I follow Me-Me into the water. It’s surprisingly refreshing. We wade and swim around until we spot Lia on the shore. I hurry out to update her before Me-Me makes her way over.
Jamelia: Did she say yes?
Kai: I didn’t do it. It just didn’t feel right.
Jamelia: You’re not having second thoughts about marrying my sister, are you?
Kai: No, never. It’s just – I want it to be perfect. And maybe the rest of your family should be there.
Jamelia: Don’t worry – I have another idea. And, I’ll do my best to make sure mom, dad, and Jay are there.
We all get dressed.
Jamelia: We should all get changed and meet up at the Karaoke bar tonight. I hear they have the best happy hour drinks.
Is this her ideal place for our proposal? I’m not sure, but I play along.
Kai: Yeah, that sounds good. Is that okay with you, Me-Me?
Melisa: Sure, why not.
We make our way back to the rental as I remind myself that there’s no backing out now. Maybe the proposal doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect. Perhaps just being memorable is enough. I promised myself that I wouldn’t overthink this, so I focus on what I’ll be wearing instead.
I’m the last one to make it to the karaoke bar, but I prefer it that way. Now, all I have to do is walk in, pull Me-Me to the side and spill my guts. I guess I shouldn’t put it that way – it sounds like I’m dying. Proposing to my beautiful lady isn’t like dying at all. It’s like learning what it truly means to live for the first time.
Everyone is there, even Jay – although he seems distracted by talking to some lady. None of that matters – I spot Me-Me, and we lock eyes. She gets up to greet me, looking incredibly beautiful.
Melisa: I don’t know why Lia insisted on me putting on this dress. I feel like it’s too much.
Kai: It’s perfect.
Melisa: Thank you. *glances at Jay and the girl* At least now we know why we haven’t seen Jay this whole time. Apparently, he met someone.
Me-Me turns and takes a good look at me.
Melisa: Are you okay? You look like you’re going to faint.
I feel like it too, but I’m not backing down this time. I swallow a few times to moisten my mouth and take a deep breath. But when I try to speak, no words come out. The room is hot, and it feels like too many people are in it. I feel hyper-aware of everything. I can hear Jay and the girl chatting away and Jalisa speaking quietly to Merlin. I can also hear the jingle of glasses as the bartender softly knocks one into another in his attempt to grab one. I can even hear people breathing – but that could be my imagination. Loudest of all is Lia’s voice trying to get her family’s attention.
Jamelia: Mom, dad – shhh. You don’t want to miss this.
Jalisa: Miss what?
The whole family’s eyes are now on me – I don’t see it, but I can feel the energy. I try my best to drown all of that out and focus on Me-Me; her shiny lips, her gray eyes, her smooth skin, the texture of her hair. Suddenly it’s like everything else in the world has disappeared. It’s just the two of us.
I stand here with my arms feeling stiff and way too heavy. My knees are locked, and it’s making me feel lightheaded. But then there’s Me-Me’s sweet voice – working its way through all of the fog in my head to soothe me.
Melisa: Breathe, Kaby.
I exhale, and my body relaxes enough to remember why I’m here.
I drop down on one knee, which I wish I had done in the first place. I feel so much steadier down here. The air is thinner, my head is finally clear, and I can breathe better. Me-Me gasps and places her hand on her heart as I pull out the ring.
Kai: Me-Me, I – I’m sorry for not doing this earlier like I planned. I love and adore you more than anything. I think you already know that. But, if you don’t – I want to spend the rest of my life convincing you. Melisa Wells-Brown – will you be my wife?
Me-Me takes the ring and studies it as if she’s not sure it’s what she thinks it is.
Melisa: You were going to propose earlier?
Kai: Yeah, when we were by the water, but I wanted it to be perfect – and it wasn’t.
Me-Me slowly places the ring on her finger and continues staring at it.
Melisa: It’s gorgeous, Kai!
Kai: So? Is that a yes?
Melisa: It has always been yes.
I jump up and lift her in one motion before I’ve regained my balance. It takes all my strength not to drop her. But, I adjust my footing and hold her firmly.
Merlin: Congrats, you two!
Jalisa: *to Merlin* Our baby is getting married.
Merlin: Yes, she is!
Jamelia: *to Kai* I’m glad you didn’t chicken out again. I was all out of ideas.
Kai: I appreciate all your help.
Melisa: Lia’s been in on it this entire time?
Kai: Yeah, from the first day of the trip. She helped me choose your ring and everything.
Melisa: Oh my Watcher! I had no idea.
My cell rings and I see that it’s ma. Of course, I already know why she’s calling, so I don’t keep her in suspense.
I answer the call right away.
Kai: She said ‘yes,’ ma!
After some squealing and what sounds like some dancing around the room, ma immediately starts talking about planning a wedding.
Me-Me walks over to hug both of her parents.
Merlin: I’m so happy for you, sweetheart. Kai’s a great guy, and I look forward to welcoming him to the family.
Jalisa: *during the hug* My baby – all grown up and getting married. I’m so proud of you.
Melisa: Thank you, mom.
Merlin: Finally, something I don’t mind paying for – as long as it’s within reason, of course.
Jalisa: Hush, Merlin! *to Me-Me* We’ll help with anything you and Kai need.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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