Disclaimer: Fictional characters that live in this fantasy world are living their best life amidst pandemic. Let them inspire you to do the same safely. I urge you to be patient with this chapter. We're almost at the end and I want to give enough justice to this story. Thank you for your time. Enjoy the first part!
Chapter 10: The Crown Bonds Stupefy Project Part I
Mornin', Mum. I have a surprise for you today. You'll love it.
P.S. I took the car. I'll be back soon.
Love you,
Russ
Megan was looking at the note that her son left then shifting to her watch. "It's already late afternoon. I think I should call him now." She was worried. She brought the note with her while preparing dinner in the kitchen. Her Mum was helping her prepare.
Just as she was about to open her phone, car horns were heard from outside. "Oh, finally." Her worries washed away along with the water that touched her hands. She immediately dried them and wore her mask.
"I'm home!" That was not the voice of the son she was expecting. "LYLA!?" The excitement in Megan's voice was evident. Her daughter surprised everyone with her arrival. As she opened the door, there was an unfortunate pause for a few seconds. Since the pandemic, it became second nature for the rest of the world to be hesitant in giving anyone a hug or a kiss like they used to. Good thing, sweet Charlie broke the ice and welcomed Lyla first.
She picked up the dog for a hug then laid him back down on the floor. Ly's attention returned to her Mum. "It's alright, Mum. A super quick hug will do. I'm negative." Without further ado, Megan clashed with Ly. Though it was quick, it felt the warmest. Russ was behind them with his sister's luggage. Megan also hugged him as he entered.
"You like my surprise?" Russ was smiling ear to ear behind his mask. "Oh dear, I love it so much. Why didn't you tell me? I could have cooked all your faves for dinner tonight." Megan helped him with the other stuff.
Ly went straight to Dawn and also hugged her. Everyone was still in masks for a good measure. "But if we tell you, then that would spoil the surprise. And besides, anything you cook is our fave. So you better finish this and I'll have a bath so we could have dinner. I miss you all." Ly kissed her grandma's forehead before removing her mask to show everyone her smile.
"Okay, dear. You go rest too, Russ. But I do need to ask, what took you both so long? You left early in the morning. The airport and the facility are not that far from us. You made me worry." The siblings gave each other a meaningful look. They had to think of a quick alibi so their Mum can't truly know where they've been and who they were with.
"Sorry if I didn't message at all. But there was a ton of paperwork in the facility before Ly could go home." Ly nodded and attested the alibi his brother made. "Oh. I see. Alright." Megan just conceded and didn't ask further. She's just happy her babies were back home.
When they all gathered by the table, Megan happily fed her family with the scrumptious meal she and her mother prepared. She was elated but a hint of nervousness was seen in her eyes. That didn't escape Dawn's notice and gave her daughter a knowing look. "As you enjoy this fantastic dinner we prepared, your mother will tell you something very important."
Megan gave her Mum a momentary glare then anxiously smiled at her children. "Well, thank you for the heads-up, Mum." She sarcastically smiled at her while Dawn acted coy. She cleared her throat before she laid down her utensils.
"As you are both aware, Alan and I have been dating for a year now. And I…" She was hesitant to continue as she went back to her fork and played with her food.
"And?" Ly found her Mum's hesitance alarming. She looked at her brother in concern. They shared the same thought. What's she up to?
Megan finally continued. "I want to marry him." Her children were all smiles. At least they don't need to worry about what she'll answer to Alan's proposal. "Oh, that's great, Mum! Has he proposed yet?" Ly asked coyly as she knew the answer. But nothing could prepare her children from her intentions.
"No. That's why I'll be the one proposing. I hope I could get your support in this decision." Russ couldn't hold his tongue. "I'm sorry, did I hear that right? You're proposing?"
She simply nodded and observed her children looking at each other in shock. Then, she turned a worried look at her Mum, begging for salvation for the silence that came after.
"Your Mum told me about it this morning. I was as shocked as you are now. But it's honestly about time that they do this. And a woman proposing to her man ain't news. I support her and both of you should do too." Dawn held her daughter's hand and warmed her with comfort. But her eyes went back to her grandchildren.
