Conrad
Maya is nervous as we head into the restaurant to meet my family and Adrian for dinner.
“Why are you nervous? Everyone will be happy for us?” I ask.
“Are you sure? I know your mom and Chelsea will be, but I am not sure about your father.” She sighs.
I stop us from walking and turn her to face me, “He will be. Maya, I know you and him didn’t start well, but that has changed. He is trying to make an effort. Please, relax.” I smile and kiss her softly.
She nods, “I will try my best.”
I retake her hand and lead us inside. We were the last ones to arrive. We head over to the table, where they are all talking, laughing, and having a drink.
“Hello, everyone.” I greet.
“Conrad. Maya.” Chelsea beams, jumping to her feet to come and hug us tightly.
Maya had the ring in her bag. We didn’t want them to see it; we wanted to tell them. Once Chelsea finally let us go, everyone else stood to greet us with hugs before we took a seat at the table.
“How was your road trip?” Chelsea asks.
“Amazing. It is what we needed.” I smile.
“Yes, it was incredible. One I will never forget.” Maya adds in, looking at me.
She places her hand over mine, linking our fingers.
“Colorado is stunning, isn’t it,” Dad says.
I nod, “Yes, it is beautiful. We will go back at one point. Stay for a little longer.”
“Oh, maybe Adrian and I could come?” Chelsea suggests, looking at me with hopeful eyes.
“Yes. We should. A couples weekend.” Maya replies excitedly.
Adrian and I look at one another, laughing, “Like we have a say in the matter.” He says.
“Nope. You don’t. It is already decided.” Chelsea smiles, kissing his cheek.
It would be fun for the four of us to go together. Maybe somewhere with a little more, so there is more for us, too.
“Is everyone ready to order?” Mom asks.
“Can we get some champagne first? I have some news I would like to share.”
They all look at me, curiosity filling their eyes. I said I rather than us on purpose so they wouldn’t click on what it was. Everyone nods. Dad grabs the attention of one of the staff and motions him over to our table.
“We will have a bottle of your most expensive champagne and six glasses, please,” Dad says.
“Coming right up, Mr Ackley.” He smiles and disappears.
“You didn’t have to buy the most expensive one.” I laugh.
“Yes, I did because I feel what you are going to tell us is something great. Recently, there has not been much good news, so tonight, we celebrate your news, whatever it is, with the best of the best.”
“Thank you, dad.” I smile.
I reach into Maya’s ear, “It is time to put your ring on, beautiful.” I whisper.
She smiles and nods. She dips her hand into the bag, slipping the ring onto her finger, but keeps her hand hidden under the table for now. Five minutes later, the waiter returned with what we requested and poured us all a glass before disappearing from the table.
“Now, tell us! We are anxious to know.” Mom encourages.
I laugh and take Maya’s hand back in mine, lifting it from under the table. “Maya and I are engaged. I asked her to marry me while we were in Colorado, and she said yes.” I beam, grinning from ear to ear.
Mom and Chelsea squeal, “Oh my God. I knew it! I knew you would do it soon. I am so happy for you both. Congratulations.” Chelsea gushes and rushes over, hugging us tightly.
“Yes, I couldn’t wait any longer,” I reply.
Mom soon comes rushing around to us, hugging us too, “I am happy you decided not to wait, my boy. I am so happy for you guys. Congratulations.”
Adrian shook my hand and hugged Maya. My father is the last person to say anything. All eyes are soon on him. Maya chewed nervously on her lips as she waited for his reaction. He better not ruin it for us. I don’t believe he will, but my father can be unpredictable.
“Dad, say something,” I whisper.
His lips curl into a smile, and he raises his glass. “Too, Conrad and Maya. Congratulations on your engagement. May you have a happy, long, loving, beautiful life together. I am happy for you both.”
Everyone relaxes and raises their glasses, toasting us. We all take a sip of our champagne.
I focus on Maya, who has tears in her eyes—happy tears. I reach over and press a soft kiss to her lips. When we part, I rest my forehead on hers, saying, “I love you so much, and I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
“I love you too, handsome. I can’t wait to become your wife.” She coos.
Everyone at the table claps. Maya blushes and buries her face in my chest. I chuckle, kissing the top of her head. I am happy everyone is happy for us.
“Have you any idea when you want to get married?” Dad asks.
“We want to wait until everything is sorted, but we don’t want a big wedding,” I answer.
“I don’t have any family or friends. We want a small, intimate wedding.” Maya says.
“Yes, we are thinking of a beach wedding or somewhere in Italy. That is as far as we have got with the wedding plans. We will work the rest out when the time is right. We want to enjoy being engaged for a little while.”
“Whatever you all decide, I am sure it will be amazing.” Mom gushes.
Mom and Chelsea will happily help us plan the wedding. I don’t want Maya to do it alone because it will stress her out.
“To the happy couple.” Adrian smiles.
Maya rested her head on my shoulder.
“Wait, is that grandma’s ring?” Chelsea asks, taking a closer look.
“Yes. I hope you are okay with me giving it to Maya?”
I don’t know if Chelsea wanted it for when she got engaged.
“Of course I am. It is perfect and looks great on her finger. Grandma would be happy too, and I know she would have loved you, Maya.”
“It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I promise to take good care of it.” Maya promises.
“I know you will. I have a question. You said you want a small wedding, but does that include a bridesmaid?” she snickers.
Maya laughs, “Yes, it does, and yes, I will be asking you.”
Chelsea claps her hands and does a little happy dance, “Yay.”
I smile as I listen to them. I am glad Maya has her.
We finish our drinks and finally order our meals. I am excited to be able to start planning our wedding, but I won’t put any pressure on Maya. I will wait until she is ready and Callum is out of our lives. I hope I don’t need to wait too long, but it will be worth it in the end. It can be a fresh start for us.