If I could take away one thing from college, it's that unexpected moments make the best memories.

Like when Jordy convinced the all the sports team at UMD to participate in the Water Olympics, just so he can have his makeshift Soap and Slide. He spun down so quickly, he got motion sickness

Chuckling, I think about how much dish soap he bought just to have a good ol' sudsy time with the marching band. Although, the tuba guy didn't appreciate getting soap in his instrument.

Or when Marcus pranked Coach during film, replacing film with the El Dorado DVD every time and having the remote to stop and play.

It was funny at that moment. Doing suicides for the rest of the evening was worth it.

I rub my left calf, thinking about the memory pain of his immaturity, but it was worth it.

Let's not forget the memory of Hollis making a beat on the bus on our way back from a terrible loss to UNC in the regular season. Who knew the white boy could make beats so hard and Taylor could rap so bad.

I have to find the video. He thought he was doing something as the next Drake.

Snickering, I scroll through my phone. I pass pictures capturing the night of the team on Jordy's birthday. With all of us arrogantly posing in front of the camera, waving taco with birthday hats, I had no idea how my life would change. But there was more to that moment, reminding me of the biggest unexpected and life changing moment – meeting a raspberry lover.

Lifting my eyes, they meet the candy bandit sitting next to her dad. Her sister sits to the right of him while she snuggles close, scrolling through her phone and probably showing all her Pinterest photos of her and I.

Meeting Lizzie has rocked, disrupted, and changed my outlook of life. I never thought a five-two woman would have the nerve to boss me around to be a better man. No, scratch that – to challenge me to reveal the good man I always was. There are times where I feel like I don't deserve her and there are times where I know she came at the right moment to understand and bring me back the meaning of what love is.

"Jaylan," Lizzie calls out, motioning her hands over.

She is such a daddy's girl. Including mine.

Both her and sister are, but it's expected considering he treats them like royalty. He expects the same from me, considering our conversation over dinner.

My palms drip with sweat as my eyes meet dark brown ones. I shift them over to Mateo, who's scrolling through Instagram and liking some girls' photos from Florida University's volleyball team.

I let out a silent laugh because knowing his big overprotective 5-2 sister would chew him out instead of investing in organizing his dorm room and meeting up with his roommates.

"Elizabeth, Isabela, vamos al baño. (Elizabeth, Isabela, let's go to the bathroom.)" Lizzie's mom motions her hand to the bathroom.

Of course, the anti-broccoli eater furrows her brows, but stands up. Averting her eyes, she fixes her floral dress down her honey thighs. I've been doing dirty, dirty things lately with the candy bandit and she's trying not to give them away.

My throat dries up, not because of our car sex four hours before... okay, maybe a little thinking about her handprints against the glass and how she does this thing with her hips to get more of an edge now on the cobra. Or this new thing where she leans back and...

Alright, Jaylan. Focus.

They make their way across the restaurant. I look at my half-empty plate and over to Lizzie's dad, whose eyes meet mine. Mateo places his phone on the table.

"So, are you excited about school?" I clear my throat.

Mateo sighs in relief. "So ready." His lips curl into a smile. Probably thinking about the countless pre-college parties that will go down, especially at the University of Florida.

They are a new breed.

"When does camp start for you?"

"In July." His smile widens.

Wow, that's a bit soon for Lizzie and I'm wondering if she knows that. I know she has been wanting to know his decision so she can arrange for someone to look after her dad since she will be here.

"Wow, so soon." My eyes widen.

"The sooner the better." He grumbles.

I could only imagine his side of things when it comes to what happened at his home with his parents, especially since both of his sisters are big feelers. If I know any better, Mateo is like me, playing your heart out on the field or court.

"Did you meet your roommates or any teammates?"

Mateo smiles, then chews on his lower lip. "Uh, yeah. Some dude named Christian; he is actually from here. He was at the graduation. Her sister graduated today"

Shit, the only Christian I know is a fucking asshole and his sister and I have history.

