“It’s where my heart is Dylan. I love you and I can’t picture my life without you in it.”
The room said “awe” in unison. Dylan didn’t care. To him, it was just him and Sofia standing there.
“Sofia, I love you so much. I never thought I’d be able to say those three words, but with you, everything somehow is…easy. You’re the one who makes this place a home. Without you in it, it’d be just stuff I don’t care about. I was willing to let you go, but I have to admit, nothing makes me happier than knowing you want to stay.”
She smiled up at him. “By your side is where my home is Dylan.”
He said, “Right now I regret only one thing.”
“What is that?” she asked.
“Inviting all these people over.” She smiled and he looked around the room. What better time than now? Everyone she loved was present. He said, “Stay here for one second. Don’t move.”
“Okay.”
Dylan walked over to Filippo and whispered in his ear. He nodded and Dylan returned to Sofia’s side.
“Sorry, I needed to take care of something.”
“With my father?”
“Yes. Now where were we?”
“I think we agreed I’d stay,” she said.
“No. I think I was telling you how much I love you.”
She smiled. “I’ll never get tired of hearing you say that.”
“Good, because I asked all these people over to celebrate some big news. I don’t think we should disappoint them.”
“So you want me to take the job?” Sofia asked looking puzzled.
“No. I think we should make this an engagement party.” Dylan dropped down on one knee. Once again the room buzzed with excitement. Maria hushed them all. “Sofia, I don’t have a ring to put on this lovely hand of yours, but what I can give you is my heart. I love you and you’d make me the happiest man alive if you’d do me that honor of being my wife.”
Sofia burst into tears and shouted, “Yes! Yes! It’s all I want because you already have my heart too.”
Dylan stood up and leaned down and kissed her. Not the way he wanted, but one that would show her, how much he loved her. Once again he felt her sway a bit. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes. Like you said, it’s been a crazy day. But ending on a perfect note.”
Maria came over and looked at Sofia closely. “Are you?”
Sofia shook her head. “No. I went to the doctor today and they said no.”
“You were at the doctor today? Is everything okay?” Dylan asked.
“Yes, the doctor said it was just stress.”
Fuck. And I did all this?“I’m sorry sweetheart. I didn’t know. I never would’ve invited everyone or surprised you if I knew. Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get you something to eat. Maybe put your feet up and I’ll”
“Dylan, stop. I’m fine. It’s nothing. I’m just tired, but I’m fine,” Sofia said.
Maria shook her head. “No you’re not stressed, you’re having a baby.”
Dylan looked down at Sofia who was looking at her mother. Both stunned. Sofia said, “Mama, they did a blood test and said I’m not.”
“You can listen to them, or listen to your mother. You know, I’m always right,” Maria said.