THOMAS

The day after Mother's day, I woke up feeling different, like something inside of me changed, and Dennis' accident put things in perspective for me. I'm not one to do things in a rushed way. All my decisions are calculated, analyzed and then put into action. I barely recognize myself since that moment, but do not dislike it.

The weather has changed and these perfect summer days make me long for downtime, a cool drink and a refreshing pool. Marissa looks beautiful as always, but today she has a certain glow to her that has me entranced. When I went to pick her at her house and she opened the door wearing a short white dress, I felt I could cry from how she finished the image in my mind of an idyllic summer so perfectly.

"Why are you staring at me?" She says as we drive towards our date.

"Can't help it. You look so beautiful," I say before returning my eyes to the road.

"Thank you! You look very handsome yourself with that new haircut. I believe the warm weather makes anyone look pretty. We don't look as pasty as a few months ago," she laughs. "You had a bit of a hectic week with Carter and Dennis' wedding coming up so soon. Are you ready for next weekend?"

"We are as ready as we can be, and I'm still amazed that we have been able to make this circus theme work out."

"You should know by now that no theme is too wild for Morgan Events."

"But you know me. There's this voice in my head that reminds me often that the chance of fucking things up is real. To make sure everything runs smoothly, I'm leaving for Lonstino already on Thursday. Remember that we have reservations at the Harbor Grand Hotel. After you bring the cake and everything else we ordered with you and Luke, you can go to the hotel to get refreshed before the wedding. From there, it's only a 15 minute drive to the fairgrounds."

"My plan was to come dressed already, but this is much better. There's always the chance of something tumbling or falling. I rather not have it happen on my dressy clothes. And talking about clothes, did you find a solution for Dennis?"

"Mom saved the day as we hoped. She's making him a shirt and a tuxedo vest with a zipper on the side of the sling. The goal is to avoid moving his arm as much as possible."

"That's a brilliant idea. I'm so sorry that this happened right before the wedding with everything else that they've gone through. The last you want is to manage a painful injury on your special day."

"If he's in pain, he doesn't let it show. He says it's more of an inconvenience. He's enjoying his new career path and the fact that he met his biological sibling."

"Abigail told me about it. I'm happy for him. Have they invited to the wedding?"

"Yes, they did, and he'll be there. You've been to Moonlight House before and he's a bartender there. His name is Shawn, and he seems like a kind guy, pretty much like Dennis."

"If I see him, I'll probably recognize him. I'm looking forward to the wedding. Usually I only bake for events. It's been a long time since I've been a guest at a wedding."

Marissa and I arrive at a restaurant on the outskirts of Greenwood. I found the romantic-looking cottage with a thatched roof the perfect place to break the routine of the places we frequent.

"This place is adorable! Is that a herb garden?"

When I read their website, that's the one thing I knew she would love most. Not only do they have their own herb garden, they cook with them. Inside it's as charming as the outside. Very feminine flea market finds displayed in beautiful ways. I will certainly add it to my list of venues, but that's not why we are here today.

"Oh, Thomas..." Is the only thing she repeats as we enter the place as a young woman brings us to the table I reserved.

The walls inside the cottage are lined with vintage wooden cabinets painted in white that contain mismatched pieces of china. All the tables have a white tablecloth and a glass vase with pink roses. A soft floral scent permeates the place.

"According to my research, they serve the best high tea in the area. It's sort of odd to bring a baker to a place that serves sweets, but I've heard they have great food."

"As odd as this will sound, I love eating food prepared by other people."

Marissa and I order a large amount of food, and the server gives us a look of disbelief. Chances are we'll even order a second round of food, because we both eat a lot.

"Marissa, we have a few things to talk about."

"Fucking hell, Thomas!" She whispers. "Why are you bringing me to a pretty place to break up with me?" She looks more annoyed than worried.

"I'm not breaking up with you. Why would I do that?" I laugh and hold her hand over the table.

"Because you sound so serious. You are never serious. At least not with me."