"It wouldn't be Brady, would it?" My eyes slant.

"Yeah, you know him?"

Yeah, I know the arrogant, cocky, racist tool.

Staring at my fist under the table, I'm trying not to clench my jaw. "Uh, yeah. He's cool, I guess. Just let me know if you have problems."

Mateo flashes a smile, almost like he never had someone - at least masculine - behind his back. I definitely want to build our relationship because I know it will mean the world to Lizzie. Plus, after all, he will be my future brother-in-law.

I hope.

Mr. Lucero's eyes wander around the restaurant. Lizzie was dying to come here because of the pretty glass chandeliers and perfect romantic lighting. All I see is just another Pinterest board and stuff thrown up from IKEA.

But the steak is good.

"I just can't wait to finally be here," Mateo exclaims, sitting back in his chair with a relaxed smile.

Lizzie's mom's fiancé clears his throat, I guess after Mateo's comment. Silence slowly fades into the table, with light chatter around us. Sweating out every pore on my body, I've never been so nervous in my life

"Can you tell your dad that I'm glad he is here."

Looking at Mr. Lucero, Mateo nods and translates, "Dijo, se alegra de que estés aquí Papá. (Papa, he is glad you are here.)"

He nods, observing my eyes almost like reading my whole life story as they travel down to my tattoos on my neck and down my arms.

"¿Cuántos tatuajes tiene? (How many tattoos does he have?)" He looks at me and then at Mateo.

"My dad wants to know how many tattoos you have?"

Wow, that was unexpected.

Clearing my parched throat, Mr. Lucero's eyes continue to marvel over my tattoos, just like his daughter trying to read over my life.

My palms continue to become damp as I let out a breath. "Thirty-seven."

"Wow, did they hurt? I definitely want one, I like that one right there." Mateo's eyes point to my brotherhood tattoo on my wrist. His eyes widen, observing the detailed tattoos on my forearm. Every meaning has a purpose and it's not in vain.

"Oh, this one?" I mention holding up my wrist, which Ricardo and Lizzie's Dad look at.

"Yeah, what does it mean?" Mateo asked.

"It's Brotherhood in Hebrew. I got it with my team."

Mateo nods and his shoulders slump. "Wow, you really must have been close with your teammates."

"Not at first."

"¿Qué significa su tatuaje Mateo? (What does his tattoo mean?" Lizzie's dad's voice rasps a bit.

"Fraternidad. (Brotherhood)."

He nods and I clear my throat again. I take my phone out to translate what I want to say. Thanks to Lizzie, she found a good app that is close to her dialect in Spanish.

She is such a good student, in every possible way.

Holding back a smile of how I taught her to... Focus, Jaylan.

Mateo snickers at the photo I have of Lizzie with her mouth wide open, knocked out on my pillow. If he likes that photo, he is definitely going to like the ones where she has a chocolate stain mustache, I didn't tell her about until she found it herself. I took six.

"I got this app, and I wanted to try and speak with him about Lizzie." I confirm it with Mateo.

The heaviness of nerves, anxiety, and doubt fill my chest tight as I begin to write in the translation box.

"Papá, Jaylan va a hablar contigo a través de su teléfono, ¿de acuerdo? (Papa, Jaylan is going to talk to you through his phone, okay?)

Here goes nothing.

Times like this, I wish Mom was here to be able to guide me in this conversation. Mom, please sit here. I really need you right now.

Letting out a ragged breath, I begin to type as my eyes blur over the bright screen.

I just wanted to tell you how glad I am glad you are here. I've been waiting so long to meet you, with everything Lizzie has told me about you.

Translation: Sólo quería decirte cuánto me alegro de que estés aquí. He estado esperando tanto tiempo para conocerte con todo lo que Lizzie me ha contado sobre ti.

Mateo glances over it, his lips twitching as he shows Mr. Lucero.

As he reads, his lips twitch and Mateo glances at him.