"Don't get us wrong. We ultimately support you, Mum. It's just quite amazing 'cause in all honesty and due respect, we were afraid you don't want to marry anymore…" Ly lowered her head while Russ tried to reason for them.
"What Ly means is that we are truly glad you know what you want and we will support you all the way." Russ stood up and went between her Mum and grandma. He leaned to kiss his mother's head and rested his hand on her shoulder. "We love you, Mum. And we love Alan for you. We are very happy for both of you."
She looked at him. Her tears were welled up in her lower lid. She laid her hand on the hand on her shoulder then reached out to her daughter's hand. "I thought I don't want to marry too but he changed that. Alan and this pandemic made me change my mind. I'm so happy that you are all in this with me. It may sound pretty wild but your Nana is right. This is a long time coming."
The three of them exchanged warm smiles and loving aura through the glow of their eyes. Dawn was mesmerized by the view they painted for her but jokingly said, "I bet your siblings will be more dramatic than you three."
As per usual, Dawn broke the ice and they laughed happily. They returned to their dinner and talked about when her proposal will happen.
"Well, I was thinking of doing it this weekend when I return from my shoot and..." Russ suddenly choked on his food and Ly's eyes went wide. "Russ, are you alright? What's wrong?" Megan was alarmed by their reactions.
Ly did her best to not laugh while tapping her brother's back. She knew what triggered his reaction and realized what will happen. Dawn observed the two and sensed they were up to something. "Perhaps Russ has a prior commitment on the weekend that he choked on the realization." Ly mocked his brother and waited how he'll save himself. He drank his water and shook his head.
"Oh good, looks like we are free this weekend, Mum." Ly gave the most charming assurance and Megan reciprocated with tender gratitude. "Oh, fantastic! I have his ring already. Would you like to see it?" They nodded and Megan excitedly stood from her chair to get the ring from her room.
"What's up with that Ly? Why did you almost reveal..." Before Russ could finish his retaliation on his sister, Dawn interjected in suspicion. "Reveal what?" She had a hunch but she wanted to hear from their mouths.
Ly lifted herself to lean a whisper across the table at a safe distance. "Alan will propose as well, Nana. It's going to be at the weekend too! And he's going to ask for your blessing along with the rest of the family when Mum leaves for work tomorrow. And…"
She didn't get to finish because Megan appeared in the dining area once more. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Oh, your daughter just wondered if Alan would say yes to you." Dawn winked at her grandson and Russ snickered. Ly glared at both but joined in the fun. "Of course I do believe Alan will say yes. Don't fret, Mum. Nana's just teasing."
"Well, I'm open to that possibility and I'm okay if he does say no. My ego might be bruised after that but our relationship won't be broken. Unless he wants to break up, I won't let him go."
Russ found it fascinating that the couple said the same thing and switched the sudden somber mood into a light one. "You both are so perfect for each other. Now, let's see that ring."
Megan brilliantly smiled as she opened the white velvet box. It was an elegant black tungsten ring. Just a simple black metallic band finish in its entirety. "It's a pretty simple design. But the work placed in it was far from effortless. Just like what happened in our relationship. Through it all, we became as strong as this tungsten ring. Then, we became stronger and more beautiful when embraced by our love for each other and love all around from our families, exactly like that metallic finish,"
"Wow," were all her children muttered. "He better say yes to that." Leave it to Dawn to bring back the laughter. Then they continued their dinner as they marveled at the ring. Just like how they helped Alan, Russ and Ly smoothened her weekend plan.
After dinner, Megan returned the ring to her room before helping out clean. For a brief moment the trio was left again and this time, it was Dawn who approached Lyla. "I know Alan's proposing. His Mum told me. But I didn't expect they would think of proposing to each other on the same weekend."
"I know! That's why this guy choked." Ly lightly slapped his brother's shoulder. "Aw! I choked but you were about to reveal the secret!"
"What secret?" Megan turned up by the sink where her children were. She fortunately only heard the word 'secret' so she had no clue what they were talking about.