"I have serious things to say, but it's not about breaking up."

"Don't keep me in this suspense, then."

"What do you think about the idea of moving together?"

Her eyes widen in surprise. "Cats included?"

"Cats included. We've been spending every night together. We only go to our places to change clothes and head to work from there. It would be nice not having to take turns and go to the same house. Plus, I just love being with you."

"But which house? Or are you thinking about getting a new one?"

"It's an option. I know you are fond of your kitchen."

"I also like the big bathroom in yours, as mine is almost a closet. Maybe it's not a crazy idea to find a place that suits us both."

"So, that's a yes?" I bring her closer to kiss her as she nods.

A throat-clearing noise interrupts us as three servers stand next to us. Each of them is carrying two three-tiered serving trays and quick enough they figure they'll need side tables as not everything fits on ours. On their second trip, they bring the fixings and teapots.

"We have a challenge. I was expecting smaller portions," I say, looking at all the food.

"We can always bring home whatever we have left."

I like the way she thinks, so practical, and we begin eating. The food and pastries are as delicious as the ones at O'Brien's and we struggle to fit the last spoonful of dessert.

"Jeez, look at this food baby," Marissa holds her belly. "It's a miracle I still fit this dress."

"Please tell me you have the magical antacids in your purse."

Marissa rummages in her purse and finds the box of medicine. I take a tablet and hope it soothes the abuse of my stomach.

"I have one other thing I would like to discuss with you," I say as I hand her the box back.

"What else you want to talk about?"

I kneel next to her as I take the ring out of my pocket.

"Thomas, what the fuck are you doing?"

The people next to us snigger at her word choice. I know I'm giving her the shock of her life, and I barely believe I'm doing this myself.

"I love you and I know it because I've never felt this way before. I want to play Skeeball every weekend while eating our weight in hot dogs. I want to sleep with you and end up with a cat butt on my head. I want to run after a few little ones in due time. I want it all, and I want it with you."

"Thomas... Are you sure?"

"I have never been so sure of something in my life."

"I-"

The round of applause interrupts her words and I look around, expecting people to be applauding for us, but I'm wrong. I follow their gazes and see that another man has proposed at the same time as me. I stand up to look better and I feel the blood in my body rush to my feet. My mom smiles as the man kneeling on the floor places a ring on her finger.

"Papa!" Marissa shouts.

The man stands up and I realize that Papa O'Brien is my mom's new fiancé. I was expecting them to feel caught red handed about what just happened, but they seem delighted that we are here.

"Papa, what is this? Were you even dating my mom in law?" Marissa looks confused at the situation.

"Let's get outside. I don't enjoy eavesdroppers," Papa says while giving a mean stare to the people present who go back to minding their own business immediately.

After exchanging some words with the server about packing our food to go, we walk into the garden next to the restaurant. I don't know how to feel about the situation and don't even dare to look at my mom in the eye.

"I thought you didn't like the Morgans," Marissa confronts her father.

"I never said that. I just don't like this one," Papa O'Brien points at me. "The other two are fine, and this one here is the best," he says, caressing my mom's cheek.

"Ma... How long has this been going on?" I say and she holds my arm and places her head on it.

"Almost a year."

"Why did you keep it secret?"

"Because it's my business. The same way I don't meddle with yours. Seamus and I understand how it feels to lose our partners and wanted to take our time getting to know each other."

"I get that. But marriage?"

"I can ask the same of you. I was watching you get on a knee with that ring in your hand when Seamus popped the question to me."

"Did you say no? Tell me you said no," Papa O'Brien says to Marissa.

"I was about to say yes when people started clapping. I love Thomas and you'll have to deal with it," she extends her hand and I take it as my cue to place the ring on her finger.

I brace myself to get punched by Papa O'Brien, but he just laughs. "You are just like your mother. I still don't like you, Thomas Morgan, but you have my blessing to marry Marissa," I flinch when he pats my shoulder.

Marissa walks to me and holds hands. We better get our food, return home and share the double joyful news with the family.