"Estoy segura de que te dijo muchas cosas. (I'm sure she has told you many things.)"

Mateo's eyes gleam but dim. "He said, he is sure that she has said many things."

Lizzie's Mom fiance Ricardo's attention is brought to the conversation. The thickness of the atmosphere about his comment made my heart sink at the face of their family dynamic, but I don't think any less of them.

Yes, she tells me her candy addiction came from you.

Translation: Sí, ella me dice que su adicción a los dulces vino de ti.

Mateo glances and bounces his shoulders as he shows his Dad. The corners of his mouth turn up and bounce his shoulders. We all laugh. He sighs deeply and quivers his lip.

"¿Por qué amas a mi hija?" His eyes searched into mine as if he's trying to find a flaw.

"He wants to know why you love my big-headed sister." Mateo's lips twitch.

Why do I love Lizzie?

The thought lingers in my heart, of all the memories of why I love her. She has brought me out of the darkness and pits of grief to show me that life is worth living in the midst of pain. Lizzie has taught me that every day is a day worth living and, no matter what, think of one good thing that happened and dwell on that.

That's why I love Lizzie.

As the confirmation of warmth in my chest spreads, I knew it was Mom guiding me to say just that.

Lightness relieves the weight off my shoulders and I begin to type.

I love your daughter because she let me be myself when I thought I could never be myself again. Your daughter is so kind, selfless, and a pure light that shines on my heart where I didn't think light would shine again. I love her and I want to ask your permission to marry her.

Translation: Amo a tu hija porque déjame ser yo mismo cuando pensé que nunca podría volver a ser yo mismo. Tu hija es tan amable, desinteresada y solo una luz pura que brilla en mi corazón que no pensé que la luz volvería a brillar. La amo y quería pedirte permiso para casarme con ella.

Here goes nothing.

Mateo eyes read every word, glossing over, and he clears his throat and translates what I said. Mr. Lucero's eyes shimmer and his lips quiver. It wasn't a reaction I thought I was going to get, but more or less a tough response.

"Por cierto, la miras, puedo decir que quieres casarte con ella. (By the way you look at her, I can tell you want to marry her.)"

Mateo nods as Lizzie's mom fiancé silently agrees, his eyes glistening.

"He said by the way you look at her, he can tell you want to marry her and I do too."

Is it that obvious?

Chewing the inside of my cheek, I type in my phone

I would like to ask your permission to Marry her. I plan to propose to her in August.

Translation: Me gustaría pedir su permiso para casarme con ella. Planeo proponerle matrimonio en agosto.

Mateo clears his throat and translates to his dad using some corrections the phone has made. Lizzie's dad adjusts himself in his wheelchair as his eyes laser into mine with so much power, making every last bone and nerve in my body freeze. He points to a napkin and Mateo slides it over.

"Lápiz." He lifts his eyebrow.

Ricardo hands him a pen. As he begins to write something on the napkin, my whole body tenses up and I glance over to see Lizzie and her sister taking photos by this floral wall of daisies. Thats probably why she wore that dress and her sister matches her. Her dad attempts to slide the napkin to Mateo but he picks it up with ease. Mateo's brows lift but his mouth curls into a smile as his shoulders bounce.

"La respuesta es sí, pero si la lastimas, serás tú. (The answer is yes but if you hurt her, this will be you.)

Mateo hands me a napkin and its doodle of stick figures lying in a river. "He said yes but if you hurt her, you are going in the river. And trust me, it's dirty so I would treat her right now matter how much she bosses you around." Mateo adds his two cents.

"I promise."

"Do you have the ri–" Mateo eyes stretch wide as Lizzie sits back in her seat.

"What was that, Mateo?" Lizzie eyes laser at her brother, then me as I curl the napkin in my palm.

"Nothing, nothing. Just guys talk."

Lizzie draws her eyebrows together but I pat her tiny hands.