The two froze but their Nana saved them again. "We decided to surprise the family with Lyla's return. I also think it's a great time for you to tell them your plan before you go back to work."
The two waited for their Mum's reaction and to find out if she had a glimpse of their real secret. Megan smiled. "Oh, that is a good idea. Okay, I'll talk to them tomorrow." Her children sighed in relief and they all finished cleaning up before they headed to bed.
Megan hit up Alan on her phone. She was excited to talk to him because of what happened over dinner.
"Hello there, my sweet Carrots. How are you?" Alan just finished unpacking his things from his out of town shoot. "Wow, Valentine. You're so romantic. You know what, that's just unfair. How come your nickname is cooler than mine? You're an event or a season while I'm a vegetable?" Megan wittingly countered.
Alan hysterically laughed and cried out of laughter. "Oh my God. I love you so much." Then she returned his infectious laugh. "I know. I love me too." Then they shared a laugh. But that was not the only thing they shared at that moment.
As their laughter settled, they held onto the rings that were meant to be for each other. Their meaningful looks at their proposal gifts were the destiny of two souls that have always belonged to each other. "Your laugh is intoxicating. You are so beautiful when you laugh." Alan was imagining Megan's hand with that ring. "And I miss laughing in your strong arms. You always make me feel at home." Megan was imagining Alan's marvel while wearing that ring.
"Then, come home this weekend. Come home to me." And say yes to me. His mind continued. Alan wanted nothing but her and the blessing of her family, which he wished to get the next day.
Megan's smile crept lovingly as she saw what might happen on the weekend. "Yes, my love. I will come home to you this weekend." And hopefully, you say yes to me. Her thoughts completed the statement. Megan wanted everything with him, including her family and his sister's approval of her proposing, which she wished to get the next day.
"You're going to work again tomorrow, right? Have you packed your things? Do you need help?" Alan carefully closed the black velvet box and placed it in his side table drawer.
"Oh, I'm just getting my bag. Wait, how will you help me?" The call suddenly dropped and Megan looked at her phone. Alan wanted to FaceTime. "Damn it, Alan." She almost dropped the phone and the ring. She hastily closed the white velvet box and hid it in her side table drawer. She tried to fix her hair a little then hit on the green telephone button.
"Hey, there again, Valentine. A heads up would have been nice but I guess this will do." Her wits got him twisted. "Oh my, were you busy? Sorry for the intrusion. I just wanted to help. I didn't want to be a bad boy." His charms turned on her daze.
"Well, as long as you're my bad boy, I think it's fine." She winked at him and naturally bit her lower lip. "Oooh, my coquette. How I miss you. Be mine this weekend, yes?" And for the rest of our lives hopefully. Her virtual presence was already ecstasy. He imagined that her existence would be euphoria.
"Yes… If you let me have you, the weekend won't be enough." And forever seems not to be enough for us. His virtual aura embraced her every fiber. She imagined that his electric touch would awaken her whole existence.
"And your time to pack won't be enough as well." Alan did his best to stir back their focus on the task at hand. "But you know I hate packing." She let out the pout that could beat Charlie or any pup in a begging game and landed on her bed full of clothes.
"I knew you'd do this, Carrots. Don't lay on your pile of clothes, fall asleep on them, and haphazardly do everything tomorrow. Or else I have to come there and annoy you for the rest of the night."
Megan prompted on her elbow and childishly smiled at the camera. "You'll come over even if you're miles away? I'll take that option any day." Then, she exaggeratedly sprawled across her bed with her phone up. Alan giggled and remembered he had not revealed that he was back at home. She must not know that he's home already.
"Oh, babe. I'm sorry if I bluffed. I was just trying to push you to start packing because you seriously need to pack now. C'mon, my love. You can do this. Up you go. Start packing for me, please?"
She wanted to throw a childish tantrum to lure him home but he was right. So she pouted her way to an upright seat and started on his request. She loved how he keeps her grounded at all times. I can't wait for the rest of our lives. Her inevitable smile was noticed by him.
