Welcome to chapter two of this collection of stories. I LOVED writing this prompt! I hope you enjoy.

PROMPT: Write about Esben's proposal to Nia, their wedding, or both.

Esben stared into the mirror. He held flowers tightly in one hand, and a small box in the other. He willed his hands not to be clammy, just so he wouldn't get the box wet or greasy.

What if she says no?

The possibility was all too terrifying. He heard a door open, and he looked and saw Artham and Arundelle come in.

"Big day," Arundelle smiled.

Artham came up and grinned at Esben's reflection.

"Well, you're all dressed up."

Esben gave him a tight smile. "Yeah, well, its a big question. Oh...what if she says no?" he dismayed. Artham and Arundelle shared a look. Esben could have sworn there was a glint of amusement, but it vanished as quickly as it had come.

"Esben, I think that Nia is a very independent woman. She is strong, beautiful, and she loves you. Why would she say no?" Arundelle said, a weird smile curving on her lips. Before Esben could question, A maid burst into the room.

"She's here!"

Esben quickly ran out of the room and towards the living room, where Nia would be.

"Hello, Nia," he said with a shaky smile. Nia smiled in return and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"You look on edge," she commented. Esben took that moment to get down on one knee.

"Well, something has been on my mind for a while, Nia, dear. And I think it is time to ask you. Nia Helmer...will you marry me?" He said, offering her flowers and opening the small box with a diamond ring in the middle.

Nia's eyes widened. She smiled greatly, but a look came over her eyes. She immediately frowned and retreated backwards, and looked indignant when she said...

"Nope."

Esben was shocked. A sinking feeling grew in his stomach. He got up, scrambling not to drop the little box as he tried to shut it.

"What...why?" he asked.

Nia frowned at him, but something glinted in her eyes.

"No, I won't marry you."

Esben's jaw dropped. His heart sunk his feet. "I..." he mumbled. His nightmares had become a reality.

Then, all at once, Nia burst into laughter. All around, family and friends jumped out from behind hiding places and shouted,

"WE GOT YOU!!"

Esben was so shocked he was knocked back a step.

"Huh?!" was all he managed to say as the people around him burst I to laughter.

Then, Nia came rushing at him and hugged him tight.

"Of course I want to marry you, Esben. You are the love of my life, and I could barely pretend to say no for the sake of some silly prank."

Esben felt his heart rise again. Higher than his chest, up into the heavens even.

"Wait, so it was a prank?" he half-snorted.

Nia's beautiful eyes sparkled as she laughed again. "Of course it was! You can thank your brother for that one!"

Esben ended the embrace and looked at an approaching Artham.

"That was too easy to get you," Artham teased. Esben clutched his chest.

"Some prank! You nearly made me have a heart attack when she backed away!!"

Artham grinned. "Sorry, little bro, I guess just ONE more prank before your wedding day was too good an opportunity to pass."

Esben laughed. Then he hugged Nia once more, and opened the box and slipped the diamond ring onto her slender finger.

"So, that's a yes?" Esben asked.

Nia rolled her eyes with a smile.

"Of course, you flabbit. Now hurry up and make me a married woman!"