"Jaylannnn!" Lizzie calls again and I move my feet.

"Yes?" I plop down next to her and she grunts as she lifts up and returns down on the cushion. "I wanted to take a photo with us. Here, Isabela," she bosses with knitted eyebrows. Isabela rolls her eyes with a twitch of her lips.

Her big sister is coming out.

"She is your responsibility now, Jaylan," Isabela teases.

Planting a kiss on her cheek, Lizzie dips her chin about my affection near her father. "It's okay. I boss her too." Tugging her into me and rubbing her shoulder,her body warms. She told me she has to keep her parents thinking she has her flower so we can't kiss too much, let alone live together.

Pretty sure that includes knowing -

"Okay, one two three." Isabela presses on Lizzie's phone. "Papá mira de esta manera.(Papa, look here!)" Isabela snickers.

We take another photo and Isabela shows us. Lizzie's shoulders tense up, probably 'cause she wants a perfect photo. "Maybe one more."

Breathing a chuckle, Isabela rolls her eyes and snaps another. My eyes circulate around the yard with my family and Lizzie's family together. The one person I wish was here is my mom.

She deserves to be here at this moment, especially when I walked across the stage earlier. The cheers meant nothing to me without the one voice I wanted to hear. On the way over, I lost it when Lizzie squeezed onto Roger, hearing her voice just one more time.

You did it Jaylan, I'm so proud of you!

It's like Lizzie knows what I'm feeling, what I need, which is scary and also encouraging. I don't know what days lie ahead, but Lizzie is going to make every last day memorable, from the draft to her surprise trip to Disney.

She is going to be so surprised and kick me to next month about her gift. Aunt Lisa, Isabela, Alexis and Big Red helped me put it together, as Lizzie was busy organizing our kitchen and getting lost in the cabinets. I can't believe she fits in there, including her ass. Actually, I can. She already found a new hiding spot in this crawl space for when she needs her space to debrief, but we're working on doing it together because I cannot fit in the crawl space.

Lizzie and I have learned new things about each other. It's exciting and scary, but that's part of loving someone.

Like, I found out on Saturday morning Lizzie wakes up at shit-face of dawn, playing Selena and cleaning the house with no pants. I mean, I like it, but not waking up at 7 am on Saturday.

But I do like how I get to be the official taste tester for meals. Although she still hasn't mastered spaghetti, so I make that one. She puts too much Italian season in that. I sneezed for weeks.

I still haven't found her sugar stash, although she still keeps Twizzlers by the bedside. Eventually, I'll find out how those wrappers pop up in my car.

My bride-to-be is always amazing to me and her quirks never stop amazing me.

"Alright, time to eat!" Uncle Steve shouts with a silver pan of sizzling meat. Lizzie mom is throwing down on the grill with her fiancé.

Meeting her was more scary than her dad. I wanted her to like me, considering she is very conservative. So I did my best to hide my tattoos and withheld my tongue from cussing, which Lizzie said helps a lot.

Shit, she does this thing now when I say a spew of curse words. She sticks her tiny finger in my mouth. Fuck, I never thought I like that shit, but da-

"Jaylan." Lizzie knocks me out of my dirty thoughts when I notice everyone is at the table set up by Pinterest's representative. She organized the table for hours when we got here, until her mom took over and shooed her away

Clasping my hand with Lizzie's, Nathan sneaks into the group with Jeremiah and a wide smile. "Sorry, traffic."

"It's okay. We are glad you are here," Aunt Lisa assures as she taps my hand.

"Me too," I speak up with a smile.

Nathan has been extra involved after my incident with PJ. He has been checking in on me with support. All this time, he wishes he would have stayed in touch with me. I appreciate him stepping up. Mom would have too.

Nathan and I make eye contact and he looks at the miniature candy inspector next to me with a beaming smile.

"Okay, I'll pray and we can eat."

"Nosotras vamos a orar y comer. (We are going to pray and eat)." Lizzie looks at her mom and dad

They nod and Uncle Steve bows his head.