"Did I just spy a smile? Yey, that's the spirit, my sweet Carrots." I can't wait to love and care for you forever. He always loved to take care of her even in her silliest state or in any state. His smitten beam was very evident.
"Hey, stop treating me like a child." Megan still pouted and crossed her arms. "Of course not. I'm treating you like my sexy baby who just hates packing." Alan countered a good argument. But his coquettish Queen could always turn a conversation to a one-eighty degree.
"Because this kind of 'packing' is tedious and dull. The 'packing' that is also tedious but pleasurable is what I truly desire." She did her usual combo of sexily licking her lips and biting her lips to let her innuendo sink in him.
He might have left a soft moan to her wordplay. It's been so long that their bodies experienced explicit pleasures in person that even a simple innuendo could trigger them unlike any before. But they needed to be patient. They knew that they're so near the most awaited moment. "And that's the 'packing' that I could be truly helpful." He let her know he craved for her every day.
Megan kept her flirty eyes on. "Oh, I bet you would and I would love that." Alan locked those eyes and fixed them to his soul. "Anything for my queen." They laughed to calm their bodies. She continued packing while he reminded her of everything she needed. They went to bed after that and slept with a dream that tomorrow will be full of warm support from the people they valued the most.
The next day as scheduled, the Follows zoom gathering happened. But they had to keep the volume low of their tv to which the meeting was on because as expected, everyone was excited. They were excited about Lyla's arrival and Megan's announcement.
"Finally! Oh my goodness. You just really like stirring the pot, little Meg, don't ya?" Her older sister Edwina teased. The rest chimed in the teasing. They were so exhilarated and commended her for taking the proposal into her own hands. But as expected, her brother Laurence gave the wittiest remark.
"The great question is, will Alan say yes?" The whole family burst out. Megan made a face but took no offense and joined the laughter. But Sam, her closest sister, saved her. "We all know Alan loves Meg. She will get that 'yes' and we will have a new brother-in-law." Everybody let out an 'aww' and Megan blushed to the sentiment.
Their online mini-reunion was interrupted by a significant call on Megan's phone. "Speaking of the devil," Ly had a peek at her Mum's phone to see Alan calling. "Oh, answer it here so everybody could say hi." Dawn insisted.
"Alright, but not a word about the proposal. Can I trust you all on that?" Almost all of them lifted their right hand of promise and giggled in amazement to witness it happen on screen. Megan smiled and gestured for the rest to keep quiet.
"Hi, babe. Just checking if you're ready for your flight. I don't want you to be late." Alan caringly said over FaceTime. She was still facing her family so Alan didn't know what was happening in the background. "Hey, love. I'm actually in the living room 'cause guess who's back home and everybody is here to welcome her." Then she turned so that he could see her family.
"Hi, Alan! I'm back home." Lyla winked at him, given that he already knew her arrival. "Oh wow, Ly! Welcome back home dear! And hello, everyone!" He all smiled at his girlfriend's family. Then Russ had a brilliant idea of sending the link to Alan so he'll be in the virtual meet. The couple said their temporary byes as he connected.
When he finally got in, they all said hi and everyone did their best to mention no proposals or surprises of sorts. A few more short talks and catch up later, it was time for Megan to go.
"Oh, look at the time. I need to go to the airport now. Russ will take me there. Please keep my boyfriend company and I'll update you all soon once I arrive on location. Talk to you all again soon! I love you all!"
She blew a kiss to everyone and another directed to Alan as she mouthed 'I love you'. She waved and put her mask on. She went out and Russ followed suit.
Alan panicked a little. He realized they are all here and gathered without Megan. It was the perfect time for him to address his intentions. As much as he preferred to talk to them in person, he had no choice since everyone was far away. But before he talked, he messaged Ly about his plan.
When Ly got the message, she opened the conversation with her family. "Oh, guys. Now, that Mum's out, I have to let you in a secret. But promise you will do whatever it takes to keep it away from Mum. Am I clear?" Her aunties and uncle were intrigued. Her cousins were quite eager. But all of them nodded for the secrecy.
"Okie. Alan? It's your turn." She smiled fondly at her Mum's partner. Her grandma beamed at her future son-in-law as she felt she knew what he was about to say.
