LAKE
“What’s this?” It was obviously the receipt of her money sent to her account.”
“I don’t want it anymore. We already talked about this.” She pushed the paper back to me. “I’ll transfer it back to you later.”
“Baby, this is yours. And here.” I have her the booklet from a real estate. “I’ve picked a house that I know you might like.”
“Are you kicking me out of your house?” She eyed me intently.
“Don’t be silly.” I pulled her into my lap. “A house is a part of our agreement, and I know the contract has been terminated, but our relationship is not, and I promised to buy you a house. So, I won’t take no for an answer.”
With narrowed eyes, she stared right into me. “If I were to pick a house, I would choose something big and expensive.”
I grinned. Yes. “Take a pick. My first choice since you like beaches, how about Southampton?”
“What?” Her eyes widened. “No, that’s- how much is that? Ten, fifteen?”
“Yeah. Something like that.”
“No. That’s a lot.”
I shrugged. “I already picked one. All we have to do is sign the documents and transfer the payment. Done.”
“You’re crazy.”
“Yeah. I’m crazy over you.” I placed my hand on her tummy. She was going on four months now, and I could already feel the bump. “And we’re buying the house. It’s around 3, 500 sqft with wide lawn, backyard, and beach access.”
“Can we think about it first?”
“Baby, we can sell it later if you want.”
“That’s too expensive.”
“It will double the price in, let’s say, ten years. I think we should take it.”
“Lake.”
“We’re taking it.”
She glared even more. “When why do you have to include me in your decision if it’s already finalized?”
“Because I love you and know you’re going to love it. Imagine our babies playing in that backyard while we’re taking a break from work. We can go there every month.”
“Excuse me. Babies?”
“Yes. I want three.”
“Oh, wow. Now you want three? What if I only want one?”
“Two then.”
“You’re unbelievable.” She snorted. “Buying a thousands of square feet house for you is like going to a toy store.”
“I know.” I grabbed my phone and dialed the real estate agent. He picked up right away. “We’re taking it. Ready the necessary papers and bring them to my office.”
“Right away, sir.”
I hung up the call and smiled at her. “Trust me, you’ll love it. Then we can renew our vows in the backyard or beach?”
“Renew? Why am I hearing it just right now? It seems that you already have plans on your own.”
“I don’t want you to stress out with all this. I get you pregnant, so it’s kinda my fault.”
She shook her head in amusement. “If I recall correctly, it’s both our fault, but since Nana always wanted to watch me walk down the aisle, I say, okay, we can renew our vows once I get my weight back.”
“I will still love you even if you double your size.”
“I want to stay healthy, babe.”
“I know.” I cupped her face and kissed her lips. “How can I be so lucky to have you as my wife?”
“First and foremost, that should be my line. Second, I’m lucky, too, and lastly, you should propose.”
“Duly noted, Maverick.”
“Now go get me my vitamins, husband.”
I chuckled. “Right away, my queen.”
I walked towards the kitchen. When I was a little far away that her pregnant ears could not hear me, I dialed a number with the hope he would answer.
“Lake? Son?”
“Mr. Siciliano?”
“You’re my husband’s daughter. I urge you to call me Papa, and it would be my honor.”
I chuckled nervously. “Papa, it is.”
“What can I do for you? Is Maverick okay?”
“She’s very well. I want to ask you something, and I hope you would say yes.”
“Of course, what is it?”
“I’m asking your blessings to marry Maverick again. I’m planning on proposing to her this weekend.”
“You have my blessings, son. And you don’t have to ask because I know she’s in good hands, but I’m humbly honored.”
“Thank you. I’d love it if you would be there.”
“I will be present on the wedding day. You have my word, but I already have an engagement this weekend.”
“I’ll take your word for it, Papa. Thank you, and I promise you I will treat my wife as my queen.”
“You already did, son.”
***
On the weekend, in a beautiful afternoon, her grandmother had just arrived at our home, instantly calling my name, “Lake? Son?”
“Nana.” Maverick hugged her grandmother tight.
“You’re growing bigger.” That was her first reaction after seeing Maverick in her maternity dress.
“Do you mean I’m fat? My doctor told me that I’m at my normal weight.” She looked at herself and placed her hands on her baby bump.
“You children are so concerned and conscious with your body. You look fine, Ricky. So why am I here? And I can call an Uber. You don’t have to send your man to bring me here.”
“You complain a lot, Nana.”
“Ignore here, Nana.” I noticed a smile on her lips when she heard me calling her grandmother Nana. I held Augustine’s back as I ushered her to the backyard. “I want to propose to Maverick, but can you keep it a secret?”
“Why should it be a secret?” She smiled, eyes flashing with joy.
“That’s how it should be done.”
“All right. When?”
“Later when my family is here.”
Later at night, lights lit up, soft music played, and tables started to fill with my family and friends. Even Owen’s beau was here. Terzo was also present.
“What’s the occasion?” she asked beside me. “I feel like I’m so disoriented with your schedules.”
“It’s my father’s birthday and me.”
“Wait, what? How did I not know this?” She cupped her face with her hands, feeling embarrassed. “Oh, my God. I’m such a terrible wife.”
“Kidding!” I shook to laugh. “You should have seen your face. It’s priceless.”
Her eyes narrowed, cheeks red as she hit me on my arm. “Son of- why did you do that?”
“You don’t know my birthday? Ouch, wife. I’m hurt.” I faked a frown.
Her cheeks were still red, and now I realized she had no idea.
“I’m sorry. I think I forgot, but I Googled you. I swear. So you have the same birthday as your dad?”
“Yeah, and it’s next month. I arranged this dinner because Dad will start his Chemo next week.”
“Yeah.” She looked at my Dad at the other table and smiled.
I stood up and tapped the wine flute as the food and drinks were served. “Good evening. Thank you all for coming here tonight. I don’t have many real friends besides my family, but being all of you here, showing your support for me and my Dad, even my wife doesn’t know my birthday.” I looked down at her, and she was terribly blushing.
Our family just giggled and chuckled.
“Let us include my father in our prayers, hoping his treatment would be successful.”
“Thank you, son.” He slightly nodded while Aurelia was gripping his hand.
“And also, I will take this opportunity to ask my wife.” I went on my knee and took her hand. Watching her eyes grow big, dancing with joy, made me the luckiest man on earth. “Augustine Maverick Bates II. At first, I made fun of your name. Sorry about that. Here we go.”
I took a deep breath. “I know we’ve been through a lot for a short period of time as a couple, but those shortcomings brought us together today, making us stronger and better persons. With our family and friends here witnessing us, I want to formally ask you to marry me. Will you give me the honor of becoming your husband for the second time?” I fished out the box from my jacket and popped it open.
She looked down at the ring and pursed her lips. “What if I say no?”
My jaw dropped, and my heart nearly stopped.
The entire backyard went silent, waiting for her response.
“Just say yes, sis. I need a drink,” Terzo said, making her eyes smile.
“But of course, yes. I will marry you even a thousand times.” She cupped my face and kissed me on the lips. “I love you, Lake Winston.”