“Any earlier, I’d run over and propose, but she did say all of my sperm. I’m positive there’s still some left in my system.”
As I leaned over to kiss her, she murmured, “Don’t worry, dear. I’ll work all night to clean you out.”
*****
Monica sent me a text, informing me not to tell her my decision until I’d thought it over for a few days. I replied I already knew my answer, but we’d discuss it over dinner in two days.
Mom and I decided to celebrate by going out to dinner. I sent a text to Lisa, and she already had a nice booth ready for us when we arrived. Unable to hide her joy, she exclaimed, “I’m so glad to see you two today. It’s a special day for me, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.”
Mom chirped, “It’s always special for us when you’re our server. Is there something going on?”
Lisa replied, “Today is my twenty-first birthday. Happy Birthday to me!”
Mom’s expression changed as if she were trying to remember something. Maybe Lisa had previously told her, and she was trying to recollect the conversation.
She questioned, “Lisa, you shouldn’t be working on your birthday. Wouldn’t you rather be spending the day with your family?”
“No. I was adopted, and although my parents treated me well growing up, they couldn’t accept me as family. They moved after they told me I was on my own when I turned eighteen. They haven’t contacted me since. It’s probably for the best. It forced me to take control of my life.”
Mom’s face turned sad when she heard Lisa’s story. The concern Mom held for Lisa was as strong as a family member. She smiled, trying hard not to act too depressed, and said, “We’re glad we could be here on your birthday.”
Lisa came over several times during the meal and chatted with us, probably feeling lonely. We were the closest thing to family she had. Mom left another large tip when we left after jotting something on the receipt. I assumed it was Mom wishing her a happy birthday.
Mom was quiet on the ride home, and we spent the evening cuddled together on the couch. I knew she was still depressed from Lisa’s news as she held me tight once we were in bed. Feeling sex would be inappropriate, I was content with holding and consoling my mother.
The next day, Mom would look at her phone as if she were checking for a message. At two in the afternoon, she came into my room and told me she was leaving to meet Lisa.
“You know where she lives? Is she even expecting you?”
Mom retorted, “Yes, I gave her my number yesterday, and she sent her address today. You stay here. We have some things to discuss that would bore you.”
“Alright, Mom. Have fun. The weather is nice, and I’ve been itching to work in the garden. See you later.”
Mom arrived home at six and seemed much happier. Whatever they talked about had cheered her up. We ate while she listened to my planned proposal to Monica. She kept to herself concerning her visit with Lisa and concentrated on my obvious, excited state. Once again, we didn’t have sex, hugging ourselves to sleep.
*****
The next day slowly progressed while I anxiously waited for the time to elapse before having dinner with Monica. Mom cried with happiness when I left to propose to the love of my life.
Monica greeted me without mentioning her proposition to Mom. She instructed me to wait in the living room while she finished preparing dinner. Monica didn’t bother to tell Camila to go to her room anymore, confident that her daughter had adjusted to the situation. Calling Camila over, I handed her Mom’s ring and told her what to do. She was excited that she was going to participate in our ceremony.
After we ate, Monica and I sat together on the couch. When Camila looked up at me, I nodded to her, signaling it was time. She came over to her mother and held her left hand. Looking at her mother, Camila asked, “Mommy, will you take Sam as your wife? This ring will make us a family.”
Tears formed in Monica’s eyes when her daughter proposed. She held out her finger while Camila awkwardly slid it on. Once it was past her knuckle, Camila joyfully beamed and said, “Thank you, Mom. I love you so much.”