Once I was in the kitchen, I saw two men on ladders painting, but no Jenner... or Eric.
It took a minute wandering around the main floor, but I found both Eric and Jenner in Dad’s office, standing at his old mahogany desk.
“What’s going on?” I panted as I came to a stop.
Jenner looked up and smiled when he saw me.
“Plans.” My brother waved at the papers on his desk. “We’re getting this place cleaned up. We need it presentable for your wedding.”
Jenner walked around the side of the desk and pulled me in for a hug.
“There will not be a wedding, Eric. Just stop. You’re acting ridiculous. Besides, this is my home... I never agreed to any of this.”
Eric’s gaze switched from me to Jenner. For a moment, there was silence before Eric asked, “Should I leave you two alone...?”
“No. I want you to hear this.” Jenner stepped back, but then slid his hand down my arm and entangled my fingers with his.
They had planned something, and I worried I would not like it. The second that fear-inducing thought entered my head, I remembered what Eric said:Just let it go. Think of melting chocolate.
I wanted to trust the two men I loved the most, but it was difficult. Taking a deep breath, I imagined chocolate melting and being poured over a strawberry. A few seconds later, I felt warm and relaxed, as if the chocolate was melting over me.
My god...it worked.
“What do you need to tell me, Jenner?” My voice was low, as if I just woke from a nap.
“It’s this wedding idea. Well... maybe it isn’t such a bad thing.”
My heart thundered between my ears. Had I heard him correctly? Did Jenner want to go through with the wedding?
“But you haven’t even—”
“I’m asking you right now. I love you, Lola, and I love Jenni so much. We’re a perfect little family. I never realized how happy I could be until I met you. Will you marry me?”
I glanced over at Eric, who stood there with a goofy grin on his face, bouncing on his toes.
Was this really happening?
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
Jenner reached into his jacket pocket. “Oh, I almost forgot...”
He pulled out a black velvet box, and, letting go of my hand, he opened it. In the center of white silk sat a gold ring with a small round diamond.
“It was my mother’s ring. I know if she were still alive, she’d want you to have it.”
Tears streamed down my face. I still couldn’t talk, so all I did was stare.
There were no words. I snorted instead of answering.
“So, is that a yes or no?”
All I could do was nod.
Jenner smiled. “Then a yes.”
He slipped on the ring, which fit perfectly. I threw my arms around his neck and nuzzled my face into my fiancé’s chest.
I was going to marry the man of my dreams.