The Engagement Part I:

As we walk into the dining room, everyone stands up.

"Cara, you look beautiful." My Nonno Felipe complements, as we walk deeper into the room.

"Thank you, Nonno." I replied, giving him a small smile.

He gestures for me to sit, right next to Edward. As I walk to my seat, I note that everyone is dressed up for the occasion. Even my Nonno, who usually wears a pair of silk lounge pants and shirt to dinner, is wearing a navy suit, with a dark maroon button up, and a navy blue tie.

My Nani is present too. I notice she is out of her lounge clothes, and dressed in a simple maroon, cotton dress. She still wears the oxygen cannula under her nose, but seems to be looking better than earlier today. She looks at me expectantly, giving me a happy smile when she sees me. I can't help smile back in return.

I guess this is it. I note, reaching for my water glass.

"Isa, can I speak to you after dinner?" Edward suddenly asks.

"Sure." I respond, taking a sip from my glass.

I look at the food that is set before me, my stomach churning with nerves. I couldn't even look at the meal before me, whether salad or melanzane alla parmigiana. Or the lasagna made from my Nonna's special recipe.

"What is wrong, dolcezza? Are you not feeling well?" Zia Catalina asks, noticing my lack of appetite.

"I'm fine, Zia. I just don't feel like eating melanzane alla parmigiana." I replied.

"Try eating some salad." Zia suggests.

I nod, digging into the strawberry salad with the balsamic vinaigrette.

The sweetness of the strawberries, and the coolness of the salad help my stomach calm down.

The meal goes by quickly. Too quickly, in fact.

I've had a glass of wine and two cups of water, and now I need to use the bathroom. So, I quietly excuse myself, and head to the bathroom, quickly relieving myself, before washing my hands, exiting the bathroom and heading back to the dining room.

As I reach the entrance I hear someone call me. "Isa?"

He is waiting for me on the terrace, with his back to me as he stares up at the star illuminated sky.

The warm night appeared to have cooled down as I slowly made my way towards him.

"You wanted to speak to me, Edward?" I asked, twisting and untwisting the ring on my right hand.

"I do." He replied quietly.

"Go on." I said, looking up at the sky, wondering if my parents were watching from up there, sighing sadly as I think of them.

"Isabetta Marina Swantorini, you have been my best friend since we were little bambinos playing in mia mamma's yard. We've been through hell and back, through thick and thin, and want to be with you for the rest of my life. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He asked, nervously, kneeling down on one knee before me.

He was the perfect height to slug him, yet, I held back the sudden urge and looked down at him before turning towards the door, and noting everyone was watching us.

My heart quickened as I realized this was it. Everyone seemed to be waiting for my response as I stared down at him.

In his hand was a white gold ring with a unique flower design. A large diamond was placed in the middle, and two flowers surrounded it. The middle of the flowers had smaller diamonds, causing the ring to shimmer spectacularly even in the dark of the night.

"Yes." I replied, trying to add happiness to my voice only to fail miserably.

He gave me a small smile, before slowly standing up, and sliding the ring into the third finger of my left hand.

As cheer erupted around us, I smiled tentatively at him.

"We'll get through this." He whispered to me as our family congratulated us.

I went back to my room after everyone finished congratulating us, taking pictures, and all in all being happy for us.

The only highlight of my night was the delighted expression on my Nani's face as she witnessed Edward's marriage proposal.

Not the proposal since it was half assed like most of the things he's done lately.

I slowly changed out of my dress, and pulled on the deep blue, satin night dress before going to sit on the bay window.

"Dio dammi la forza." I whisper, looking up at the star speckled sky, feeling my eyes tear up as I stare. (God give me strength.)