Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Three days. We only have three days to finalize everything for the proposal. You would think that would be enough time to make sure everything looks great, but when it comes to my sister, great doesn't cut it. It has to be perfect.

It would have been easier if her design team had been around to help us, but no, uh-uh, my sister refused to call them because she wanted Hailey's proposal to be the work of our hands.

More like my hands.

She kept on telling me what to do.

Laurie, glue the feathers on the string.

Laurie, knot it three times.

Laurie, that's not what it's supposed to look like.

Laurie this, Laurie that. I'm getting tired of my own name.

I was slumped on the floor, working my ass off while Axel was just playing with Xan. Building legos, connecting puzzles, coloring-in coloring books. The man was having the time of his life while I was barely getting any break, getting scolded by my sister, and burning my fingers with hot glue.

Josh owes me big time for this.

It was late in the afternoon when Axel checked in on me while I was sorting the fairy lights with the feathers that I attached to strings. He asked if he could help with anything as he has just put Xan down for a nap. I was about to say that I could use a hand, but Noelle answered for me with a, "Oh my God, can you please get us some coffee? That would mean so much."

He made lattes, following a YouTube tutorial, because a.) doesn't know how to, b.) he doesn't know where the café was, and c.) even if he won't say it, I knew that he was worried that people might find out who he was. Though I'm guessing some people already knew because of what happened at the salon yesterday.

A little while later, Xanthippe woke from her nap and came running to the living room, "Mommy, Mommy, look!"

I glanced up from the feathers I was gluing and saw Xan with a banknote in her hand.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

"The tooth fairy came," she spoke with glee and then extended the bill, revealing the face of Benjamin Franklin.

I almost choked on my saliva. My head whipped to Axel behind me. I know, without a doubt, that this was his doing. "A hundred dollars?" I mouthed.

"It was all I had," he whispered. "I didn't have smaller bills."

"Honey," Noelle cleared her throat. "I think the tooth fairy has made an error."

"What do you mean, Mommy?"

"I think," she glanced at us then back to Xan. "You have to put it back under your pillow."

"But why?"

"Because the tooth fairy gave you too much, darling. She can't give the other kids money if she spent it all on you."

"But what if the tooth fairy wanted it that way because she likes me because I'm a good kid?"

I cleared my throat, "You are a good kid, Xan, but I think your mom is right. Why don't you put it back and sleep, and if you woke up and it's the same, then we're all sure that the tooth fairy wanted it that way, huh?"

"Hmm..." she placed her finger on her temple.

Noelle and I stared at her with our mouths ajar, expecting an answer.

"Okay! I don't want the other kids to not have anything."

"Yes," I nodded. "That's right. Do you want me to help put it back?"

"No," she shook her head. "I can do it. I'm a big girl."

"Alright." She ran back to her bedroom and once she was out of sight, I pulled a five-dollar bill from my pocket and gave it to Axel behind me, "Swap this."

"Okay," he nodded. "And I'm sorry, I thought I was doing the right thing."

"It's okay. Go."

He stood and gave us an apologetic smile then walked to Xan's bedroom.

Noelle glanced at me, still a little dazed, "That was too much."

"I know, right?"

When the day ended, I found out that my sister still has a soul when she let her elves free when the clock stroke five. She said I should tour Axel around town, but we were much too tired from the day. So we decided to just go back to the hotel and rest.

This went on for the next two days until it was time to set everything up at the venue: Grandma Fely's front yard.

Noelle rented a pick-up truck and Axel helped in putting all the decorations out the back. I had to ask Dad to drive us there because none of us knew how to drive stick.

I shot Josh a text – a nest emoji. That's what we've agreed on to say that we've left our nest so he should find a way to keep Hailey away and busy. And because if Hailey ever sees the message, I could always say I just texted accidentally. After a few minutes, he replied with two bird emojis.

"Did somebody die?" Axel said next to me.

"Huh?"

"The dove emojis. Did somebody die?"

"No. Stop looking at my phone," I put my phone back in my pocket. "And aren't doves used in weddings?"

"Yeah, but emoji-wise, they're used for funerals."

"Oh, well, too bad because from now on we're using it for weddings." I leaned over to talk to Noelle, "Have you called Grandpa Frank that we're on our way?"

"Yeah, he said he's waiting for us."

