Chapter 14. Commitment
"We're listening," said Callie. What's your idea?"
"Well," Lena began, bubbling with excitement to share what she and her wife had come up with, "marriage is a wonderful institution. But true love isn't all paperwork and legal stuff. You don't need a marriage license to be committed to one another. Stef and I know this from experience. Not so long ago, we couldn't get married, either. But you shouldn't be cheated out of celebrating your relationship with your family and friends. If you want a ceremony, to make it feel official, why not have a commitment ceremony instead of a traditional 'wedding'? It's basically the same thing; a testimony of love and devotion."
"Except," added Stef, "You don't need a marriage license to have one. But that doesn't make it mean any less. Lots of couples have commitment ceremonies for different reasons. You can, too. It's something to think about."
While Callie listened to her moms explain their idea, she found herself holding her breath. It was such a simple solution, yet neither of them had thought of it. It was perfect. When Stef and Lena were finished speaking, Callie looked at Brandon and smiled. "That's a great idea," she said. "I really, really like it, Brandon."
"I like it, too," Brandon agreed. He turned to his moms. "Thank you," he told them. "You guys are geniuses."
"We just want you both to be happy," said Stef.
Brandon turned back to Callie. "So, what do you say? Will you commit to me?"
"Yes," she said. "If you'll commit to me."
"You know I will," he replied.
Stef and Lena whispered together in a quick conference. "B.," Stef said, turning to her son, "Mom and I don't want you to pay us back anything else for your... previous engagement. Instead, we want to put what we spent back into a nice ceremony for you and Callie. It will be a gift from both of us."
"Moms," said Brandon. "I don't know what to say. Thank you!"
Callie hugged both Stef and Lena. "Thanks so much," she told them.
"It's the least we can do," Lena said. "And we can't imagine a more deserving couple."
Stef smiled at Callie, the corners of her eyes crinkling. "We'll make it pretty for you, baby girl. We'll start planning it right away." She took Brandon into her gaze, as well as her daughter. "You two start thinking about a date, so we can get invitations made." Stef was happier about the prospect of planning the event than she dared let on. Callie was her angel, and she wanted to do right by her. And she knew that working with her daughter would be a delight, where working with Talya was like being on an episode of Bridezillas. They had so much to look forward to.
"We will," Brandon promised. "Thanks again." He hugged Stef and Lena, and gave them each a brief kiss on the cheek.
"We'll let you have some privacy," said Lena. "There's still plenty of pie if you want it later." She had already hidden a few slices in the back of the fridge, knowing they wouldn't last long with Jesus, Jude, and Mike at the table. She and Stef went back into the kitchen, hand in hand.
Callie took Brandon's hand once they were alone. "Please," she said. "Will you propose to me the way you were gonna? You went through a lot of trouble, and I really want to hear it."
"Of course," he told her. He dug in his pocket and removed the jewelry box. "Sit on the bench," he directed. Once she was seated, he got down on one knee in front of her, and took her hand in his. Looking into the beautiful brown eyes he loved so much, he cleared his throat, then began. "Callie, I love you, more than life itself. You make every day beautiful. You're my world, and I want you by my side forever. Will you... commit... to me?" His words weren't exactly as he rehearsed, but he was happy with his proposal, and judging by Callie's smile, she was too.
"Yes," she said sincerely. "I will."
Brandon's hands shook as he opened the box he held, and took out the ring. Slowly, he slipped the delicate piece of jewelry on her finger, where he knew it belonged. "This ring made me think of you," he told her. "I hope you like it."
Callie looked at the ring. The lamplight caused the stones to glisten in their setting. "It's lovely," she said. "I'm speechless..." Her face crumpled, and she burst into tears.
Brandon cupped her face in his hand, and brushed the tears from under her eyes. Then, he took her into his arms. Their lips met in a long kiss. "I'm so lucky to have you," he whispered.
Callie smiled. "I'm pretty lucky, myself."
To Be Continued