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“I know exactly what you're stressing about. Give me a chance,” I say. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I queue up the video. On screen, my mom, her mom, and Evie all sit smiling.
On video, Evie waves. “Hey, Mom. You'd better say yes to Charles because he is amazing.” She rolls her eyes, a smile on her face as Alisha’s mother speaks up.
“We're all so happy for both of you, my dear. You have our blessing. You deserve to finally be happy and loved.”
And finally my mother speaks up. “Why did you wait so long to propose? You guys had better get things figured out, and soon, because we've all got big feelings about your guys' relationship, and you've been dragging your feet.”
With that, the video cuts out and Alisha laughs, turning to me. “You know, I have a feeling that your mom and my mom are going to be best friends.”
I close my eyes and nod my head yes very quickly, already aware that the pair have become fast friends. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but it's certainly a thing.
“You thought of everything, didn't you?” She pulls me into her arms, and I drop my phone in my pocket.
And just like that, we begin to slow dance, with her gazing up adoringly into my eyes and I press a quick kiss on her lips. “I'm sure I didn't think of everything.”
“Well, it sure seems like you did.” She rubs the tip of her nose back and forth against mine.
“Oh, there may be one more thing.” As I say the words, she arches an eyebrow at me, and I wonder if this next surprise is going to be one she loves... or hates.
And just like that, everyone jumps out from their hiding places and shouts “Surprise!” The one missing face is going to be Evie's, but only because we couldn't get her into a bar, thanks to laws and regulations. But she’s having a great time with an equestrian trainer who is going to teach her how to ride horses.
When I'd asked her what other interests she had besides jellyfish, the next thing she'd said was horses. I have no doubt that I’m going to spoil that girl rotten, but I can't wait. She deserves every good thing that happens to her. So even though she can't be here, she's absolutely having a good time and enjoying herself, and I asked the barn to make sure they get plenty of good pictures and videos for her mother.
I know that kills Alisha to be separated from her daughter, but we can make sure that she doesn't miss too much. As people come out of the woodwork, Alisha gives me a big smile. “And the people I love are here too?”
I nod my head. “Evie wasn't able to make it because she is busy getting some horseback riding lessons.”
“Oh, she's going to have so much fun.” I see the shadows cross her eyes and I smile.
“Don't worry, I asked them to get plenty of videos and pictures of her so you'll get to see how she does.” As I say those words, she throws her arms around me and the people we love flock around us, pulling us into a big hug.
Surrounded by the people who care about us most and who we care about most, I remember what’s important. We're going to love each other as hard as we can for as long as we can.
Alisha lets out a slight belch and whispers in my ear, “I feel nauseous. And excited and scared and ready.”
I want to tell her that being nervous is completely normal - I'm nervous too. Nervous that I won't be the man she deserves, or that I’ll fail to make her happy.
I plan to spend every day for the rest of my life making sure that she's as happy as she can be. I'm not about to mess up and let her down, because I can't let her go now. I know that I can do anything as long as I have her by my side.
Epilogue
Alisha
I peek into my daughter's tent inside of her room.
Inside, a little spherical light throws stars across every surface of the tent. She's laying down on her back inside, looking up at the stars, and she quickly scoots over and pats the spot beside her when I peek in.
I climb inside and stretch out beside her, looking up at the stars. I know that she had told Charles she was interested in the galaxy and this was one of his ways to show he listened. The part that thrills me is that he had chosen a toy that's actually correct and shows a snapshot of the galaxy on a specific date - the date she was born.
Little things like that constantly reaffirm that he is the perfect person for me. He is also an incredible dad and Evie loves him dearly. She interlocks her fingers with mine, and we just lay there looking up at the stars, hand in hand.
I try to hold back tears, realizing that I haven't been so emotional about spending time with her lately. I love little moments like these and am careful to always try to commit them to memory, but I’m not so desperate to memorize every second. And I have to admit this way is much less stressful. I can finally truly enjoy our time together.
“Which constellation is your favorite?” As I ask the question, she points, using the tip of her finger to trace a W shape.
“Cassiopeia,” she says softly.
And just like that, we sit in silence, admiring the stars, and I think about how incredible our lives are. We moved in with Charles and he invited my mother to stay, too, an offer she graciously accepted. My mother and father's divorce had already gone through and now my mother is starting to come out of her shell and enjoy herself even though it’s only been two months.