"Alright, hmm, hi again everyone. Excuse my nervousness, but I don't want to take much of your time so I'll go straight to my point. I hope that you all trust and believe that I love Megan so much. And this past year has been relatively special for both of us. But I think I can't wait for the pandemic to end to be with her for the rest of my life. So I humbly ask all of you for your blessing in Megan's hand. I hope to marry her if she says yes this weekend."
He didn't remember who started to squeal in excitement, but the virtual crowd became stunned and more energetic. Perhaps, they realized that they will be proposing to each other, or the sheer joy that an event amidst the pandemic will happen.
"Oh Alan, we appreciate you asking and I speak for the rest of the family that we give you our blessings. We've never seen her this happy. Thank you for making that happen. We are both happy for you." Sam spoke.
Alan was enraptured. "Thank you so much. This means a lot for Megan and me." Laurence interjected with humor. "What means a lot to us is both your happiness and the ring." Everybody laughed and Alan got the clue. It was already in his pocket and showed it to them. For a few seconds, it grew quiet until Edwina broke the silence with "Wow, why can't my husband get me that ring?" Then another set of laughter followed.
They kept the conversation going until it was finally time to say goodbye. They all bid him good luck and promised their time for the weekend for the proposal. It will still be in virtual attendance but it was attendance nonetheless. After the meet ended, Alan messaged Ly that his family will come over for dinner and personally talk to Dawn. Ly acknowledged and immediately told Dawn then eventually her brother.
That evening, Megan was in a coffee shop to meet with his sister. Her shoot was in a town where Alan's youngest sister, Evie, lived.
"Meg? Hi dear! Welcome back!" They beamed beneath their masks as they greeted each other. "Hi, Vie. How are you?"
"I'm good, thank you. And you? How's it going with you and Alan? I hope he's not giving you headaches." Evie chuckled before ordering her coffee. "No worries. You helped mold quite a fine man in your brother, quite fine that I wanna marry him." Megan didn't waste any time.
Evie almost choked on her coffee. "Wait, this is the plan you messaged me about? Did he propose already? Are we planning a wedding already!?"
"No, he has not. But I do hope we will be planning a wedding after the events this weekend." Megan quickly answered and sipped her coffee. Evie was baffled. Because Alan had informed his family some weeks before and thought it was going to be sooner than later. Why in the world hasn't he proposed to you yet? Oh, he'll hear from me tonight. Evie's mind wanted to shout at her brother. But she also had the hunch where Megan's words were going. Then, it clicked.
"Oh, so you're the one proposing? Well, what's new? My brother is such a slowpoke." Megan's eyes were very expressive and thankful for his sister's mind for making it easier for her.
Evie and Megan have been good friends ever since Alan introduced his family to her. And they've always been in-sync as their minds think alike. Only Evie figured out Megan's plan with just two sentences.
"You know, we think alike way too much. I asked to meet with you tonight for your blessing. So how in the world did you figure out I'm the one proposing?" Megan can't help but be amazed at the woman in front of her and soon to be her sister-in-law. They shared a giggle at the thought.
"Because great minds think alike, Meg. And haven't you shared that thought with me two years ago? After your Paris trip, I think. When you told me you married yourself and you contemplated if you should have asked Alan first before doing that?" She chortled because it was a conversation in passing but it made a great impact on her memory.
"Wow, you remembered that? I think I shared that with you 'cause your brother jokingly offered an open marriage with myself and I didn't know what to do with my feelings for him." She embarrassingly laughed at the memory.
"Don't worry. You were not alone in the confusion at that time. He also confided with me before you reached out." She stirred her drink and Megan's reverie.
"If it was bound to happen, it will happen. I believe in both of you. So I encouraged him to hold on to his feelings for you. Your situation may not be clear at that time but at least your feelings were. I also encouraged him to look back on how you started, like watching Reign again or even re-reading the scripts to give him comfort." Megan's mouth visibly gaped.
"Are you telling me that you played Cupid on us unintentionally?" Evie quirked in curiosity. "Cupid? How?"
