They immediately stopped running after Mica, Tia’s three-year-old son, and rushed up to us.
Mae turned to my mom and sister who’d appeared next to us, Cal no doubt having caught on to what was about to happen and knowing Mom would want to be close.“They never listen the first time.”
Mae tilted her head back, raising a brow at me.“What did you bribe them with?”
The girls’ stomping feet sounded on the wooden steps leading down to the beach, and then they were standing in front of us, heaving breaths in and out, grinning big.Elana could barely contain her excitement, and I was impressed that she hadn’t let anything slip since I’d told them the plan this morning and asked for their blessing.“Is it time?”
I released Mae and pulled a box out of my pants pocket.“It’s time.”
Mae’s confused frown jumped from me to her kids and back.“What’s going on?”
We’d attracted the attention of everyone standing within earshot.This might be a little public—and a lot embarrassing if she said no—but I wanted to ask her in front of my family.Despite my lack of presence, they were the most important people in my life after my girls.
I dropped down to one knee—because Mae deserved for me to do this right—and opened the small box.
It had taken weeks of back-and-forth with Malena, Keely, and Linny to get the right ring.But looking at Mae, who stood wide-eyed with a hand over her mouth, I knew it had been worth it.
“Mae, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the only one for me.With you, I found the peace I didn’t know I was missing.You’re my home.As long as I have you and the girls, it doesn’t matter where we are, only that we’re together.I will always choose you, and there is nobody else I want to walk by my side for the rest of my life.I love you.Will you marry me?”
The girls jumped up and down, shouting, “Say yes.Say yes.”
Mae nodded, tears dripping down her face, her hand still over her mouth.
I grabbed her left hand and slid the ring on, sighing in relief when it fit.I had to send Keely, Malena, and Linny something to say thank you.
I stood up, and Mae grabbed me into a tight hug, burying her face in my chest.“I’m so happy,” she sobbed, her voice muffled by my shirt.
“Ipo, then why are you crying?”
“I don’t know.My emotions are all over the place at the moment.”
The girls rushed toward us, and I opened my arms to include them in the hug.
Elana tugged on my pants.“Can I get a pink princess dress when I’m the flower girl?”
Not to be outdone, Addy pushed in front of her sister, who squeaked in outrage.“I want a ballerina dress.With sparkles.And a big basket with all the flowers.”
I would have said yes to pretty much anything, so I grinned at them.“You can have whatever dresses you want.”
That pulled Mae out of her crying jag, and she shook her head.“Have you learned nothing in the last few months?”
Since I didn’t want to wait years to make her my wife, I amended my statement.“I mean, you can pick whatever you want in the next three months.”
Mae made a choking sound.“Are you telling me we’re getting married in three months?”
Both Caliope and Mom protested.
“There is no way we can put together a wedding in three months.And it’s not enough notice for everyone.No venue can fit us in on such short notice.”Mom threw her hands up as if that would help change my mind.
And Mae seemed to agree with her.“Don’t make decisions this big for both of us.”
I kissed her cheek.“I’m not waiting a year for this wedding.If I could, I would marry you tomorrow.You can have four months.”
I wasn’t budging.This was as long as I was willing to wait.
Mae’s face went soft.“I’m happy with four months.I don’t want a big wedding, so we can keep it low-key.”
Mom let out an outraged huff.“My only son is getting married.There will be a big celebration.You’ll have the wedding here.And I’ll organize the food.Caliope will organize the officiant.And Tia can take care of the entertainment.Kaia owns a flower shop in town, so we can ask her if she has time to make the decorations.”She turned to Mae.“That only leaves the dress to you.”
Mae looked stunned, but then a big smile overtook her face.“That sounds perfect.”
Mom hugged Mae to her.“Welcome to the family,keiki.”
And that was how our family reunion turned into an engagement party.
And when we sat outside by the bonfire later that night, the girls on our laps, I knew what it meant to be truly happy.
