Saturday, December 16th, 2017

Cocoa's POV

Our flight to Maui landed safely. Mom doesn't know that Michail, Alise, Shea, and Leigh are already here. Val is going to propose during a luau we are going to.

The guys took care of the luggage and told us to have a seat in our transportation to the resort, which was a caravan of SUVs.

"Uh, which one do we each sit in?" Lei asked.

As the guys exited off the plane, Val answered, "There's one for Cam and Cocoa. One for Tosca and Chen. Another for Leilani and Lalita. Dominic and Eli. One for my parents, and another for Emiliano and Aida. The last one is for me, Guila, and Alyshea."

"Guila, you can ride with us," Lalita suggested. Once everyone had a set of keys, we loaded our luggage in each vehicle. Cam and I chose the BMW X5. It looks similar to the one Guila has.

"Here are the keys. You can drive." Cam handed me the keys, then we took our seat in the BMW. After everyone got in, we made our way to the resort.

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The resort is massive. We could get lost just by staying at the resort. A bellhop came and took our luggage to our room.

"Okay, here is how the rooming is going to go - Alyshea, Cocoa, Guila, Leilani, Tosca, and Lalita, here are your suite keys. Ladies, you have the biggest suite on the floor."

Val gave everyone their keys, then we all went to our rooms. He wasn't kidding. The suite looks like a penthouse. We each had our own room. And, there is plenty of space in the main area.

The next two weeks are going to be amazing! But, right now, I am tired.

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Sunday, December 17th, 2017

Cam and I are having breakfast with Michail, Alise, and the kids in one of the resort restaurants.

"Can I stay with you in your room, Aunt Cocoa?" Myshea asked.

"Of course, you can. But you have to ask your mommy or daddy first."

"Mommy, can I stay with Aunt Cocoa?"

"Yes, you can Shea. And, you better behave and listen to your Aunt Cocoa. We'll bring her suitcase. I'm sure you and Cam will want some alone time, so let us know went to come get her."

"Okay. I'm excited for tonight with the luau and proposal."

"I am too, Cocoa. Mom deserves it. Val, Leigh, and I even had a chat together. Your nephew even gave Val the 'take care of my grandma' speech. He was serious too," Michail says, causing us all to chuckle.

Leigh sighed, "Dad, Grandma is special. It's my duty to protect my grandma."

"Leigh, grandma is in good hands with Val. In fact, we all are. He's a special guy. We had a chat ourselves. I told him I wasn't ready to call him my dad, and he understood. He asked for me, Lei, and Lalita's help to pick out mom's ring."

"What are your plans for the day?" Michail asked me.

"Cocoa and I are going on a helicopter tour of Maui," Cam answered.

"I can't wait. The tour is 2 hours. Then, we are going to Kaanapali Beach. It's one of the top places to visit. The receptionist gave us a guide. We planned our two weeks of activities last night."

"We actually need to be leaving for the tour. Michail, Alise, Leigh, and Shea we'll see you later," Cam says while standing up from his chair.

"See you all later. Here is money for our breakfast." I gave Michail some cash, then Cam and I walked away.

Michail's POV

"Mom is not the only one who will be surprised. I neglected to mention that Cam was at the chat too. Cocoa is going to be surprised too. I made Leigh and Shea promise not to say a word."

"It was hard, daddy."

"Shea, I know it was because you like surprises."

"Tonight, is going to be full of happy tears and joy."

"Alise, you're right. I hope both of them say yes."

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Cocoa's POV

We had a great time on our helicopter tour and the beach. I even did a little shopping as well. Everyone is getting changed for the luau. No one wore anything fancy. I wore a cute lacy, yellow dress.

After I deemed myself ready, I went to wait out in the living room of the suite. It looks like the parents are the last ones. The younger folks were sitting down. I sat next to Cam.

"I'm hungry. We haven't eaten since after our helicopter ride. What did you guys do today?"

"Guila, Lei, and I went to the Maui Ocean Center," Lalita says first.

"Chen and I went on the Maui Whale Watch Cruise. I loved it," Tosca said next.

Mom came out of her room. "Who's riding with who?"

"Guila, Lalita, and Lei are riding with me and Cam."

"Chen and I are riding together," Tosca then answered.

We heard a knock on the door, so mom went to answer it. Everyone is now here, so those who were sitting on the couches got up, and we left for the luau.

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Cam's driving this time and he seems nervous about something. "Are you okay? Do we need to switch?"

"Uh, I'm okay."

"Whatever you say."

Cam's POV

I am beyond nervous about tonight. This is the biggest decision I have ever made. I have had dreams about this day. I don't have to dream about it again if she says yes.

Thankfully, we arrived at the luau. We were able to park next to each other, all in one row.

Dad made sure the ladies walked in front of us and couldn't hear what he was about to say.

"Valentino Toscano and Cam Calabro, I know you both are not nervous. You both are sweating like crazy."

"Dad, seriously? Are you saying you weren't nervous before proposing to mom?"

"No, I wasn't. But I was nervous about Luc telling me to leave your mother alone. Your grandfather was no joke. And, he still isn't."

"I remember the first day I saw Cocoa, 10 years ago, I told myself I was going to marry her one day. It's now here, and I am hoping she doesn't say no."

