Isabel shook her head anxiously. “You better not be pulling my leg, Scar. You know you can’t mess with me like that!”
“Well, this wasn’t what I had planned, but I suppose the cat is out of the bag.”
With a look of determination, Scarlett stood up, straightened out her dress…
Produced a ring box from her pocket…
And promptly got down on one knee.
It took a moment for everyone else to notice what was happening. Nearby, the waitstaff ferrying the entrees to the table froze in place as silence descended over the patio.
“Isabel Diaz,” Scarlett said in a voice that almost made even Biancaswoon. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? And, dare I say… the future mother to my children?”
Isabel’s response was a choked but delighted “yes.” Applause broke out around the patio. Parker and Julia toasted the happy couple. Vivianne attempted to keep her cool before erupting into excited laughter, which was quickly followed by suggestions for the wedding. Their father gave Scarlett a brief pat on the back before signaling to the waitstaff to serve their entrees. Clearly, the man had completely checked out from his daughter’s crazy love lives, and that was how everyone liked it.
“How have I been so blessed?” Vivianne asked her husband. “Look at our daughters. So successful in life and love.”
“It really is quite something,” he said.
“Isabel. My future daughter-in-law Isabel, the talented artist whose works are shown all over the country now!” Vivianne was out of her seat yet again, this time embracing everyone as she walked by them. “My power CEO Scarlett. I can’t believe this moment has finally come. And you look just like I did at your age. So beautiful!”
“Is she really doing this?” Sam said.
“Let’s just say she was already several glasses of wine deep when you two arrived,” Parker replied.
“And Parker! Parker, with the successful business you built from the ground up. I’m so sorry for all the grief I caused you over the years. You know, you really are the daughter most like me. You have my humor. And my excellent sense of style.”
“Oh, no,” Parker said with a nervous laugh. “You don’t get to say something like that and just—”
“Julia, the savior of animals. How much money have you raised for those pesky things now? Millions? Your shelter is so successful that it now has a second location down in Tacoma. Tacoma! Such a beautifully pedestrian place. The trap-and-release program is so much fun, too. I learned so much from that beguiling vet who let me watch one of the spays.”
“This is really happening,” Sam murmured.
“And Samhitha!”
Sam almost choked on her water. Bianca just grinned.
“You’ve been such a wonderful partner to my Bianca.” Vivianne wrapped Sam in an embrace so tight that the seasoned bodyguard couldn’t escape it. “I couldn’t have picked a better person for my baby. My sweet baby!”
It was Bianca’s turn for the sweaty hug of maternal affection. “I’m so proud of you, honey. You’ve blossomed into such an incredible young woman. I can’t wait to see what your future holds.”
Bianca didn’t get a chance to say anything in return before her mother sat back down, picked up her fork, and took a bite of her dinner as if nothing had happened.
Bianca smiled. It’s moments like these that make me realize how lucky I am. Sitting down for a meal, my wife by my side, surrounded by family, everyone thrilled that Sam and I have found happiness together.
Bianca wouldn’t trade this moment for anything in the world.
“We did it,” she said to Sam. “We survived.”
Sam took her hand under the table. “Don’t get too excited, princess. We still have to tell my family.”
Bianca squeezed her wife’s hand. One chaotic dinner at a time!
* * *