The morning came, more peaceful and tranquil than before…..surprisingly.
Cloud pulled Tifa's father aside.
"What do you want Cloud? I have to get my things ready to leave tonight…."
"I want to ask you something…."
"What?"
"I-It's about Tifa…." Cloud stuttered, obviously nervous.
"What about her?" Tifa's dad asked as he eyed Cloud.
Cloud fumbled through his pocket and found what he was looking for. Pausing, he looked around to see if Tifa was near them. Satisfied that she wasn't around, he pulled a small box out of his pocket, "I bought this awhile ago….and….I w-was wondering if…I-I…."
Tifa's father put his hand on Cloud's shoulder, "Cloud….I know what you are trying to say…..and I know there is a ring in that box. My answer is..." He paused, "Yes."
Cloud looked up from the floor, "R-really?"
"You may have my daughter's hand, you are not the same….I can see that. But tell me this, when are you going to ask her?"
"Tonight at dinner, in front of everyone."
"Well…. I'll see you then, Mr. Strife."
Mr. Lockheart turned and walked away, leaving Cloud wondering what just happened.
For the rest of the day everyone kept busy, that is when they weren't laughing at Cloud, Who was very, veerrryy nervous about the upcoming event.
Around five, people started arriving. It was Barret and Nanaki first, followed by Yuffie and Vincent, Then Cid and Shera, and then Reno, Elena and Rude.
"Let's get this party started!" Reno yelled as he walked through the door, only to get thrown to the floor by Elena, who followed them.
"Sorry about that…" Elena said as she then grabbed Reno's limp form and then dragged him to the table.
Dinner got underway and Tifa stood and made a toast, "My friends, I thank you for coming to my house tonight and enjoying dinner with us. Here's to our friends!"
Everyone cheered.
About midway through the dinner, Cloud and Tifa's father locked eyes. Her father nodded. Cloud gulped and stood, "I-I would like to say something." He looked at Tifa, "Tifa….."
She looked up and watched him get lower and down on one knee, "Oh my god….." She realized what he was doing.
He looked up to her and opened the box he had in his hand, "Tifa Lockheart….will you marry me?"
She was speechless for a few minuetes and stuttered, "I-I Will!"
Everyone cheered again as Tifa and Cloud kissed.
"Ewww…." Denzel said as he scrunched his face.
Barret just laughed and ruffled the boy's fluffy hair, "Aw, come on Denzel. This is great!" He leaned over and whispered in his ear, "You have a real family now…you should be happy…."
After the dinner, everyone scattered around the bar.
"So Tifa, were you expecting this?" Her father asked.
She glanced down at the ring, "No…not a clue…."
Her father grinned, "I knew."
She looked up, her eyes wide in surprise, "Y-You knew?!"
He nodded and smiled, "He was awfully nervous… but I know he is a changed man from the past." He paused, "He loves you with all his heart, Tifa…. Take care of him." He turned and walked away.
"D-Daddy…" Tifa said as she brought her hand up and placed it on her chest.
Yuffie appeared beside her, "Tifa…"
She looked over.
"Congrats!!" Yuffie yelled as she jumped and hugged Tifa.
"Thanks Yuffie…"
"When is the wedding going to be?"
"I don't know, Cloud and I still need to discuss it…"
"I'll be happy to help!" The ninja said as she jumped up and down.
"Yuffie, you can stop now."
"Awww…. You're no fun Vincent…." Yuffie pouted.
He strode over to her and stopped, looking at Tifa, "I wish for you and Cloud to be happy. I shall see you at the wedding." He finished by bowing and walking away.
"Wow… He's really formal…."
"I know….He's always like that… well….see ya at the wedding!" Yuffie said as she ran off after Vincent.
'Look at her…not even twenty and chasing after a mysterious and older man…' Tifa thought to herself and smiled.
Everyone filed out of the bar and left, leaving Cloud, Tifa, the two children and Tifa's father.
"It's about time I leave." Mr. Lockheart said as he reached for his bag.
He started to walk out the door, "I can't wait for the wedding…" He paused, "And Cloud…"
He looked up, "Yes sir?"
"Take good care of her."
"Don't worry about that….I will."
And with that her father left, leaving the make-shift family standing in the doorway.