Page 37 of Five Goodbyes

I do everything in my power to keep the ultimate poker face at Jasmine’s response. She tossed and turned all night for sure, but it had nothing to do with the glass of wine while her parents were there.

A culinary masterpiece is laid out in front of us. Fluffy omelets, filled with an assortment of gourmet cheeses and garden-fresh herbs, beckon with their bright colors. The vibrant hues of diced bell peppers, sun-ripened tomatoes, and succulent mushrooms bring the dish to life. And the aroma — oh, the aroma — it’s an invitation to embark on a sensory journey of unparalleled delight.

Beside the omelets sits a platter of golden, buttery croissants, their flaky layers enticingly peeking through. The mere sight of them evokes memories of Parisian cafes, where each bite is a revelation of buttery perfection. We eagerly tear into the croissants, the delicate flakes gently cascading onto our plates, while the heavenly scent fills the air.

“This is delicious,” I say, trying not to sound like I’ve only eaten breakfast consisting of Jimmy Dean sausage and the cheapest eggs I can find for the better part of my life.

The waiter returns with a tray of artfully arranged fresh fruits, their tropical colors adding a burst of vitality to the already exquisite tableau. Luscious strawberries, succulent pineapple slices, and juicy kiwi cubes beckon, their sweetness promising a burst of refreshment.

As we savor each bite, laughter and joyful chatter fill the space between us. Jasmine’s joy echoes through the restaurant, her happiness contagious.

“You know, we stayed up late ourselves. When we got back, we started playing cards and didn’t get to bed until just after midnight,” Amy adds to the stories being exchanged.

A playful banter is being revved up in the warmth of our connection. For Jazzy and me, it’s an inside joke. For Amy and Lucas, they’re feeding us lines that make it almost impossible not to fall apart laughing. Breakfast becomes more than a meal; it becomes a celebration of love, family, and underlying sexual innuendos.

Time seems to suspend as we immerse ourselves in this idyllic moment, and I can’t help but bask in the acceptance that radiates from Jasmine’s parents. The grandeur of the setting fades into insignificance compared to the richness of the bonds we’ve forged. It’s a testament to the power of shared experiences and the warmth of genuine connections.

As we savor the last morsels of our extravagant breakfast, the lingering taste of gourmet dishes, the aromatic fragrance of coffee, and the view of the majestic ocean continue to weave their spell.

I almost forget about the entire reason for being at this breakfast. Then Jasmine brings me back to my senses when she asks where the restroom is. As she walks away, my mouth becomes dry, and I lose all ability to send a connection from my brain to my mouth.

“You okay? Eat too much?” Lucas asks with a look that tells me he doesn’t care if I ate too much. I have a feeling he knows why I’m about to puke.

“I . . . well . . .” is all I can get out before I stop speaking. I take a few deep breaths, then try again. “I don’t know why this is so difficult.”

Lucas leans in, a knowing smile gracing his face. “You know, Hunter, we’ve been expecting this moment for quite some time. We’re simply glad you’ve finally come to your senses.”

“Stop it right now Lucas Anderson,” Amy says, gently smacking her husband in the arm.

I chuckle nervously, my fingers tapping against the exquisite tablecloth. Deep breath in, hard exhale out, and I push the words out. “I hope you’ll both be happy that I’ve come to my senses and want to spend the rest of my life with your daughter. She’s the first woman I’ve ever fallen in love with, and I can’t imagine being without your daughter.”

Lucas arches an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Ah, the moment of truth. I must say, Hunter, it took you long enough.” Dang, I think this is moving at lightning speed, but I guess in the Anderson family, everything moves fast.

Amy suppresses a giggle, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Patience is a virtue, Lucas. Let the poor boy gather his thoughts.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. This is it — the moment I’ve been preparing for, yet the weight of the question seems to bear down on me like an anchor. “Lucas, Amy, I truly cherish Jasmine, and my love for her grows stronger with each passing day. I can’t imagine my life without her by my side. So, with all of the respect and love I have for both of you, I’d be honored if you’d give me your blessing to marry Jasmine.”

Their smiles widen, and Amy reaches across the table, gently squeezing my hand. “Hunter, we couldn’t be more thrilled. You’re an exceptional man, and we’ve witnessed the depth of your love for Jasmine. It would be our utmost honor to give you our blessing.”

Relief floods over me, and a surge of joy uplifts my spirits. Gratefully, I thank them, words pouring out in a rush. We exchange heartfelt hugs, and the weight of their approval lifts a burden from my shoulders.

Just as we settle back into our seats, Jasmine breezes back into the lounge, her eyes alight with excitement as she spots us gathered around the lavish table.

Lucas grins mischievously, his eyes gleaming. “Well, it seems you’ve arrived just in time for the pièce de résistance, my dear.”

Faux confusion flickers across Jasmine’s face, but before she can question further, I step out from the table, drop to one knee, and ask the woman of my dreams to marry me — again. What I didn’t notice was that Lucas had retrieved his smartphone and connected a call while I was proposing.

“I had to call Dad and let him share in this wonderful news. You know he adores you above all, Jasmine; you’re his favorite grandchild.”

“Oh, she’s most certainly his favorite person right after Katherine. Even you kids don’t stand a chance,” Amy says as she laughs. Her smile radiates at us.

As the screen of the phone is turned around, Jasmine’s face lights up with joy, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. On the screen, Joseph’s tear-filled eyes stare back at us, his voice trembling with emotion. Katherine appears beside him, her face angelic.

Joseph’s voice quivers with emotion. “Jasmine, my precious girl, I couldn’t be happier for you. You’ve made your old grandpa happier than I can remember being in a very long time.”

Tears well up in Jasmine's eyes as she whispers, “Thank you, Grandpa. I love you.”

The conversation overflows with laughter and excitement as Joseph and Katherine express their love and congratulations. They speak of how this will be the most extraordinary wedding in the history of the world, and Katherine reminisces about her own wedding day, painting vivid pictures of love and nostalgia.

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