Megan let out breaths of astonishment. "Well, we found the same script on the same day. That moment led us to realize that all this time, we might still have a chance."
"Unbelievable. Are you serious? This happened when?" I knew it, you both were so meant to be. They were amazed at what fate can do. "Just last year, almost at the start of the quarantine era. The past year was a whirlwind." Megan happily replied.
"And so is your incredible love story. It took you seven years and a pandemic to reach this point. So my blessing is a given even if you don't ask for it. Your wedding, however, shouldn't be a whirlwind event." Evie was all in for them.
"Thanks, dear. I knew I could count on you anytime. But he has not yet said yes to me. It's too early to talk about that." She blushed at that thought that she could be planning a wedding soon.
"Meg. Do you seriously think I will let my brother say no to you? I'll kick his ass if he even dared to think about that. So yes, we're gonna talk about it now especially that you're in town." Megan shook her head along with her laughter in Evie's passionate response.
As his love and his sister talk about the wedding from the other side of Canada, Alan together with his Mum and son went to Megan's home for dinner.
Ly opened the door and welcomed the Van Sprangs. "Hello dear, thank you for entertaining us." Alan and his family were in masks but their ardent eyes were pleased to be there. The Follows also had their masks on and shared the same sentiments to the other family.
Logan high-fived the siblings with their elbows then went straight to Dawn and gave her crown a peck in the mask. "Hi, Nana! It's nice to see you."
"Oh hi, sweet boy. How have you been?" Dawn also welcomed her best friend and Alan. "I've been really good, Nana. Quite excited to have a new Mum. Hopefully after this week." The teenager was not playing around and the adults cackled at the insight.
"Oh my, isn't he a charmer? I wonder where he got that." Max turned to her son but answered, "Obviously, from me," and pointed eloquently at herself. The Follows giggled as they saw their new family extension, making themselves at home.
"Anyways, thank you again for your time tonight. I just accompanied them here before I'll pick up our food." Alan looked at his watch and gestured that he'll head out. "I'll be back in fifteen minutes."
"Do you need company?" Russ offered himself but Alan quickly declined. "It's okay, Russ. You can just help me later when I arrive." He looked at Logan, who seemed to understand his dad's intention. "Take care, dad. We'll just bond here while we wait. Message me once you're back so we could help you." And with that, he was out.
Logan didn't waste time. Alan wanted Logan to bond with Russ and Ly. That was his dad's intention. But the teenager has another agenda.
They were all by the dining area and when Logan asked for everyone to be seated. He placed himself by the middle so everyone could see what he was up to. He removed his journal from his bag and opened it to the intended pages.
"What do you think?" The crowd was speechless. The two-paged blueprint was creatively titled 'The Crown Bonds Stupefy Project', crafted in a certain aesthetic. On the left side page, it was a detailed layout of Alan and Megan's respective proposal plans, written in permanent ink. On the right side, the page was the combined plans written in pencil.
Lyla and the two grandmas applauded Logan for the art he created. Russ looked at it in detail. "So Mum has spoken to you?" Logan nodded. "Yup, she asked for my blessing the other day and called for the details just this morning. After that, I immediately did this."
"Nice. Now I'm curious about the title and how we'll make this happen." Russ looked at it more intently as Logan started to explain.
"Well, I chose that title because they are our King and Queen who will offer each other rings that were meant to stupefy them like no other. They have no clue they are proposing to each other this weekend because their plans clashed. It's a good thing they unknowingly agreed on the same venue."
"Clashed? How and where?" Dawn and Max became more curious and worried at the same time. Their grandchildren knowingly looked at each other since their parents disclosed everything to them.
"Mum and Alan wanted to do it here in our backyard. But Mum wanted it at noon while Alan wants it at night." Ly pointed at Logan's info.
"She also wanted me to fetch your dad while he wanted me to bring Mum somewhere first so he could prepare here." Russ brought up that concern.
"Speaking of preparation, they both mentioned having to include a teddy bear? Mumzy said he wanted me to hand him a teddy bear while Dad wants to borrow a teddy bear that she has."
