Page 64 of Finding Love in the Clouds

Sophie took a moment to absorb the beauty of their surroundings. “This is absolutely incredible, Andy. I can’t believe you arranged all of this.”

Fernando smiled, taking her hand across the table. “You deserve nothing but the best, Sophie. The last couple of months have been hard, but you have been a pillar of strength. I couldn’t whisk you away to France, but I wanted you to enjoy a short break from what has been our reality. Tonight is all about us, and I wanted to make it unforgettable.”

The first course arrived—a delicate amuse-bouche of smoked salmon with caviar, garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers. As they savored each bite, the colors of the sky began to deepen into a tapestry of purples, pinks, and oranges as the sun approached the horizon. The serene ambiance, coupled with the exquisite flavors, made Sophie feel as though she were floating on cloud nine.

As the waiter cleared their plates, Fernando took a deep breath. “There’s something important I need to share with you,” he began, his voice steady. “I spoke with Santiago and your parents today. I asked each of them their opinion on our pending nuptials and whether we had their blessing.”

Sophie looked at him intently, her heart quickening. “What did they say?”

“Your mom slapped my arm and told me not to be silly. Of course, they did, and then she just about hugged the air out of my lungs. Henry shook my hand and said welcome to the family.”“And mybrother? What was his response?” Sophie asked, not realizing that her grip had tightened on Fernando’s hand.

“At first, he was annoyed with me for showing up at his job site, but when I handed him a freshly prepared lunch, he softened a bit. He had a lot of questions about living arrangements and family logistics. He also pointed out that it didn’t seem to matter since the wedding date was already set, and the planning was pretty much done. In the end, he said he would be happy for you and proud to call me his brother.”

The smile on Sophie’s face at her family’s acceptance could have lit the sun. “I knew they would love you. What family logistics?”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the next course—a rich, creamy bisque de homard served with freshly baked bread. The aroma was intoxicating, and the flavors were even more so.

“Your mom expressed concerns earlier about having to split herself between our home and your brothers. The mid-century modern home on the other side of our property came on the market last month, and Gabriel helped me purchase it. It was too small for Elsie and Arabella, but I thought it might be perfect for Santiago and his growing family. I suggested your parents enjoy their retirement in our guest house, which is conveniently located halfway between the two properties. We can arrange the privacy fencing however they feel most comfortable, either enclosing the property so they have a little privacy and separation, or we can enclose both homes and make it one large compound. With this scenario, you will have your multigenerational family unit without the close quarters and lack of privacy in the individual homes. I don’t know how long Gisela will be with Elsie and Arabella as their children’s nanny, but while she has the job, it will be an easy commute right down the hill.”

Sophie practically trembled with excitement at the thought of having her entire family soclose to her. “Did he agree?”

“We’re still negotiating,” Fernando answered cryptically. “He said he didn’t want a handout and knows he can’t afford a newly remodeled, ten-million-dollar home in Bel-Air. But, yes, he agreed.”

Squealing with joy, Sophie jumped out of her chair and launched herself into Fernando’s arms. “Thank you! Thank you so much for everything. This is a dream come true on so many levels. I can’t remember ever being this happy.”

As they continued their meal, each dish more exquisite than the last, their connection deepened. Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they continued making and refining plans for their future.

After dessert—a decadent chocolate soufflé paired with a glass of vintage port—Fernando invited Sophie to go on a moonlit walk.

Hand in hand, they descended the grand marble staircase and wandered into the vineyard. The moon cast a gentle glow over the rows of grapevines. After a few minutes, they reached a section of the path softly illuminated by lanterns hanging from wrought iron posts. The lanterns formed a wide circle on the rich earth, the center strewn with red rose petals.

Leading Sophie into the middle, Fernando turned to face her, placing his hands on her hips, his heart pounding with nervous excitement. “Sophie, from the moment you entered my life, you brought light and joy into every corner of it. You have been my rock, my partner, my best friend. You know me better than I know myself, and you love me anyway. I am in awe of the incredible mother you are to Javier. Together, we have faced challenges and celebrated triumphs, and through it all, my love for you has only grown stronger.”

Bending down on one knee, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a stunning engagement ring. The round 2-carat diamond sparkled brilliantly, catching the lamplight from every angle. Surrounding the central stone was a delicate halo of smaller pavé-set diamonds,creating an intricate pattern that resembled a princess’ tiara. The slender platinum band was adorned with pavé-set diamonds along its top half, adding extra sparkle and elegance.

“Sophie Amelia Williams, I can’t imagine my life without you. I want to be the father of your children and spend the rest of my time on earth holding you close. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Tears of joy welled up in Sophie’s eyes as she gazed at the ring, her heart overflowing with love. “Yes, Fernando. A thousand times, yes!”

As Fernando slipped the ring onto her finger, a hidden string quartet began playing a beautiful melody. The music filled the night air, and Fernando and Sophie danced under the stars, their hearts beating in perfect harmony, looking forward to a future filled with love, joy, and endless possibilities.

Chapter Sixty-Five

The autumn months passed by in a blur, the family settling into their places and finding a rhythm despite the many households whose lives intertwined on a daily basis.

Elsie and Arabella’s families were ensconced in the mansion down the hill, while Sophie and Javier lived with her parents in the guest house until after the wedding. Santiago and Gisela finished moving into the house next door, and the home they had all been renting together was let go.

Colin and Annabel had rented out their New York home and taken up residence in the guest house on the property with Elsie and Arabella in November, just in time for a humongous combined family Thanksgiving feast held in the mansion’s formal dining room. Elsie announced her plan to purchase the home from Gabriel as she was the oldest child, and she felt it was her place to host the family dinners on the West Coast moving forward. Having a dining room that held over a hundred guests seemed practical, given the size of their family and its potential to grow. Now that she was COO of FKMG, companyevents and parties could be hosted at her home, providing a layer of separation for Sophie and Javier.

The three youngest McKenzie kids had healed, and all FK Studios film projects had resumed.

Life felt normal. Good.

On December 1st, Enrique called. “Is now a good time for you and Sophie to talk?”

“Yes, let me conference her in. She’s at the house setting up Javier’s bedroom with Henry. Can you believe it took almost six months for his bedroom furniture to arrive? Hey, Sophie, Enrique’s on the line. Can you run down to my office so we can talk for a minute in private?”

“Oh, sure. Hi, Enrique! Henry, break time. I need to take this call. Be back in a few,” Sophie called out. A moment later, the sound of a door closing was heard. “Okay, I’m secure. What’s up?”

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