"Thank you for this day that you have made and let us rejoice and be glad in it. We are thankful for each individual around this room and we ask in this moment, with two very special people that brought us all together, to be blessed and let us be united for all the days to come. Bless the hands and those who prepared them. Amen."

"Amen."

"Finally, I get to have extra guacamole without Jordy." Uncle Steve beams.

Lizzie and her siblings snicker and we all get in line to eat. "You're going to love the sopapillas."

"What's that?" Grabbing my plate

"Oh, Jaylan, the best fluffy, puffy, and deep fried perfection," she says in awe.

"I thought fried oreos were your favorite perfection," I tease

"I like this too. It's definitely because Mamà made it with love." She dips her chin as she takes a spoonful of black beans.

"Ohhhh." I beam at her. As we move down, the sun continues to shine brightly down on the table as we gather and eat.

This food is so fucking good.

One thing I'm looking forward to is Lizzie making good meals.

"So, Jaylan and Lizzie do you guys have any plans for the summer? Before the real world?" Uncle Steve teases, centering us at attention.

Lizzie twirls her fork on her plate, trying to find the best answer for everyone. I gently put my hand in her lap, clasping her free hand "Definitely the beach. It's long overdue."

It sure is and me putting sunscreen on Lizzie's ass is top of my priorities. It reminds me, I need to buy more because two bottles probably isn't enough for both of us.

"I agree. We should all go." Aunt Lisa cuts Malachi's hot dog.

Malachi is officially a Robinson on Monday, crazy to think about, but it's well deserved. With the custody battle, trying to do what's right in the best interest for his future, Uncle Steve and Aunt Lisa won in his favor.

"That would be fun." Lizzie beams but glances over at her family and her shoulders slump.

I know she really wants to take me to Mexico and we agreed this Christmas would be the perfect time. She's already been planning about Christmas and it's only May. But she said in her tiny voice, "Jaylan, you can never be too early to celebrate Christmas."

"It would!" Uncle Steve beams, probably thinking about a rematch of the mini go kart race between us. He is still going to lose.

"Still going to lose." I twitch my lips.

Aunt Lisa smacks her lips softly and looks over at Lizzie's Mom talking to Ricardo, flashing her big engagement ring as she touches his face. Their smiles beam in their eyes, like nobody's watching. Interestingly, Lizzie does that to me.

"Mamà, ¿estás bien? (Are you okay?)"' Lizzie breaks her mom's concentration.

She clears her throat and nods. "Si, ¿Puedes decirle a la tía de Jaylan que me gusta mucho su vestido?" (Can you tell Jaylan's aunt I like her dress?)

"Aunt Lisa, Mama likes your dress."

"Gracias." Aunt Lisa beams at Lizzie's mom and she lets out a smile..

This is what I want to see.

Lizzie dips her chin and looks across to Aunt Lisa who is helping Malachi put a straw in his juice box. The thought of seeing Aunt Lisa so invested makes me wonder what it will be like when Lizzie and I have kids...

There ... I said it.

When you say the fear, it doesn't make it so bad. Yes, I've thought about kids with Lizzie a lot recently. Especially Lizzie and her Christmas planning makes me think about how special it would be when we have kids. Plus, I see the little sparkle in Lizzie's eyes when she watches Malachi do cute things from time to time.

"Well, I just want to say how proud I am of both of you too for meeting this milestone." Uncle Steve sighs, glancing up at the sky. "I know Evie is leaping for joy right now. And, to think, Math was going to take you out," Uncle Steve teases at the end.

"It didn't, I'm a math wiz," I boast, glancing at Lizzie about how she got us here with her attempt to be a math tutor.

"You can keep it." Lizzie crinkles her nose, and I playfully touch a wrinkle.

"Jaylan?" Nathan motions his head to the side.

