Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025

Isabella's POV

Nonno Kalani asked me, mommy, Aunt Noel, and Dia to help pick a ring for Ms. Salomé. Mrs. Daniella, Ana Maria, and Angelina are coming too. Nonno is going to propose to her, and we get to help. She is really nice, and I like her. I didn't like the other lady Nonno brought over for dinner.

Nonno and mommy parked in front of the jewelry store. Mommy helped me out. Dia was able to get out by herself. We saw Mrs. Daniella, Ana Maria, and Angelina park right behind us.

After we got out, I held Nonno's hand as we walked into the store.

"Hi, welcome to Love In Mind Jewelers. My name is Hope. How can I help you today?"

"Hi, I'm Isabella. My Nonno Kalani wants a ring."

"Hi, there Isabella."

"I'm looking for an engagement ring. As my granddaughter suggested, it has to be sparkly. With me are my daughters, my granddaughters, my girlfriend's daughter, and hopefully future granddaughters." Nonno answered.

"We have an amazing selection of engagement rings. Please follow me."

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Kam's POV

Dad picked out a beautiful ring. He paid for it, then we left the store.

"Kalani, that is a beautiful ring. My mom will love it," Daniella says.

"Should I call you my grandpa now?" Ana Maria asked.

My dad picked Ana Maria up. "Of course, you can sweetheart. Let's all hope your grandma says yes."

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Saturday, September 6th, 2025

Kam's POV

Tonight is going to be amazing! Tonight is going to be international night - food-wise and dancing. Shane is bringing several British dishes, with help from Brently and Nana Margie. Bliss, Lesia, and Andrea are making dishes from Barbados. Julian Jr, Julian Sr, and Mason Sr are making American dishes. Marco, Cris, and Antonio are making Italian. Salomé, Daniella, and Lucian are making Puerto Rican dishes. Dad, me, and Noeli are making Hawaiian dishes.

My Nana and grandpa flew in from Hawaii with my uncles. The only ones we are missing are Layla, Ryan, Austin, and Kimmie. I told Layla we are having it recorded and will make sure she gets a copy. And, bring her some food.

Daniella and I helped dad come up with an idea that will involve each grandkid and child, well except Lucian.  He was okay with that.

Dad even asked Lucian for permission to marry Salomé. Trust me, there will be tears tonight with Dad's proposal.

'Kami, everything looks amazing! Lucian and I told mom it was an international feast, full of food and fun."

"She will be surprised. The kids can't wait to lift their signs."

"Ana Maria and Angelina are excited as well. Listen Kami, I really enjoy our time together. And, so do the kids. Your friends are really nice too."

"I enjoy spending time with you too. My friends and I are a sisterhood. We can't wait to have you with us. Let's get something."

Daniella and I are the two oldest of dad and Salomé's kids. Since the first time we met, we have become good friends. Ana Maria and Angelina come over often for sleepovers and parties. Isabella and Dia go over to their home as well. We fixed ourselves a plate and joined the rest.

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"Dance time everyone! Up first is Salomé, Daniella, Ana Maria, and Angelina."

https://youtu.be/zXRMF2ndL2Y

My dad had the biggest smile on his face, watching Salomé and her family dance. Once they finished dancing, we gave them a thunderous applause.

"Now, I have a surprise for everyone. Kalani, come on up," Salomé says. Daniella and the girls sat down.

Ed Sheeran's 'Shape of You' came on.

https://youtu.be/jH6TbgHoHMQ

Dad and Salomé did a salsa dance! Everyone was on their feet, dancing, and whistling. This is definitely a surprise.

Once dad and Salomé finished, boy did we give them a big applause.

"Next, we have Bliss, Andrea, and Lesia." They danced to Rihanna.

https://youtu.be/hD5MRBzY1uM

Shane, Mason, and Julian Sr. are now blushing. Shane Junior wanted to dance with his mommy. Bliss waved for him to come, and he did. She picked him up and twirled him around.

Once they were finished, we gave them a thunderous applause as well.

"My Nana Luana, Noeli, Dia, Isabella and I are going Hawaiian."

We made our way to the dance stage. Gabby came with us too. Isabella chose the dance. She likes the dance to one of the songs from Lilo and Stitch.

https://youtu.be/tWeqgY6uRx0

After our dance, we received a thunderous applause too.

It's proposal time. "Me, Daniella, and the kids have a surprise." I waved everyone up to the stage to set up dad's proposal.

Daniella, and the kids will each hold up a letter to spell 'Will you marry?" Dad will hold up a 'me' card. Noeli and I gave our cards to Marco Jr and Sofia. We stood in the following order - Daniella, Ana Maria, Angelina, Isabella, Gabby, Angelo, Marco Jr., Sofia, Rocco, Devin, Dia, Kekoa, Noeli, and me.

Cris and Marco then handed everyone a letter card. "One, two, three!" Cris then said.

Daniella flipped her card over first. 'W"

Ana Maria - 'I"

Angelina - "L"

Isabella - "L"

Gabby - "Y"

Angelo - "O"

Marco Jr. - "U"

Sophia - "M"

Rocco - "A"

Devin - "R"

Dia - "R"

Kekoa - "Y"

Bliss, Andrea, Julian Jr., Lucian, Cris, and Marco joined us. Then dad went proposal mode. The camera was shining on dad and Salomé. He was nervous. Noeli and I started crying because dad found his happiness. We knew this moment would come for him. Noeli and I are so proud of our dad. Salomé knew what was about to happen when she saw what we spelled out. She was in tears too.