"Oh, I think I know that bear. It must have been very important to them. Ly, remember when we went to Pops and…" Dawn interfered in attention. "You went to your grandpa?"
"Oh yes, Nana. Alan asked us to accompany him there. He asked for his blessing for Mum's hand. He said he achieved what he needed and he even tore upon his grave."
Both Dawn and Max were enamored by Alan's sincere effort. "I've always been proud of my son. But I'm proudest of the man he becomes without the prying eyes."
They all admired him together then returned to the task. "Anyways, so here is what I came up with. I combined their plans in a more doable way. That's why this side was in the pencil so we could still change it just in case." They all nodded to the wisdom of the youngest one in the room.
"I was thinking we could suggest to have it in the afternoon, just perfect for the sunset as a beautiful background. Then, for the setup let's follow dad's plan to have petals on the grass with the bear as center holding the ring for Mumzy." Logan started.
"Yeah, that's good. So we need Mum and Alan to be away from here while we do the setup as fast as we could. But what reasons will we have for them to run an errand?" Lyla shared.
"Perhaps I could accompany her to develop the pictures she wanted for her setup while letting him think that I whisked her away just as he wanted," Russ suggested. "And I could tell him to pick up some more flowers while Ly and I do the setup." Logan proudly said.
"Oh yeah, that's a good idea. They will both think they are doing tasks for their setups. But what about the ring for your Dad?" Maxine contributed. "I could get that from Mum. Then we'll place it also with the bear, just like what she likes to do." Ly answered.
"Yes, then I'll 'fetch him' as Mum requested. But not from his house, but rather from his car with his flowers." Russ followed.
"It would be fantastic if when they arrive here, they would think that they will still have to do their setup. But what they don't know, we have finished our setup for them." Dawn chimed in.
"I could imagine how it would turn out. The shock on their faces as they propose to each other will be the next best part to their apparent 'Yeses', wouldn't it?" Maxine's insights filled their heads.
"Yes, Grans. That's the goal. And the joy that will be in our faces and the rest of the family will be priceless. Oh, speaking of families, let's not forget the zoom set up by that window, so the device will capture that moment for everyone to witness." Logan was ecstatic as the plan smoothened out in front of them.
"I wonder who would ask first. Would that affect the whole thing?" Ly chortled. "Perhaps, but unlikely. For sure, fate will take its course. So let whatever happens as it is meant to happen." Dawn insightfully added.
Everything came together as they wished and clearly couldn't wait for their plan to be to fruition. They became content with their project as Alan was on his way back and an unexpected call came through.
"Hi, Evie. I didn't expect your call. How are you?" Alan was very pleased that his sister called. "Hello, brother. Do you know what else is also unexpected? Megan's dinner invitation tonight. Also only to find out, she is not yet wearing a new ring. Why is that? When will you propose, slowpoke?" She lovingly teased her brother as she went on her way home. Her catch up with Megan was a success.
"Oh wow, she invited you for dinner? That's good that you bonded. Don't worry. Hopefully, soon she'll invite you to our wedding. The proposal is happening this weekend. I'm actually on my way back to her house to talk to Dawn and her kids while having Mum and Logan there with me."
"OH MY GOD! ALAN! Why are you only telling me this now?!" was all she screamed and Alan just laughed knowing her sister. But Evie screamed for joy and for the fact they are proposing to each other. "Seriously, you are so meant to be, you have no idea, Alan." The sentiments were valid.
"Yeah, I'm so excited. Free yourself on the weekend, okay? Logan will send the zoom invite." But before Alan could hang up, Evie came in like fire. "Oh best believe, I'll be there Alan. I won't miss this proposal for the world. If you want, I'll accompany Megan when she returns on the weekend." That's our plan. But again, surprising you with my arrival would be pointless since you will be surprised by her proposal.
She internalized as she heard a gasp from her brother. "You would do that!? Oh, Evie. Thank you so much. I would need all your support by that weekend. Love you, sis. I'm back at the Follows residence. Wish me luck with Dawn." Alan was already pulling over.
