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Dean - Pink Roses for Mae
It hasn’t been an easy process, but Mae and I can finally rest assured, knowing that Ryan and James are locked up, the money they borrowed is back in my account, both of our homes are secure, and our future together is looking brighter than ever.
In terms of properties, we’ve actually combined them into one large farm, and we often host fun little events that allow children to come and engage with the animals just to see what life on a farm can look like.
We’ve rebuilt a newer and bigger barn and purchased some new equipment to make life a bit more modern. My house has become a guest house and craft space, along with an art studio large enough for both Dylan and me. Grandpa Bob has a new extension on their house with his own studio apartment that he loves. His well-worn recliner still lives on, and Mae says great thanks that it has a new home.
I’ve also purchased the large plot from Dwight Summers, and I’m in talks now to start building Cornel Condominiums.
Thankfully, life unfolded the way that it did, because realizing that my brother was the mastermind behind everything allowed Mae to finally believe that I was telling the truth, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been with her.
Our Father-Son art exhibit was a huge success and both Dylan and I are making time in our busy lives to draw or paint a few times a week now. Although I realize that crochet hook deal was a ploy to get me to the art supply store, I think I’ve seen the beginnings of that blanket peeking out of Mae’s chairside basket once in a while.
And today, Mae thinks we’re having another one of the youth enrichment events, but I have something else in store for her.
“Are we ready?” I ask in a walkie-talkie. “Ten-four,” Mina says on her end.
I walk down the stairs and find Mae doing the dishes.
“Hello, my love.” I hug her from behind and kiss her on the cheek.
“Oh, that was nice. What was that for?” She stops what she’s doing and faces me, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“Do I need an excuse to kiss the woman I love?”
She smiles. “Well, no,” and she leans in for another one.
“Will you come with me? There’s something I want to show you?”
“Dean—there’s so much I have to do before the kids show up—”
“I know, I know. It will be fast. I promise.”
Reluctantly, she follows me to the door. “What are we doing?”
“Hold on. You’ll see.” I place a bandana on her face.
“How am I going to see with this thing on?”
“Well, that’s the point, don’t you think? Just play along.”
I usher her into the barn and remove the covering.
It has been completely decked out with fairy lights and flowers—courtesy of Mina and Coral. There are also candles all around. Most of the flowers are pink roses and she just stares.
“Oh, my goodness. What is this?” she asks as she looks around.
“It’s for you.”
When she faces me again, I’m down on one knee.
“Oh, no.” Her hands quickly go to cover her mouth. “Is this really happening?”
“It’s happening, baby.” She starts to cry a little.
“So, for a little over a year and a half, I have been totally in love with you, Mae. And I can’t even begin to put into words how you’ve changed my life. All I can say is that you’ve made it better. Well, mine and Dylan’s.”
I then wave him over, and he gets down with me. He has a ring box, and he asks, “Mae Dale, before meeting you, I swore up and down that I never wanted to see my dad get remarried. That’s because I was frightened he would get hurt like he did when my mom left. But I’m here before you today because I trust you with his heart, and I want to ask if you’d do me the honor of being my not-so-wicked stepmother.”
