Page 104 of Unexpectedly In Love

“I have never been more perfect.” I kiss her head and listen to the women in my new family talk.

ANISE

It’s been three blissful months. I keep my nails manicured at all times, ready for the ring. Eryx and I are in love and happy. But now I want to scream. When was he going to propose? I asked all my sisters, and they were as clueless as I was.

Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed him? I rub my forehead in worry.

“What’s your problem? The neighborhood is having a night cookout and you’re just sitting here?” Cassia asks as she sits to the side of me on Sage and Zac’s front stairs. Poppy and Kayla are all dancing, the boys are running races in the street. I can’t believe Eryx missed this, but he has work to wrap up today.

The smell of grilled meat perfumes the air, as Beyonce’s voice blasts through the speakers.

“I just thought by now Eryx will, you know, propose.” I look down at my nails, my index finger is chipped. Now my nails need to be done.

“Hmm when is he taking you to dinner?” Cassia crosses her legs yoga style.

“He did say next week Saturday…Oh my God, is it next Saturday, Cassia?” I clap my hand in excitement. I need to get a new dress and get my hair done. I look down at my short jeans and a crop top.

“I didn’t tell you, okay?” Cassia points her finger at me.

“Of course, my mouth is sealed.” I sigh, feeling the remnants of the delicious barbeque Zac cooked for us earlier.

A buzz passes near Cassia and me.

“What the hell is that?” Cassia asks.

“It sounds like a bug.” I stand to make sure there is nothing on me. Cassia does the same.

“Mommy, look at that. It’s a drone.” Nikhil points to the night sky as one blue light moves in the sky.

“What is that?” I squint as more blue lights appear.

“It’s giving UFO, if you ask me.” Cassia moves away and walks near Rosemary.

More light blue lights come in from different directions.

The lights come together and turn into a red rose, and my heart skips a beat. Then the lights swirl into two birds kissing with a heart over their head. The whole of Sage’s neighborhood is pointing at the sky. Bruno Mars’ “Marry You” begins to play in the background.

My sisters, my mom, who is holding Kai, and the kids begin to sway. Zac does a crazy dance down the walkway with his apron still on.

The lights change into a box with a ring in it. The ring floats out and a hand forms. The ring then moves on to the hand.

My face hurts from smiling.

“No way!” I shout.

Zac appears and stretches his hand toward me, and I burst out laughing and crying.

“My lady.”

Surveying the crowd searching for the man that took my heart a year ago, I’m brimming with happiness.

I take Zac’s hand as helps me down the stairs. My sisters and Mom sing a Bruno Mars song loudly.

As Zac leads me into the street, Sage’s neighbors all clap in time with the music, and I am a blubbering mess. Tears slide down my face, and I wipe them away quickly.

Poppy tugs my hand. “Aunty, look.”

The wordsWill you marry me, Anise?float around the sky. The crowd parts, only to reveal Eryx standing with a shit eating grin on his face.

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