“How many times have these kids performed?” I asked.
“They’ve done a handful of concerts, maybe close to a dozen,” Natalie said. “We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to show off what they can do.”
Less than a dozen times. No wonder she was nervous.
Morris appeared behind the girl’s shoulder, towering over her tiny frame. He crouched low, getting down on her level, and spoke quiet words. She listened to him with rapt attention.
Her fearful wide eyes soon transformed into a look of excitement and near glee. She gave him a thumbs up, which he returned. He patted her on the back with a large hand and disappeared behind the curtain.
Anya seemed to take a deep breath then strutted onto the stage. The rest of her bandmates followed behind her and took their places, all of them with expressions of both nerves and anticipation.
“Thank you for coming out to our fundraiser,” Anya spoke quickly into the microphone in nearly one breath. “Everyone here at The Impact Youth Center appreciates your support and we all believe the arts are important and that all kids should have an outlet for their creativity.”
It was clearly a rehearsed speech and her words were rushed, but the sentiment was there.
“Before we start our concert, we want to thank a few people,” she continued.
Her voice trembled a bit, but the expression on her face wasn’t nervous or anxious. It looked like she was struggling to keep an ear-to-ear grin from spreading across her face.
“Natalie, could you come up here?” Anya asked, looking directly at her.
Beside me, Natalie looked taken aback. I assumed this wasn’t part of the planned performance. Maybe they were going to give her some sort of thank you gift or community award.
Natalie climbed the three stairs to reach the top of the platform. She went to Anya with a questioning smile.
I should have expected it. I don’t know why I didn’t put two and two together.
Morris came out from behind the curtain.
He slowly walked up behind Natalie without her noticing.
He got down on one knee and pulled a small box from his pocket.
Anya grinned and pointed to Natalie that she should turn around.
She did.
Morris lifted the box and opened the lid, displaying a gorgeous diamond engagement ring.
“Will you marry me?” he said simply.
Natalie clapped both hands over her mouth, muffling a choked squeal. Her whole body shook, shoulders heaving with heavy gasps. She looked from Morris to the ring and back again.
“That a yes?” Morris asked, chocolate brown eyes twinkling.
Natalie’s face crumpled as she burst into tears, nodding her head furiously.
The entire audience ooh'ed and aww'd, clapped and cheered.
My heart stilled in my chest.
Morris had proposed to Natalie.
My nails dug into my palms.
He was engaged.
I let out a slow, shuddering breath.
