“Thanks, man. I’m glad you could make it. I know it’ll mean the world to Nikola to see you here. I appreciate that you were there for her when I wasn’t.”
Wesley gave me a genuine smile as he headed to stand with Nikola’s parents. He and I were going to be good friends as time passed.
A few minutes later Anne walked in, wearing a pale pink suit. Anne gave everyone an update. “She’s parking the car. I told her I was going to the restroom and I’d meet her at the table.”
Anne gave me a kiss on the cheek before going to stand by her son, daughter-in-law, and my mum. I’d wanted them off to the side, to be part of this as much as possible.
“Thanks, Anne.”
I focused on the entrance. My present, my future, my everything was about to walk through those doors. My palms were sweating and my heart was running the Kentucky Derby as I waited to see what would happen. I kept telling myself, It’s okay if she says no. It’s okay. We’ll still have each other.
The door creaked open, I heard the hostess talking, and then the door closed. I held my breath as it opened again slightly, then closed. This prolonged the agony unnecessarily. The door then cracked open and I heard the hostess answer a question. “I would definitely recommend the chicken cordon bleu. It’s one of my favorites.”
Oh hell, Nikola chatted someone up.
My brother chuckled behind me and said, “Well, this is comical, watching Brandt nearly pass out from anticipation. I’m buying my future sis something special for this.”
I turned around, wanting to flip him off, but refrained with everyone here. My brother tried not to laugh as the hostess and Nikola kept talking about menu options outside the door. Everyone tried to stay quiet.
The door opened wider and the room hushed. The hostess said, “Someone will be right in to get your drinks.”
Nikola’s sweet voice sounded from the other side, “Thank you.”
The door finally pushed open and Nikola came walking in wearing a black lace dress with tan lining. Her hair was curled. She was breathtaking. She stopped when she saw everyone standing around then looked at me in question.
Here we go.
I got down on one knee, and Nikola’s mouth dropped open.
BRANDT KNEELED BEFORE me in slacks and a black, button-up shirt. My heart dared to hope, but I was scared I was wrong. My mom and dad were here. I’d had no idea they’d left China. Everyone I thought of as family was here in this room. A large, round table sat in the back with a huge flower arrangement. My one true love knelt before me. My feet shuffled as we smiled at each other. The room was silent except for the quiet, classical music.
Brandt reached up and took my hand in his. This was the moment I’d dreamed about since meeting Brandt all those years ago.
I spoke up, “Hey.”
He smiled. “Hey. I’m glad you decided to finally come through those doors.”
I giggled as I thought about asking the hostess a million questions about the menu. She had seemed as though she was trying to get me into the dining area, but I’d pressed on. “You know me. I like to keep you guessing.”
That earned a low laugh from everyone.
“That you do. It’s one of the many things I love about you.” He squeezed my hand. “I have something important to ask you.”
My smile was larger than life, and Brandt let out a long breath. In front of all our family, Brandt exposed himself, which he didn’t do often.
“I’m listening. You’ve piqued my interest, with everyone gathered here and your fancy shirt.” I couldn’t stop smiling as my reply garnered more laughter from the guests.
Logan said, “I love Nikola. She makes my bro work for it.”
Brandt turned toward Logan then back to me. Logan smiled back at Brandt. Tears started to form in my eyes as Brandt gave me a tender look. The moment of laughter had passed; now it was time to say yes to the man of my dreams.
Our eyes searched each other. Brandt was strong, dependable, and mine. His hair was down and he ran his hair through it once as he cleared his throat.
“Nikola, we’ve had our ups and downs, and we’ve weathered the storms and come out stronger in the end. I know what it’s like to lose you, and I never want that feeling again. You’ve been my future since the first moment I laid eyes on you at that concert. It’s why I chased you in the parking lot and flirted with you until you gave me your number. In front of all our family, and those we love, I want to ask you something important. I want you to be my wife, my soul mate, and my best friend—forever. I want to someday have kids and give a piece of the love we share to them. I want us to be each other’s one and only through all life’s trials. Nikola Kingston, I’m down on one knee, humbly asking you to do me the honor of uniting with me forever. Will you marry me?”
Tears fell freely down my cheeks as Brandt looked up at me, vulnerable. I sank to my knees, bringing us eye level.
“I never could have imagined that going to that concert would result in us finding each other. Growing up, all I ever wanted was to share my heart with someone who’d take care of it. I found that with you. Despite our ups and downs, we’ve loved each other even in our time a part. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Brandt brought me to him and kissed me. Cheers erupted around us. This was a perfect moment. We stood as everyone came and congratulated us. I could hardly see through the tears. Ainsley and Nora were next as they hugged me.
Nora spoke, “Girl, let me see the ring.”
I looked down at my hand and realized I didn’t have a ring. Not knowing what to do, I looked to Brandt. “Oh shit, I forgot the ring.”
He let go of my hand and began searching his pockets. Everyone chortled. Brandt pulled out a gray velvet box. Everyone gathered as he popped the lid open. My hand started shaking. Brandt took the ring out and took my hand.
As he slipped it on, he said, “The solitaire diamond in the center is us. The diamonds that surround the ring are from my mother, your mother, and your Grandmama’s wedding rings. There’s two from each representing their blessed marriages of love and happiness.”
Th
e ring shone like a thousand brilliant stars as the light danced off it. I jumped into Brandt’s arms as he twirled me around slowly. In my ear, for only me to hear, he said, “Our forever is finally happening.”
I nodded, too choked up for words. He set me down and kissed me once more before saying, “Are you ready to sit down to eat?”
I nodded. Brandt brought us to the table. He squeezed my hand over and over. Everyone followed, staring at us. I wasn’t sure why there was an awkward silence all of a sudden.
Brandt spoke up, “The food should be out any minute. They placed everyone’s orders when we got here.” He turned to me. “I ordered you the chicken cordon bleu. They said it’s phenomenal.”
“Perfect. It’s what I was asking the hostess about.”
He laughed. “I know. It was giving me a coronary, waiting for you.”
I glanced around nervously as everyone continued watching us intently. Adam gave Brandt an expectant look. Brandt seemed clueless as he picked up my hand and kissed it. My ring looked perfect on my finger, where it would stay forever. Thinking back on this morning, and what I’d almost jeopardized due to insecurities, firmed up my resolution to always talk to Brandt if I ever had doubts. I glanced back around—everyone was still watching. Brandt had caught on, it seemed, as he looked around.
Brandt spoke up, “Did I miss something?”
All our family and friends were staring back in disbelief. Finally, Brandt’s brother, who was a replica of Brandt but with short, blond hair, spoke up.
“Umm, wasn’t there something about a wedding happening in the next day?”
My head snapped to Brandt. He closed his eyes. “Shit.” Then, he looked at Grandmama. “Sorry.” He looked toward me. “Once you said yes, I forgot the ring and next big part.”
Everyone started chuckling, and I was at a loss as I stared at Brandt in wonder.
Anne laughed. “I guess he forgot everything when he got the girl of his dreams.”