"That's great, I haven't seen him in a while," Dad spoke, his eyes still on the road.

"When was the last time you spoke with him?"

"I dunno, thanksgiving last year?"

"Oh..."

"Yeah, pretty long time, huh? I'll catch up with him as we do the work."

"You'll help?" Noelle asked.

"Hailey is like my third daughter. Of course, I'll help."

"Aww," I squeezed dad's shoulder. "You don't know how happy she'll be if she heard that."

He shrugged, "It's true. The kid's been pestering me since you were six. Always running in the house." He paused and I heard a sniff. "God, that only seemed like yesterday and now she's about to get engaged."

"Dad," Noelle put a hand on his arm.

"I can't believe she's getting married."

"Hey, don't get teary-eyed, you're driving. And she's not getting married yet," I chimed in.

"But that's where it'll lead." He took a deep breath, regaining composure, "You kids at the back,"

"What?" I said taken aback.

"Promise me you're not getting married anytime soon."

"Dad!"

"You're serious about my daughter, Axel?"

Axel paled. "Sir?"

"I asked you a question. Are you serious about my daughter?"

Axel glanced at me then gulped. The horror on my face didn't help the situation. We should've planned this well. I should've come clean to my family that we're only doing this for Hailey. I should've made it clear that- You know what, it's not too late, it's not a crime, I could say it right here, right now.

"Yes."

Axel-fucking-James-said-what?

I turned in his direction to see his stern and decided countenance.

"Good," my dad gave him a firm nod through the rear-view mirror. "But don't go too fast. Hailey and Josh have been together for a long time. And I'm not saying you wait that long, God knows how long they've been together, but I want you to be able to know each other very well before you go through marriage."

"Dad," I chuckled nervously. "We're not even thinking about it, you're thinking way waaaaaay too much."

"Uh-huh, well I'm just saying because your best friend is getting married and it won't be long until you think about it too."

"Dad, I'm twenty-six, I'm still young. I'm not thinking about that right now. Take Noelle for example."

"Why me?" she asked.

"You and Harry got married when you were what- thirty?"

"Twenty-nine, about to turn thirty."

"See, Dad? And they didn't even have Xanthippe until four years after they got married."

"I know, pumpkin. I'm just trying to give some advice," Dad said as the truck slowed to park in front of the oak tree that we'll decorate. The tree was beautiful as it was – with golds and greens and spots of red in its leaves.

We took the materials off the truck and asked Grandpa Frank for a ladder. Dad offered a helping hand from time to time but he was kept busy by Grandpa Frank talking about whatnot. Axel and I took turns in hanging the ropes on the tree – the same ropes that I have been gluing feathers and attaching glass jars to for the past few days. After we've secured the knots on the tree, I switched on the battery-operated candles and handed them out to Axel to put inside the jars. All the while, Noelle was busy making the pathway and setting up additional ambient lights behind the tree.

The sun was just setting by the time we got everything together. It was a sight to be seen, nothing short of magnificent. Noelle is indeed a visionary when it comes to decorating. It's just a shame that she was so bossy in the process. If this alone wouldn't make Hailey say yes, I don't know what will.

"This is beautiful, Noelle," Axel said from behind me. I turned and saw how impressed he was, mouth parted as he took everything in.

"Thank you very much," Noelle said proudly. "And it wasn't just me. It was the three of us. This right here is our collective effort." She sighed, "God, I just hope Hailey would say yes."

"Hey," I warned. "Don't say that, you might jinx it."

"You're right, you're right. I'm just nervous," she puffed out a breath then squeezed me into a hug. A nice gesture overall but the squeeze became tighter that my arms got crossed against my chest.

"Ow," my voice muffled. "You're hurting me."

"Right, sorry," she released from the hug, making it easier for me to breathe. "I just..." she paused. "What dad said when we were in the truck got in my head. I just wouldn't know how to feel exactly if, when, it's your turn to get engaged. You're my baby," she pouted.

"Aww," I brought her in for a hug. "That wouldn't happen soon, so don't you worry your pretty little mind."

She chuckled then faced me, "Have you texted Josh that we're done?"

"Oh, shit, I'll text him now." I sent him a thumbs-up emoji to which he replied a few minutes later with a car emoji.

"They're on the way," I announced.

Dad came out of the house with a phone in his hand, "Noelle."

"Yeah, Dad?"

