Engagement marks the end of a whirlwind romance and beginning of an eternal love story.
                             — Unknown

Dora grinned at herself in the mirror, satisfied with what she saw. 

She picked up her gold clutch bag from the table and slipped the chain straps onto her wrist. The heels of her open-toe pumps clicked on the floor as she proceeded out the door.

"Ah, finally! I was just coming to find you." Chiaka grinned as she rose from the couch. "You seriously need to abandon your habit of taking long to dress up." 

"I know! But it's hard to find the perfect outfit." Dora flailed her hand in the air to add emphasis.

"Hmm, I have told you there is nothing perfect in this life. You just have to settle for the best."

"Yeah, you are right; I will try to improve. Anyway, how do I look?" Dora spread out her arms and struck a pose.

"You look every bit the mother of the bride!" Chiaka beamed.

Dora's face lightened up. "Just what I wanted." She produced a toothed grin.  "I hope she says yes."

Chiaka chuckled. "I have no doubt she will say yes. Her eyes say it all."

"Yeah, I agree. They are made for each other." Dora's lips lifted in a joyous smile.

"Anyway, let's be going. I don't want to miss a thing!" 

Dora nodded and smiled. The two sisters sauntered out of the house and entered the waiting taxi.

Nothing could tear away the smile from Dora's face. The painful experience of the last few weeks had faded to the back of her mind.

It was a special day for her daughter and she would wholeheartedly celebrate with her.

The taxi screeched to a halt in front of a red brick building that had Belle Cuisine Française written in silver block letters.

The two women alighted and the taxi cab sped off. They exchanged excited grins and marched towards the building. They took a right turn and headed around the building to a hall tucked at the back.

Dora's stomach roiled with excitement and happiness. She couldn't wait to witness everything unfold. 

The women climbed up the short flight of stairs and crept into the dimly lit hall. Dora scanned the area and spotted a hand beckoning them over.

A thrill ran down her spine as she and Chiaka slipped behind the maroon drapes that shielded them. She exchanged pleasantries with Alice, her boyfriend, and Mr. Angelo.

Her eyes flickered forward and zeroed on the unfolding scene beyond the cracks in the drapes.

Tara and Philip stood in the middle of the hall facing each other. Their eyes reflected the love they had for each other.

Dora's breath hitched as Philip went down on his knees and clasped Tara's hand. She watched as a look of surprise crossed Tara's face.

A smile spread across her lips in the anticipation of what would happen next. She watched as Philip's mouth moved as poured out his affections to Tara. Tara's mouth hung slightly open as she stared at him with a mixture of shock and glee. 

Dora could barely contain a squeal when Philip produced a velvet box and opened it. A diamond ring that glistened in the dark sat nicely in the box. Dora watched as Tara let out a gasp and clutched her chest.

Tears rushed forward as Philip's mouth formed the sentence "will you marry me?"

Time seemed to stop as everyone waited for Tara's response.

Dora gazed at her daughter whose eyes were filled with tears and her lips trembling.

Finally, Tara bent a little and whispered the word "yes".
Her face lit up with a huge grin.

Dora's heart soared as Philip grinned and slipped the ring onto Tara's finger. He rose to his feet and pulled Tara in for a tight hug.

Dora sought out her sister in the dark and embraced her.

"Congratulations," they whispered to each other.

Finally, Philip released Tara. And then turned in their direction.

The time had come.

The lights came on and shone on them.

Dora beamed and swung the curtains open.

"Surprise!" The group yelled as they poured out from their hiding places.

"Mom!" Tara exclaimed with wide eyes.  "All of you are here."

Dora's tears resumed as Tara raced towards her. Tara at various ages from childhood to adolescence flashed through her mind and she couldn't stop her tears from gushing out.

Her arms caught Tara as she lunged at her. The mother and daughter clung to each other as they shared tears of joy.

"Mom, I am so glad you are here!" Tara said through tears. "It doubles my happiness."

"I know, dear! Words can't exclaim my joy." She produced a watery smile and squeezed Tara.

Finally, they let go of each other and Tara went around hugging the others.

Philip came before her and her smile broadened. Her arms opened as they shared a hug.  They pulled back but she held his hand.

"Take care of my baby, you hear." She said with teary eyes.

"You have my word, ma'am!" Philip's eyes shone with conviction.