"She adores you. Her whole family does. Megan told me. And of course, I'm your sister and I will help you get me the best sister-in-law. So happy for both of you. Contact me with whatever help you'll need. Love you too, bro." The siblings happily ended their call.
Alan messaged his son just in time as they finished their project plans for the weekend. Everyone happily munched on the dinner that he brought. Dawn personally gave her blessing to Alan over dinner and they all talked about his proposal further.
The children were successful in convincing him to adjust his plan to their advantage. They all let out a sigh of relief as they came to a middle ground with their agendas fulfilled. Max helped the children fix the dinner aftermath and gestured at Dawn to have her talk with her son. Dawn smiled in acknowledgment and moved to the kitchen to prepare some tea. His mind ran wild after everything that was said and done in that dinner.
I can't believe it. We made it here, Megan.
He was by the backdoor when his contemplation was knocked out by Dawn. "You are in deep thought, my dear. Would you like to talk about it?" Dawn was holding out tea for him and invited him by the backyard patio where the moon shined bright on that autumn night.
"Oh Dawn, I should be the one asking for a talk and making the tea for you. But I appreciate this effort." Alan was quite abashed and led them to their destination seat. "My dear, it's alright. This is my house and you are my guest for now. But not for long, as this house will be an additional home soon." Her smile was sweet and sincere that warmed his heart.
"So what was your deep thought about?" Dawn sipped on while she waited for him to open up. "Thank you for giving your blessing. But I believe that it entailed how this proposal is sinking in my head. I'm overwhelmed and full of mixed emotions with what the future holds for me and your daughter." He looked at his tea but set it aside as more words came out of his mouth.
"Not that I'm having second thoughts. But rather faltering confidence if I could live up to the promise to make her happy for the rest of our lives. I love her so much, Dawn. I will never leave her. But do you think I'm deserving of her? Could I be everything she hoped for?" For some reason, Dawn saw in Alan's eyes what she saw in Megan's when her daughter sought her guidance about her feelings for him at the start of the pandemic.
She set aside her tea. "You know, the children told Max and me that you went to their grandpa's grave. Was that true?" Alan blushingly nodded. "Well, that is the answer to your question."
Alan was so dumbfounded with her wisdom and seemingly so to Dawn's eyes. So she explained further. "You are a man of honor and dignity, in and out of any camera or character. With all your respect for my daughter and everyone she holds dear, I think you are overqualified. But wouldn't you rather be that person than a doubting being on the future you fear that will only unfold if you choose to be afraid? So don't be afraid and just continue to live as you are now. Trust that your love is stronger than you expect and you will see that you deserve one another. If you made it through a pandemic, you will make it through marriage."
They shared a laugh at the witty statement that bared all the validation Alan needed at the moment. A few more words of wisdom from Dawn until she invited him back inside. But Alan asked for a few more moments to himself while looking at the moon.
Hi, Moon. You've witnessed a lot in the past year. I'm thankful for your significance in my love for Megan. I hope Dawn is right that I am more than enough for her. So if I may, please shine bright on her tonight. Eclipse my love for her like no other. May this distance be the last time I'll be looking at you alone, as the Alan that I am. I hope to see you in this light as the Alan that was made for her, as her fiancé, and eventually her husband. I love her, Moon. I love you, Megan.
And true enough, the moon pulled onto Megan's center as his internal voice reached the celestial body. Megan looked at the moon as if someone pushed her to look by the balcony of her hotel room.
You look so beautiful tonight, Moon. You must have reflected so much light from the sun that gave us such a beautiful day. I'm grateful for your presence and how you remind me of my Alan. I love looking at you and realizing what you have witnessed this past year. I hope the weekend will mark that I won't look at you as the Megan that I am now. I hope to be looking at you within the arms of my husband. Let your light shine bright on him. Make him feel my love from wherever I may be. I love him, Moon. I love you, Alan.
They both looked at the moon further before he went back to his family and she went to bed. The moon shined on them and at the weekend that will change their lives and of their whole world.
I hope you like that. I am forever grateful for your love and patience for this piece. The next part will be uploaded soon. All my love, Elle Rose Maltz.