Lizzie smiles at the both of us and touches my hand softly as she engages in conversation with her parents. I have to figure out a way for all of us to come together before we depart, plus future reasons to stay connected.

"Jaylan, I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the actual graduation." Nathan says softly.

"You being here means more than you ever will know."

Nathan swallows and clears his throat. "I don't think I could say this enough but I'm very proud of you."

My chest fills with warmth and my body tenses trying to hold my emotions together. "Thank you," I rasp out.

His words mean so much more than if PJ would have ever said them. After the incident with him, I haven't heard from or seen him. As peaceful as the situation is, it sucks to be honest. During my therapy session, my therapist opened my eyes about him being a toxic manipulator and is helping me to keep him at a distance. I do hope in the future we could connect somehow, but I think for the sake of all of us it's best this way.

"What took me so long was... I was cleaning out my condominium because I'm moving," he confesses but still has a smile on his face.

"Oh? Where are you moving too?"

"Oh, well since Jeremiah didn't make the draft, he wanted to move back closer and do a graduate program in education and coach basketball at a highschool."

"Oh, that's cool but do you know where you are moving to?"

"Baltimore."

The revelation actually lightens my heart but I'm curious to know why. "Really?"

"Yes, I got a row house close by Harbor East and I just wanted to be closer to, well... You."

My eyes blur up and I sniffle a bit because he didn't have to do that, considering Lizzie reminds me everyday that I have support all around me. He didn't have to move close to here.

"You didn't have to," I rasp.

"Jaylan.... I.." He pauses, looking down and then back at me with a firm focus. "I promised your mom that I would be there for you, always, and I failed because I didn't want to interfere between you and your relationship with PJ. But knowing you didn't have support from him and the little you told me I... I can't let you think you have no one."

I did tell Nathan a bit about my time with PJ a couple of weeks ago. He was angry, sad, and disappointed in himself. He couldn't rescue me but sometimes you just have to learn, even at a young age.

"I know."

"I'm here... and you know she is here with us..." He rasps himself as the hairs of his arms stand up from the pre-summer breeze. "It's crazy because I found this." He digs through his pocket and a black velvet box, which is the same box I remember he showed me when he wanted to promise it to my mom.

"Is that.-"

He nods. "For years.. I thought about giving this away but you telling me about Elizabeth... I thought it was perfect and I couldn't just give it away... It broke my pockets," he jokes at the end.

I chuckle and my eyes freeze as he extends his hand to me with the box. "Wait what?"

"Jaylan, I .. I know this is what you should give to her."

My throat becomes dry and words wouldn't come out as I clasp it in my hand. "Are...Are you sure?"

"I am positive... because I know this was the moment." He places his hand on my shoulder.

With every emotion and feeling in me, I grab onto him and we hug tightly. Before, I never was an affectionate person until a little nurse told me it was okay to cry. The moment felt like a lifetime ago, but in his arms, I needed this, especially this day for my mom not being here.

"I love you, Jay."

"I love you too," I muffle into his toned arm.

"You are going to be a great husband... And a father like your mom raised you to be." He whispers in my ear.

As my tears continue to release, laughter draws our attention as we turn to see my little Party Animal spinning her mom to hit a pinata. The smiles and joy on everyone's faces, coming together, confirm even more that I am where I'm supposed to be.

Nathan and I separate and he smiles at me. "Good things are coming your way, Jaylan."

"Thank you."

We walk back over to everyone to join the festivities of coming together from hitting this big custom made terp pinata to dancing to aiding Uncle Steve into the house after his back cracks from limbo. Today was a pretty successful day. I actually have to hide this ring from the Organizer Queen because she will find this in a heartbeat, so leaving it in my pocket is the best bet at this moment.

Currently, we are dropping Lizzie's family off back to the hotel downtown Baltimore. It's close by but I know dropping Lizzie's family off at the hotel is painful for her since they go back this Monday.

