As we walk through the door of the house, we're greeted by my family. Mom, Dad, Bree, Tramy, Gisa. One by one, they hug us and mutter an 'I missed you' or a 'I'm glad you're back.' When they've all finished, they give an expectant look towards Cal. He shuts them off with a glare.
"So, what's it like in Norta?" Dad asks, introducing a conversation topic.
"It's the same," I reply.
"The updated curriculum in schools and the new working conditions are in place everywhere now," Cal adds for me, looking down at me.
"It's nice to see Norta coming together," Mom comments.
Awkwardly, Cal nods. "There's still a lot of things to do."
"It's still progress," Gisa finishes. "It must be stressful fixing a nation, though. Why don't you two go on a walk?"
"But we just got here," I protest.
"Oh come on. Nothing's changed and we can talk later over dinner," Bree pushes.
"Actually," Cal says, "I've been wanting to walk in the gardens. Mare?"
"Cal and I have been together the past five weeks. I want to hang out with you guys," I exclaim.
"It's okay. Just go," Tramy says, physically pushing me towards the door. Part of me wonders why they're so eager for me to leave. The other part of me wants to take a peaceful walk with Cal after the hectic month.
Sighing, I mutter "fine" before turning to Cal. They look too pleased with themselves as we stroll through the door.
Intertwining my hand with Cal's, I ask, "What was that about?"
"I don't know," He says, lying. I can tell but I don't protest, wondering what Cal has planned.
Within a few minutes of walking, we find ourself emerged in beautiful scenery. When we walk far enough through the paved path, surrounded by beds of flowers and plants, to not see the outside of the garden, Cal says,
"Years ago, back when you were known as Mareena and we danced in secret in my room, I had no idea where we'd be know." He turns to me, bronze eyes tainted with love and memories. He let his hair grow out, leaving the ends to curl at his ears. Now they fall into his face.
Neglecting his hair, he continues, "And although I dared to dream, I never could of expected us to be here, together, when we were hiding and trying to gather newbloods." He holds my hands firm. "And then we went through a series of being together and then not. Too many at my own fault," He adds. "My heart broke too many times and I'm sure yours did too." I reflect back, to when I sacrificed myself for him, then to when Cal chose he thrown over me.
"And then, just a year ago, when everything was over and slowing down, you went to Montfort, which I understand, but I had keep hope that you would come back to me, and you did. Now that we've chosen each other again, I want to make sure it's the last time."
With that, he bends down to one knee. Completely surprised, I pull my hand away and stumble back a bit. We haven't talked about marriage yet, except for a short conversation a few weeks ago. This must have been what my family was so pushy about.
Cal keeps his grip on my hand, maintaining eye contact despite my fallout. "Mare Barrow, will will choose me and be my wife?"
Stunned, I stammer. "You- we- I don't-" I take a deep breath, composing myself. "We haven't talked about this," I say.
Cal's eyes don't falter, nor does his grip. "I know but I didn't think it needed discussing." His grip loosens a little. "We don't have to, though. If-"
"No," I blurt. "I mean yes. Yes, I'll marry you."
Cal's smile lights up. Quickly, he brings me into a hug, then a kiss. After a while, I part our lips.
"My family already knows, don't they?" I ask.
Grinning ear to ear, Cal responds, "I've been writing letters about it for a month.