Kalani's POV

"Salomé, I have the last card of what the kids spelled out - me. Kami, Noeli, Daniella, Isabella, Ana Maria, and Angelina helped me pick out what I am about to present to you."

"Never in a million years did I ever think I was going to do this again. I will always have fond memories of Jayde. No one can ever take those memories away from me. But, it's now time for me to make new memories. I wanted to wait for the right time and find the perfect person. The way you bonded with my girls meant everything, not just to Kami and Noeli, but to me as well. Daniella and Lucian are just as special. I even asked for their permission to do this. So, will you marry me?"

"Kami and Noeli are both sweethearts. I couldn't wait to meet them. I know how special they are to you. They are special to me as well. We even had a few chats about you. They told me how you are affectionate, loving, and protective. I feel the same way about my husband. And, not just them, but also with Bliss, Andrea, Layla and more. Kami's friends are like daughters to you as well. My kids and I will always have memories of Tomás. I too am ready to make new memories. Yes, I will marry you."

Kam's POV

Dad put the ring on Salomé's finger and went in for the kiss. The kids all said, "Ewww." Cris, Marco, and Antonio brought out trays of wine for the adults, minus Bliss who is pregnant. Shane and Julian Jr had trays of sparkling apple cider for the kids and Bliss.

Once everyone had a glass, Noeli, Daniella, Lucian, and I each took a turn to speak. Lucian went first.

"Congratulations, mom, and Kalani. I knew one day my mom would find the perfect one for her. Kalani, the day you asked for my permission, I felt like a proud parent. But I also shed tears. Both you and my mom deserve this day, and I can't wait to give her away on your wedding day. Congratulations."

Cris went back into the house. He came back with two boxes of tissues and handed everyone some. Noeli went next.

"In agreement with Lucian, I knew this day too would come for my dad. Salomé, you remind me so much of my mom - sweet, caring, and your love for me and my kids is special. Kami and I thank you so much for coming into my dad's life. He is happy, and so are we. Congratulations."

Daniella went next.

"Mom and Kalani, congratulations. I could tell in the way you talk about each other, and even when you danced, that there was something special brewing between the two of you. I too shed tears when Kalani asked for me to help pick out your ring, mom. Ana Maria even asked Kalani if she could call him, 'grandpa.' Kalani, you are the perfect one for my mom. Lucian and I love you both and look forward to your wedding day."

Now, it is my turn. Cris came to stand next to me because I started to cry.

"Cris and I took a trip to California two weeks ago. I know she couldn't hear me, but I had a chat with my mom about you. I told my mom how supportive you have been for me. I told her how much you mean to me. You always know what to say to cheer me up when you saw me feeling down. Salomé, I love you so much for everything you have done for me. My kids love you just as much, especially Isabella. She told me the other day, 'Mommy, I like Salomé. She's nice and likes me.' Thank you so much for coming into my dad's life. Congratulations, dad, and Salomé. I too look forward to the wedding."

There wasn't a dry eye outside. Cris made a phone call for the fireworks to begin. Once everyone got there cry out, Salomé took a turn to speak.

Salomé's POV

"Isabella, sweetie you are one of the sweetest kids that I know. I enjoy spending time with you, and your brothers and sisters. We have so much fun when you and Dia come over for sleepovers. I look forward to family dinners with everyone. Kami and Noel, I love you both too. Along with Daniella, I want you three to be my matrons of honor. I now have two, additional daughters. Bliss and Andrea, I enjoy spending time with you as well. Both of your families are amazing. As much as you all have been there for my kids, I hope I can do the same for you. I love the family atmosphere that you have."

"Adrian, Lesia, and Isabela, I want to thank you too. You are an amazing group to be with. I know we will become great friends. And, who is the little cutie pie coming my way?"

"Salomé, that's my son, Shane Jr. He's a ladies man already, just like his daddy. And, thank you," Bliss replied. I love her makeup. She is sweet to be around too. Bliss does so much to support, not just the Miami community, but all women around the world.

He is adorable. He let me pick him up. "Hi there, Shane Jr. You smile just like your mommy. You sure are going to have all the girls following you when you grow up." Everyone chuckled.

Suddenly, we saw a beautiful display of fireworks. "Look at the fireworks, Shane Jr."

Shane Junior looked up. He even pointed to the sky. I am marrying into an amazing family. I have never seen such a loving and supportive group of family and friends. I can't wait for my family to become a part of it.

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Monday, September 8th, 2025

Cris' POV

We had an amazing weekend. And, I am very happy for Kalani. We stayed up until early Sunday morning. Everyone spent the night at the house. We even had a brunch breakfast for everyone.

After dropping the kids off at school, I came home to get some work done. While working in my office, I just happened to turn the television on. To my horror, the first thing I saw was a breaking news story about the kid's school.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a serious situation going on at the moment. Lakewood Grammar School is currently on lockdown. Several criminals that were involved in a police chase stopped their vehicles and entered the school. The police have the school surrounded. Let's all hope for a swift arrest and for everyone in the school to remain safe."

Oh no! That is not good. My phone rang. It was Marco.

"Cris, I'll meet you at your house. I know you are going, so I am going with you. I'll be there in 10 minutes."

"Thanks, Marco."

Kalani ran into my office.

"I know you saw the news. I'm going with you. We are going to have a bunch of scared kids once they are released."

"I agree. Marco is on the way. I'll go tell Kamea and meet you both outside."

"Got it."

I didn't bother turning off anything. I grabbed my phone and left my office. My kid's safety is at stake.

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Salomé engagement ring is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / AEyZRiO

Videos are courtesy of YouTube