There have been a lot of emotional milestones she faces today – not having Big Red and Philadelphia's Princess to look after her and her leaving her family again. So, I know having this big bag of gummy bears and two Disney tickets is going to either have her throw me into the harbor or get lucky in this car.

I'm hoping luck will be in my favor.

Watching Lizzie kiss her dad on his cheek one last time, I make the effort to hug her mom, sister, and brother.

"It was nice to meet you, Jalen," Lizzie's mom butchers my name again.

Cracking a smile, I nod. "It was nice to meet you too."

"When you come to Mexico, we will show you how to really get down, especially for Christmas!" Isabela beams, hugging onto me.

Mateo rolls his eyes. "You're not missing anything," he mumbles.

"I'll see you in August, right?" Isabela leans and whispers to me. I nod and she squeaks higher than her sister.

"Mateo, will we see you in August?" Lizzie arches her brow.

"Lizzie, I told you I didn't have to." He teases, knowing his big sister won't stand down the answer.

"Yup, and try to not party too much," I tease, making Lizzie's ears perk up like a tiny puppy.

"Mateooo."

Mateo cracks a smile and hugs his sister. Isabela quiets down and latches onto her dad's wheelchair. I lean down to hug Lizzie's dad and he pats my back. I guess that's a good thing, or maybe he put a tracking device on me.

"Okay," Lizzie says.

I hold on to her as we stand in front of them for a while, staring, and she sniffles. They wave goodbye and Lizzie leans into me. I kiss on top of her head and we walk out the hotel building. It's still daylight, which I love about pre-summer. Lizzie's sniffles direct my attention as she looks down at her heels. I softly rub her back and she whimpers softly. Just as they came, they had to leave.

I know what will cheer her up.

"You know this isn't the end," I remind her.

"I know... I... It's been a long day."

"I agree... but hasn't it been too long a day not to have ice cream?"

She whimpers softly but her lips curl up to a smile. "Can we go to that one place with the cool graffiti?"

"For the Pinterest photo."

"Yeah," she says.

I laugh softly as we walk down the street, which is not too far.

"Wait, I need to get something out of the car. It's your graduation gift"

"Oh Jaylan, I left mine at home!"

"It's okay, we can look at it later."

"You're right. It involves a game." She snickers and I arch my brow. "Wait what game?!" I catch up with her fast feet. "It's not what you think." She continues to smile as I go in the back with a white gift bag with glitter tissue paper... Not my doing but Isabela, Alexis and Fireball' put it together.

"So pretty!" Lizzie admires, touching the reflective tissue paper.

"Like you." I playfully touch her chin and she dips it down.

Hand and Hand we make our way to BMORE Licks. Last time I was here, Jordy piled the Reese cups and I'm pretty sure he isn't allowed back because of that. I snicker thinking about how he dumped the silver bin on top of his ice cream.

"There are too many flavors!" Lizzie frets as we walk up to the window.

"The strawberry cheesecake is good," I mention

"Yuck. Oooh, I want this one." Lizzie beams, pointing at the aqua menu at churro flavor.

"Welcome to BMORE Licks. What can I get you two this evening?"

"I'll have a strawberry cheesecake ice cream with extra strawberry sauce." I tease Lizzie, making her grunt at me. "And she will have the churro."

The cashier laughs and puts in the order and I pay the money. Lizzie lets go of my hand and she finds a table. "Hey, can you do me a huge favor?"

"Sure," the cashier beams with a smile as her eyelashes flutter.

Geez.

"Uh, could you make both ice creams are, like, Disney themes? I'm taking my girlfriend to Disney and I want it to be perfect."

All the booth awes, with an eye roll from the cashier. "Of course... We can do that."

"Thanks." I add a ten-dollar tip to their lifeless tip jar.

Making my way over I place the gift bag on top of the table. "Soooo, it's officially summer."

"For you.." Lizzie is on her phone, probably doing her NCLEX questions.

I block her screen with my hand. "Babe..."

