs, “I’m a completely changed man. I swear I can’t remember who I was before I met you. It all seems so silly right now. I’m sure we can rise to every challenge together.”
We land but I’m still gliding, overjoyed, charmed, grateful, barely knowing which way is which. I no longer feel a shred of doubt nor allow any negative thoughts to enter my mind. I’ve found a partner who’s willing to embrace every part of me. Even the parts he doesn’t like as much. He never uses my weaknesses against me when I’m down. He’s patient, understanding and lovingly committed to me. He’s all I ever wanted. All his other positive traits are just a bonus and not at all taken for granted.
As we step off the hot-air balloon’s basket, we see a beautiful table with exquisite Italian food: pastas, white wine, hearty breads, exotic fruits and juicy grapes. I’m speechless.
“How could I ever top this? Your big romantic gestures? Mr. Levi, you’re insane. I love you so much.”
With each surprise he opens my heart and mind to new experiences; to hope. I’m severely lovesick, entranced.
“Bon Appétit!” We clink our glasses and dine with gusto.
It’s Thursday, and the sky is clear and bright. Autumn smells permeate the air. I prepare an indulgent breakfast for everyone and call them to the table.
“Wow, what a treat,” Michael smiles from ear to ear and takes a call as he sits down at the table. It’s Michelle and she’s screaming on the other side.
“I’m sorry,” he excuses himself and steps out to the backyard.
Avi arrives and is followed by Tony and Dean. Everyone sits down around the table, eager to dig in.
Michael returns, forlorn.
“Is everything alright?” I ask, concerned by his nervous expression.
“It was Michelle. She’s furious,” he looks frustrated. “She can’t believe that you two are getting married and she’s upset that I haven’t told her. Unfortunately, I have no control over her. She’s determined to get here at any cost.”
“Let her come then!” Avi laughs in between each bite. “We really miss her. She’s impossible and enjoys being humiliated.”
“Avi, please, this is hard enough, don’t make it worse,” Michael says, enraged.
“I’m making it worse? Do you even hear yourself?” Avi lashes out. “This is the happiest time of my life and I need to worry about your conniving sister; doesn’t that sound ridiculous to you? What do you think she’s looking to get from this?” he provokes us. “Is Sam even important to you?” he accuses him in a demeaning way. “She’s insisting on coming over to try to ruin everything. But she also knows that she has no hold over me, so who do you think is going to be her next victim? I swear, this time I won’t hold back, whatever the price may be. I won’t be toyed with, and neither will you! Do you get me? There’s a limit to what I’m willing to put up with, even if you think it’s best. So, if Sam means anything to you, you’d better think of a solution. For everyone’s sake.”
“What else can I do? Put her on a leash?” He looks so embarrassed, gripping his head with both hands.
