“Chloe’s bringing her now,” I announce, feeling my pulse quicken even more. I glance around the gym, making sure everything is perfect. I straighten the jacket of my gi and tighten the black belt on the uniform.

“Hey, man, remember to breathe,” Xavier says, clapping me on the back.

“Thanks,” I murmur, focusing on steadying my breaths. I know Emily probably thinks we’re just going to tell Chloe about the baby, but I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she realizes the real surprise.

“Here goes nothing,” I say under my breath as I hear the gym door opening and the sound of Chloe’s laughter. This is it—the moment I’ve been waiting for. My heart is racing, but I’m ready.

My fighters and I stand in formation, all dressed in our formal gis, barefoot. My black gi with my black belt tied around my waist represents both my skill and the importance of this moment. The others wear white gis with their own black belts tied around their waists, creating a powerful contrast that exudes strength and unity.

The gym door opens, and Emily walks in, looking absolutely stunning in her floral dress. The soft fabric hugs her curves, and her long blonde hair flows over her shoulders like a golden waterfall. My heart swells with love and admiration for this incredible woman who has changed my life.

As she looks around the gym, confusion flickers across her face. In my heart, I’m confident this was the best way for me to assure Emily that I am fully committed to her and the baby. She needs to know that I’ll always be by her side, no matter what challenges we face together.

“Lucas,” she says softly, her eyes searching mine. “What’s going on?”

“Emily,” I begin, trying to keep my voice steady. “I wanted to do something special for you. You know how much you mean to me, right?”

“Of course,” she replies, still confused but smiling now. “But why is everyone all dressed up?” She glances at everyone. “You all look like we’re in Dubai already.”

“Because today is a very special day,” I say, feeling my nerves building as I prepare.

I take a deep breath to calm myself, as I reach out and gently take her hand in mine, feeling the warmth of her skin and the slight tremble at her fingertips.

“Emily,” I say, swallowing down the lump in my throat. “You have no idea how much you’ve changed my life. You saved me from the darkness that was consuming me.”

As I speak, I feel my voice choking up with emotion, but I push through it. I need her to understand just how much she means to me. Her eyes widen, and her free hand goes to her mouth as she begins to grasp what’s happening.

“Lucas,” she whispers, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Emily,” I continue, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart. “I want to spend the rest of my days loving you, laughing with you, and facing whatever life throws at us, together.”

I drop to one knee and pull the ring from the hidden pocket in my gi, holding it up for her to see. The diamond sparkles under the gym’s lights, reflecting the excitement I’m feeling. “Emily, will you marry me?”

For a moment, we’re both lost in each other’s eyes, and I hold my breath, waiting for her answer.

Her breath catches, and tears fill her eyes as they search mine, almost in disbelief. There’s no hesitation as she nods, choking out a sob. “Yes, Lucas, I’ll marry you.”

With trembling hands, I slip the stunning diamond ring onto her finger, relief and joy coursing through me. We’re officially engaged, and it feels like the universe has aligned into place.

Chloe, who’s been watching along with the fighters, lets out an excited squeal. “Damn, girl! That rock could blind someone!” she exclaims, her eyes wide as she admires the enormous diamond on Emily’s finger.

We all laugh, the tension and nerves finally dissipating. I stand up and pull Emily into my arms and kiss her, sealing the moment forever.

The fighters erupt in cheers, their voices resonating through the gym as they clap and holler in celebration. In a show of tradition and camaraderie, they begin to perform a lively tribal dance around Emily and me, their movements swift, agile, and bursting with energy.

“OSS!” they chant in unison, a familiar call that echoes throughout the gym. The sound brings a sense of unity, one that’s fitting for the occasion. Their movements are fluid and powerful as they perform the Brazilian dance, circling around us, with Charlie joining in without missing a beat. The synchrony of their steps is mesmerizing, their loyalty to both the sport and to me evident in every motion.

“Oorah! Oorah!” they chant, their voices blending together in a powerful harmony that encapsulates the spirit of jujitsu. I feel a sense of pride swelling within me, knowing that these men—my brothers-in-arms—are here to share in our joy.

Emily’s eyes widen in surprise, clearly taken aback by the spectacle. “This is incredible, Lucas,” she says, gripping my hand tightly. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“It’s tradition,” I say, grinning broadly.

As the dance continues, Chloe sneaks away and reappears moments later with her arms laden with champagne bottles and glasses.

“Let’s make this official, shall we?” she asks, winking at us as she hands each of us a flute. As I pop the cork on the first bottle, the sound echoes through the gym, eliciting another round of cheers from the fighters, and I fill the glasses.

“Here’s to Emily and Lucas,” Chloe announces, raising her glass in a toast. “May your love be strong, everlasting, and filled with laughter!”