I laughed. “I'm glad he did. It's gorgeous.”
“And the diamond is perfect,” his mother said. “It's just as bright and lovely as you are, dear.”
I smiled warmly. “Thank you so much. I'm so glad you're here.”
I wandered up past them to climb the porch, greeting my parents next.
“We're so proud to be here,” they said. “You look so radiant. We can't wait to see you on your big day!”
“Mom, stop,” I said while blushing. “You're making my face hurt. I'm smiling too much!”
My dad kissed my cheek. “Your sister is here somewhere. She's got a man with her.”
“Oh, does she?”
I perked up to try to find her in the crowd. A hand fell on my shoulder and I flipped around to face Gabe. I gaped at him for a second before extending my arms for a hug. He gave me a warm embrace.
“You deserve this, Clara. I'm so glad you're happy,” he whispered. He stepped back to hold me at arm's length. “You're glowing.”
“I'm trying to stop glowing.”
He laughed. “This is my girlfriend, Sara.”
A tall woman with long blonde hair stepped up beside him and extended her hand. “Hey, it's good to meet you!”
I opened my arms. “We hug in my family.”
She smiled warmly. “Oh, neat!”
When we hugged, I heard Gabe sigh contentedly. “I met her up in NYC. We sort of ran into each other in the same taxi.”
“That sounds like a cute story.”
Sara shrugged and giggled, resting her hand on Gabe's shoulder. “We almost fought over it.”
“But I asked her on a date instead.”
“And I said yes.”
I beamed. “You two look absolutely adorable together.”
“I think she looks better than me,” Gabe commented as he tangled his fingers with hers. “She definitely brightens me up.”
“I'm so glad to hear it.” I nudged him playfully. “You better be good to her.”
He laughed. “I promise I'll be good to her.”
“I'll be checking in!”
I waved and then wandered to the edge of the porch in search of my sister. When I spotted her, I nearly tackled her to the ground. I started crying a little bit as I held her, inhaling the scent of her cherry blossom perfume.
She held my shoulders when I pulled back.
She was crying, too. “That was the most beautiful proposal!”
“I'm happy you're here. I don't think I could have handled that without some aftercare.”
She laughed. “It was cute that Max brought you the ring. He set the whole thing up so perfectly. I've got some pictures on my phone, too.”