Page 100 of Right Next Door
“You will. I have to go to Holotulle every Standard year for our yearly meeting. I will bring you with me next time and show it to you.” He gave her a smile. “You know, when Earth officially becomes a proper member, they will need to send their own flower to join the monument.”
“You really think we’ll make it into the Coalition?”
“Sure.” He smiled. “The only admission requirements are that you be willing to play by our rules and that your species is able to breach their solar system under their own power. I think humans will have more than enough determination to make that trip on their own. Especially now that they have a goal in mind to accomplish. I’ve seen your people’s strength of will. I have faith that it won’t be long until you become a full member, not just a protectorate. And when you do, what flower do you think humans will send?”
Misty frowned, thinking. “I honestly don’t know. I mean, I guess if I have to pick, the first flower that comes to mind is a rose.”
“A rose?”
“Yeah.” She held out her hand, cupping it slightly. “They’re about this big. They have a lot of petals. Traditionally, they’re red, but they come in a bunch of colors. White and yellow and pink. And they all have a bunch of meanings. Red roses especially are deeply ingrained in so many cultures across the globe.”
“Why?”
“I’m not sure.” She shook her head. “I guess for the romantic implications? They’re seen as symbols of love and friendship and devotion. They’re the flower you traditionally give your girlfriend or wife – or mate, in our case. They’ve got a lot of symbolism. They smell nice so the scent is used in a bunch of things like soap and perfume. They’re considered super classyand classic. And I guess there’s some appreciation for the thorns.”
Tsok came to a halt, stopping them under the shade of one of the fellbud trees. “These flowers have thorns?”
“Yeah.” She nodded, smiling. “There are thorns on their stems. For protection. There’s a whole thing about needing to mess with the thorns if you want to pick a rose. So, you’ve got this beautiful, fragrant flower, but it’s dangerous and prickly.”
“Rather like you,” he said, cocking his head back with a grin. “I can’t think of a better way to describe you, my mate.”
“Not your mate.” She grinned back. “And I’d be offended, except it’s considered romantic to be compared to a rose. So, ha.”
“I assure you, I meant it with only the upmost appreciation,” he assured her, taking her chin in hand and tilting her head back. “I like you prickly. I like how demanding you are of me. I like how you aren’t afraid to tell me when I’ve made a mistake with you.”
“Oh, is that why you keep making so many?” She teased.
“No. That is simple ignorance. And I’m sorry.” He lowered his head, resting his forehead against hers. “I am truly sorry, my Misty.”
“For what?”
“For not hearing you. For not consulting you. I got so excited at the prospect of finally being able to mate you, and to marry you as well. It is not my custom, but it is yours and I was eager to do it. I just took for granted that you’d be eager as well and didn't think to even ask.”
“I am excited to marry you,” Misty promised. “But…”
“What?” He prompted when her voice trailed off.
“I know we’re trying to combine cultures here. And I get that you probably want more emphasis on the kreecharma side rather than the human side. But planning the wedding, whereI’m from, is the job of the bride and groom. It’s supposed to be something we do.Together. And yeah, we could hire a wedding planner to help, but at the end of the day, we’re supposed to make our decisions for what we want. It’s our wedding. It’s meant to be about us. The things we choose and like. Giving that control completely over to the seniors, or anyone else, is just too much.”
“So, you’re not upset that I didn't ask you to marry me?”
“Yeah, I’m still upset about that.” She gave him a smile. “But honestly, I’m glad you’re so excited to marry me. I like that. And you weren’t totally wrong. I am excited to marry you and be your mate. So you can actually call me that and not be a liar.”
“Good. That makes this easier then.”
“Hm?”
Before Misty could ask what he meant, he was already down on his knees. Both knees, pulling something from inside his robe’s pocket.
“I wasn’t sure which knee to pick,” he said. “The data packet didn't specify. Just that I needed to be down on my knee. Is one side more symbolic than the other?”
Misty chuckled, unable to keep the smile off her face. Or the tears from wetting her eyes. Why was she getting teary? She knew he wanted to marry her! This wasn’t a surprise!
Except it was. And he was already doing it wrong, but damn if she didn't love it. He didn't know what knee to kneel on, so he just kneeled on both. That was so like him.
“There’s no significance for one knee over the other,” she said, her voice breathy with excitement. “But it’s just supposed to be one. Down on one knee.”
“Well, my devotion is such that you may have me on both knees.”
