He winks. “Because I know everything, Jenifer.” He takes my hand and leads me back down the path.
I smile at him brightly.
Oh my God, I’m engaged!
Sarah runs over to me with an elated smile on her face. “How awesome is this?” She gives me a giant bear hug, and I laugh at her enthusiasm.
“I know, and you knew and didn’t tell me. What’s up with that?”
“Oh, like I’d ruin the surprise. Are you happy?”
I’m beyond happy. I’m ecstatic. The man I love, this gorgeous man, wants me to be his for the rest of forever, and that’s exactly what I want. I love him so much. He truly is my exception.
I look into Aiden’s eyes. “I’m deliriously happy.”
“C’mon, baby, everyone is waiting.” He pulls my hand to his mouth and kisses it.
I walk with Sarah in one arm and Aiden in the other up the cobblestone path back to the pink Cadillac where Mike’s smiling at me. We continue to walk past the Cadillac and down another path. At the end is a quaint little building, and out in front, waits our family and friends.
Chris starts the crowd up in another round of applause, and I feel a little embarrassed with all this attention, but the reason is a good one, so I take it all in. They all head into the small building, and we follow behind. Inside, there are tables set up with chairs which have pink bows around them. There’s a bar at the back of the room, and opposite the bar, at the front, there’s a large dance floor with a DJ and a table with a cake placed on it.
I look up at Aiden in awe. “You organized all this in two days?”
“It’s amazing what you can do if you put your mind to it.”
I take in a deep breath, looking around the room. The ceiling has a center chandelier with sheer pink material draping out in sections to the walls with tiny fairy lights strung throughout the material. It truly is spectacular.
Is this really for me?
He takes my hand and turns me to face him. “Is everything all right?” he asks, watching me intently.
“Everything is perfect.”
I look around the room to see everyone—but no Niall. In a way, I’m relieved, but at the same time kind of sad for Aiden that his father isn’t here to celebrate with him. But I’m not surprised. I continue to look, and I see Chris standing with Mel, John, and Bob from ADF Automotive Repairs.
“Oh my God!” I yell as I look at Aiden wide-eyed. He smiles and lets go of my hand. I race over and give Mel a giant hug.
“Congratulations,” Mel gushes as she hugs and sways me from side to side.
“Oh, Mel, it’s so good to see you, and John and Bob. I can’t believe you’re all here,” I state as my eyes glisten.
“Oh, now, now, none of that. This is a happy day. No need for tears,” John insists while he hugs me.
“You know you’ve started something now. Sarah is going to pester me about us getting engaged next,” Chris jokes.
“Yeah. Sorry about that,” I state as I hug him.
“And how am I going to top this, huh?” Chris asks.
“I have no idea.” I shrug.
I glance over to see my mom talking to Callie. “Excuse me, guys. I have to see my mom.”
“Of course, it’s your party. You have to mingle.” Mel smiles, and I hug her again.
“Mom.” I walk up to her and Callie. Mom lunges and hugs me so tightly I can barely breathe. “Mom, air… becoming an issue.”
She laughs and lets me go. “Oh, darling, I’m so happy for you. Are you happy?”