"Mom was calling you."

"Oh, my phone's in my bag. I haven't heard it. What'd she say?"

"She's asking when Harry will get there. Xan's been throwing a fit. She wouldn't listen to your Mom."

"What time is it?"

"Five?"

"Oh, that won't work. He'll be out by 6:00, he'll get there by 6:30." She glanced at me with a regretful frown, "I should go."

"I'll take you."

"Don't be ridiculous, Dad. Lola's house is just down the block. I could walk."

I glanced at the truck and saw how it sticks out behind the tree. I winced audibly.

"What is it?" Axel rose his head from checking out the camera settings.

"Look," I pointed at the tree.

"It looks beautiful, I don't see the problem."

I grabbed his arm and moved him to see it from my perspective.

"Oh," he frowned. "That is an eyesore."

"Yeah."

"That would ruin the photos."

"Right? I thought so too." I turned to Dad and Noelle who were still talking. "Dad, you need to move the truck, it's gonna ruin the photos."

They both checked on what I pointed out.

"See," dad looked at Noelle. "Even the truck wants me to go with you."

Noelle exhaled, defeated, "Alright, Dad." She turned to us, "You got this, right?"

"Yes," I nodded.

She nodded back, "Okay. But call me in case you need any help."

"Of course. Now go! They might get here any minute."

"Alright. Let's go, Dad?"

"I'm just waiting," dad replied and they walked to the truck. He beeped twice before driving down the street. I waved goodbye.

"So," Axel spoke from behind me. "Where will we hide?"

"Um..." I paused for a moment to scan the area until I saw a blind spot from the tree. "There," I pointed to the left side of the house and jogged off the front porch. He chuckled from behind. "What?" I turned, but the sun was right behind him making me squint from the golden hour.

"You look cute when you take your little steps down the stairs," he said then snapped a photo.

"Hey!" I was about to grab the camera when he ran. "Delete that." I chased him but as soon as I got close enough, he raised the camera so that I couldn't reach it. I jumped and he laughed. "It's not funny. Give me the camera."

"Kiss me first."

I scowled at him, "In your wildest dreams."

He raised a brow, a smirk playing on his lips. He was about to say something, but I wouldn't give him the pleasure to have the last laugh. So, I took the opportunity and gave one big jump. My fingers almost touched the camera. Almost... Almost... then I fell back down on solid land.

Fuck. Why does he have to be so tall?

"You know you could just do what I want and save yourself the trouble."

My lips snarl at his words. Such a pompous jerk. No one tells me what to do. "Why you–" A red car stopped on the side of the road. Josh's car from High School. I can't believe it still works.

"What? 'Why me' what?"

The door opened and out came Josh jogging to open the passenger door. "Shit."

"Hey, don't say that. You've kissed me multiple times."

I glanced back up at him, "No, you idiot, they're here."

"What?" his head whipped in their direction. "What the fuck are we doing, then? Hide."

We rushed to the side of the house and brought ourselves out of their sight.

I clicked on the remote that opened the fairy lights. It lighted beautifully against the setting sun.

"Josh, what is this?" Hailey asked warily as she walked through the pathway.

"You're getting the shots, right?" I whispered to Axel behind me.

"You're hearing the clicks, right?" he whispered back.

I squinted at him, "Sarcasm doesn't suit you."

He squinted back at me briefly and then focused on getting the photos. I reached for my phone and hit record. I need to have this moment immortalized.

Josh took Hailey's hand and led her to the spot under the tree. I zoomed in on their faces to see their expressions better – Josh was trying his best to smile but there was no doubt that beneath that optimistic façade was a heart that beats a thousand drums.

And at that moment, I realized that proposing marriage to someone you truly love is incredibly brave. Because no matter how much you prepare for this moment, no amount of preparation would remove the uncertainty of their answer; that it could only go two ways: 1. You live happily ever after, and 2. You break up and try to rebuild a life without the person you love.

I don't think I could live in a reality where they don't end up with each other.

Josh's mouth started moving and I hate that he was whispering and we can't hear a thing. I moved the camera to Hailey and she looked like she was about to cry. She shook her head in a pained expression.

Oh no, this doesn't look good.

Josh brought himself down on one knee and took a small black velvet box out of his pocket. He opened it and said, "Hailey Louise Ferguson, will you marry me?"