"Okay okay okay, but when we get home I have to do at least fifty NCLEX questions, Jaylan."

I will be glad when she takes her boards because she won't have an excuse when it comes to studying. She might do a masters program to teach. It wouldn't put it past her.

"So, what's one thing you want to do to kick off our summer?"

Lizzie sinks her teeth in her lower lip as she ponders. "I want to camp outside in our backyard"

"We can do that."

"Can you fit in the tent?" She giggles and I furrow my brows.

"Of course I can."

Lizzie's shoulders bounce and she wiggles herself close to me. "What do you want to do this summer?"

Probably my devil horns are showing, but I still want to try it. "I... want to go back to Stratosphere."

Lizzie cheeks turn pink. "You're not traumatized?"

"Eh. " I shrug. "I want to finish what we didn't get a chance to do the first time."

"What's that?"

"A tradition."

Lizzie sinks her teeth into her lower lip and plants a soft kiss on my cheek. "You are cute."

I gasp as I put my hand over my heart, making her laugh more.

"Churro Ice Cream and Strawberry Cheesecake." The cashier places it in front me.

I was a bit impressed at how they fixed the ice cream like Mickey Mouse and Minnie.

"But you know what I reallyyyy want to do this summer, Lizzie?"

Lizzie is not paying any attention, taking a photo of her ice cream not without getting it. I laugh. "I-" I pull out the box in the gift bag. "I want to go to this other place with you."

Lizzie shoves ice cream in her mouth like an ice cream monster, her eyes on the box. "What's that?" she licks the spoon, dragging her tongue just how she licks my.... Jaylan, focus.

"Take a wild guess."

"Build a Bear?" Lizzie eyes shift looking at the wrapped cardboard box covered with gold wrapping paper.

"Lizzie, don't forget about the stuffed animals you already have." I remind gently.

She has a shit ton of stuffed animals from back in Mexico, enough for their own room in the house. Isabela smuggled in more, which currently cover our bed. Unfortunately, I had to be the stuffed animal police, so only two can be in bed at a time. The rest are neatly placed in my old childhood spare room.

I know they will be in good use soon.

"Jaylann!" she scolds, furrowing her brows.

"Okay, yes. Build a Bear but somewhere better," I assure.

"And what could that possibly b-"

I open up the box, which explodes in glitter, hitting Lizzie and I. Damn, what the hell? Was there a bomb? We probably should've eaten our ice cream before I did that.

Twinkling music starts up, reminding me that I forgot my line from the glitter in my eyes.

"I want to go to Disney," I say, puffing some glitter out of my lips.

Lizzie is speechless. Glitter slides down her hair and coats her eyelashes. I'm not sure if she doesn't believe me or is panicking from the planning she thinks is needed. Knowing her, there's a rainbow of color charts cycling through that nurse brain right now. Or, she's wondering if I'll fit on the rides.

"Jaylannnnn," she drags. Her eyes are so wide, I think they're going to fall off the sides of her face. "Is this... a prank?"

"No prank. Will you go to Disney with me?" I cheese big.

"But..." Mild panic appears in her eyes. "The planning... We'll need months! I don't even know if they make Mickey Ears big enough for your head!" Lizzie rushes to clean up and starts gathering her stuff, dumping her ice cream into mine.

So much for the extra strawberry sauce.

She spews off about the countless shirts we have to buy on Etsy and announcements for her friends and family.

My lips curl up into a smile until she begins to scurry away. "Woah, woah! Slow down, slow down." I hook my arm around her waist and ease her onto my lap. "Baby."

"Jaylan, we ha-"

I place my finger on her lips. "I just need a simple yes."

She dips her chin down and I lift it up. I arch my brow and she rests her forehead against mine. "Yes, I'll go with you."

The warmth of her body warms up mine and if she is fretting now, I can only imagine when I ask her to be my wife.

That's a good thing to say.

My wife.

Edited by the best still_just_me

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I can't believe this is the end.

Epilogue soon!