Dora smiled and let go of his hand. She was confident her daughter was in good hands. Philip would do anything in his power to keep Tara happy.

"You all knew beforehand, didn't you?" Tara asked as she came to stand beside Philip. "No wonder you both acted weird when the topic of weddings came up." She faced Dora and playfully narrowed her eyes.

Dora's eyes sparkled with mirth and she produced a sheepish grin.

Tara shook her as she scanned the faces of everyone. "I can't believe you all hid it from me for so long." She produced a small pout.

Philip chuckled and wrapped his arm around her. "If they said anything, it would have ruined the fun." He pulled her closer and grinned.

Tara huffed and pretended to sulk. However, her eyes told a different story.  Unconcealed happiness shimmered in her eyes.

Dora's smile remained intact and she thanked the Lord for all the blessings he had bestowed on them. Tara's voice drew her back to the present.

"Anyway, thank you all for being here today! It made the day even more special." Tara said with a  grin that illuminated her face.

Everyone uttered various words of acknowledgment and assertiveness.

"And there's a reservation for us over at the restaurant," Philip chimed in immediately the voices died down.

"Well, I guess we should head over there then." Alice chirped in. "Let's stuff our tummies with some croissants and chocolate soufflé."

Everyone laughed and filed out of the hall.

Dora lagged behind with a slight smile as she watched conversation flow among the group.

She looked up as a figure fell in step beside her.

"I guess it's official. We are going to be in-laws." Mr. James Angelo, Philip's uncle said with a kind smile.

Dora nodded and her smile grew wider. "It is an honor to form a relationship with your family."

"Yes, likewise. It is an honor to have your daughter become a member of our family."

"Thank you!" Dora's heart swelled with joy. She thanked the Lord for blessing Tara with good in-laws. She prayed Philip's parents will welcome her with open arms.

The duo fell silent and went their separate ways when they reached the restaurant. 

The group filled up two tables on the left side of the restaurant. Dora said a word of thanksgiving for her loved ones and well-wishers.

Ecstasy surged through her and she let herself enjoy the mouth-watering dishes placed before her.

                           ★★★★★

After munching on scrumptious French dishes and going through rounds of laughter, the group said their goodbyes and left the newest couple to celebrate by themselves.

Dora sat at the back of the taxi with satisfaction brimming within her. She found herself smiling as she recounted the events of the last few hours.

"It now remains you," Chiaka broke the silence.

Dora swung to face her with confusion in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"You need to get yourself a man."

Dora rolled her eyes and sighed.

Here we go again!

"Sis, I don't need a man. I am happy the way I am."

Chiaka snorted. "Keep lying to yourself. You will crave a  companion when Tara leaves."

Dora shook her head. "God will be my companion. I don't need any man." Her eyes hardened with conviction.

Chiaka sighed in exasperation. "Give love a try again. I know you were hurt but you can't stop living and loving."

Dora ducked her head down.

I was burned twice.

I can't do it again.

"You know, there are some good guys out there. I know some and I can introduce you to them."

Dora's head shot up and her eyes blazed with terror.  "You will do no such thing," she rushed out.

"Why?" Chiaka's eyes bore into her.

Gerald's face flashed before her and caused heat to rise on her cheeks.
"It's nothing." Dora turned away from her sister's probing eyes.

"Aha!" Chiaka flickered her fingers.  "I know that look. There is someone on the horizon!" An excited laugh escaped her lips. "Tell me about him!" Dora felt her move closer.

Dora shook her head. "He is no one," she said without making eye contact.

"Yeah, right? He won't remain that way for long." Chiaka laughed.

Dora huffed and turned her body away. Her eyes fixated on the world beyond the window.

Frustration coursed through her as she realized how stuck she was.

Kemi urged her on one side and Chiaka spurred her on the other side.

Dora wondered how long she would be able to resist their constant prodding to find love again.

                         ★★★★★

Yay, hurray! The day finally arrived and Tara is now engaged! 🎉

Put on your dancing shoes and dance with me💃😂

I won't be saying much today because I still have editing to do before I sleep. XD

So Our Question of the chapter is: What are your thoughts on Tara's engagement?

I am sure the answers will be different because some of you know Tara from Healing Wounds while some of you are just meeting her. Anyway, whatever it is, drop your honest answer in the comment section.

And also kindly, don't forget to 👇

Until next time, engage in something productive😁❤