Chapter 5: The Proposal

The Venturi and McDonald families gathered in a luxurious Toronto restaurant the next evening, a stark contrast to the laid-back dinner they'd had the night before. The mood was celebratory, with the adults exchanging laughter and stories while the kids sat at the table, occasionally chiming in.

Derek and Casey, however, were far less festive. Both kept their heads down, picking at their food in tense silence, avoiding the risk of eye contact. Every now and then, Casey would catch Derek sneaking a glance her way, and she'd quickly look away, her thoughts swirling.

George leaned back in his chair, a broad smile on his face. "This has been such a great summer," he said, raising his glass. "And it's only getting better."

At his cue, a waiter approached with a bottle of champagne and a small velvet box on a silver tray. Nora glanced at George curiously as the waiter uncorked the champagne and began pouring.

"What's this?" Nora asked, her smile widening in surprise.

George stood, taking the velvet box from the tray. The entire table went silent as he turned to Nora, holding the box out toward her.

"Nora," George began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, "this summer, meeting you has been the best thing that's ever happened to me. You've brought so much joy into my life, and I can't imagine spending another day without you by my side. So… will you marry me?"

The table erupted in gasps. Nora clapped her hands over her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears. Meanwhile, Derek and Casey froze, their eyes locking for the first time that evening. Both knew what the other was thinking: This is way too fast.

As Nora struggled to respond, Derek was the first to stand. "Hold on," he said, his voice cutting through the tension. "Dad, don't you think you're rushing this a bit? You barely know her!"

Casey stood up next, her voice shaking slightly. "Derek's right. I mean, Mom, we just met George and his kids yesterday. How can you be sure this is the right decision?"

George and Nora exchanged stunned glances before George cleared his throat. "Kids, I know this seems sudden to you, but Nora and I have been talking about this for a while. We've thought it through, and we know what we want."

"But—" Casey began, her voice faltering as she saw her mother's tearful expression.

"Casey," Nora said softly, reaching out to her daughter. "I've never been more certain about anything in my life. George makes me happy in a way I haven't felt in a long time. Please trust me on this."

Casey's protests died in her throat. Seeing the genuine emotion in her mother's eyes, she slowly sat back down, nodding reluctantly. "Okay, Mom. If this is what you want…"

Derek, however, remained standing, his arms crossed defiantly. "This is insane. You've known her for what—two months? You don't even know if this will work!"

"Derek," George said firmly, standing to meet his son's gaze. "I understand how you feel, but Nora makes me happy. That's something I can't ignore."

Derek's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Casey, who was now seated. He felt cornered, outnumbered. With a deep sigh, he reluctantly nodded, plopping back into his chair with a muttered, "Fine. Whatever."

George turned back to Nora, relief flooding his face. "So, what do you say?"

Nora's smile returned as she wiped her eyes. "Yes, George. Of course, I'll marry you."

Cheers erupted from the adults, the clinking of champagne glasses filling the air. Edwin and Marti clapped enthusiastically, while Lizzie raised her eyebrows, still processing the news.

Derek and Casey, however, sat quietly, their eyes meeting once more. Neither could hide the frustration and anxiety they felt about their parents' decision—or about the complicated web they were now trapped in.