"I'm just hoping I am not rushing things with Alyshea. That's all that I am nervous about. It's been two years since her husband passed. I finally found the woman of my dreams, Dominic, someone to spend the rest of my life with. I'm taking a risk in proposing after two years of her being a widow. It's a risk worth taking."

"Neither one of you have anything to worry about. Let's catch up to the ladies before they wonder where we are."

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We had so much food it wasn't even funny. There was Kahlua Pig, Mahi Mahi, Sweet Bread, Island macaroni salad, Huli-Huli Chicken, and Haupia, which is coconut pudding, and more. I sure did eat everything that was available.

The MC for the luau announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the show."

Suddenly, what appears to be an all-male dance group came out and performed a traditional Hawaiian dance.

After the guys performed, they came off the stage and started waving men in the audience to go back on the stage with them. I slid as low in the chair as I could.

"Here's a volunteer!!!" My hopeful fiancée to be screamed. All I did was shoot Cocoa a glance and she burst out into laughter.

"You'll have fun, Cam. Will you do it for me?" Cocoa started batting her eyelashes, pleading for me to go on the stage. How can I resist that?

One of the dancers came over. They waved me, dad, Uncle Val, Chen, Nonno Luc, and Nonno Emil. I already know Tosca is recording this.

Both of my grandfather's put the rest of the guys to shame. They kept up with the dancers. I'm not ashamed to say I have no rhythm at all.

After what seemed like forever, the dance was finally over. We walked back to our seats.

"Prepare for the longest tickling of your life." Cocoa just laughed. I was absolutely serious. This time, a group of women came out and performed a hula dance.

After the dance, they did the same thing - looked for volunteers. Cocoa, mom, and all of the ladies went up on their own.

They danced so well, unlike the guys. The ladies received a standing ovation as their dance finished. And, now here come the nerves. The MC made an announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, two very, special women on the stage are going to be pleasantly surprised at this moment. Gentlemen number one, please make your way to the stage."

Val's POV

Dominic had to give me a push. That is how nervous I was. After walking up the stairs, I stopped in front of Alyshea.

"Alyshea, I know we have only known each other for a year. But it has been the best year I have ever had. If it wasn't for Cam meeting your beautiful daughter, we would have never known each other. Before I met you, I never realized how empty my life was."

Everyone on the stage had tears as I continued my proposal.

"I never thought that I would ever fall in love so quickly. But, I did. I know I will not be able to replace the love you shared with your husband, but if you give me the chance, I promise you I will love you just as much. I am deeply in love with you very much. I had a meeting with Michail, Cocoa, Leilani, and Lalita. I also asked your parents for permission to do this."

I got down on both knees, pulled out the ring box, and asked, "Alyshea Baker, will you marry me and make me the happiest man on earth?"

"Stand up for me, please? I knew that when we first started dating. I don't ever want you to feel like you are replacing Richard. My time with Richard was special. We had three, beautiful daughters together. I will always have memories of the time we spent. But when he passed, I knew our time was over. I have moments when I think about him, but that's it. Valentino Iacapone Toscano, I knew I was in trouble the first time we met. You are one, irresistible charming man. The way you treat my family means so much to me. I love both you and Guila so much. So, you're not replacing, but you are adding to my heart. It's big enough for you to have. To answer your question....."

"Don't answer yet until after the next part of the surprise."

Cam's POV

Now, it's my turn to be nervous. Dad had to push me also. I walked up the stage stairs and stopped in front of Cocoa.

"It was the summertime of June 2007 when we first met. Tosca had a sleepover. I went back to my room for a jacket and we crashed into each other. I couldn't open my mouth to say one word. I just stared - mesmerized by how pretty you were. I told Tosca I was going to marry you one day. She said and I quote, 'You want to marry Cocoa? Boy, please. Not even in your dreams.'"

Everyone chuckled.

"We had a falling out, which was my fault because of stubbornness. I'm sorry about it. I really am. Once we became friends again, I vowed to never do anything to tear our friendship apart. Then, once we started dating, I told myself I was never going to let you go."

So, then I got down on my knees, pulled out the ring box, and asked,

"Cocoa Amari Baker, will you marry me?"

"I can't believe you remembered that day. I remembered it as well. Cam, the day we left for North Carolina, all I did was think about calling you to say how much I was going to miss you. When we came back, all I wanted was our friendship back. I never expected you to have feelings for me. Yes, we drifted apart for several years, but look at us now. We went from not talking to each other to friends. Then, from friends to dating. I'm never letting you go either. So......."

The MC then announced, "Don't answer yet. The two, beautiful women are mom and daughter. So, mom and daughter, at the same time give your guys their answer."

Alyshea and Cocoa looked at each other with their tear-stained eyes. Then, at the same time, they answered, "Yes!"

Uncle Val put the ring on my mom-in-law. And, I put the ring on Cocoa's finger. After putting the ring on her finger, I went in for the kiss. So did Uncle Val.

"Ewww, Grandma, and Aunt Cocoa!" Myshea yelled from where they were sitting.

"Shea, Shea, you're here?!"

Myshea ran on the stage. "Mommy, daddy, and Leigh are here too."

Cocoa's POV

Mom asked, "When did you all get here?"

"We came a day before you did. Grandma and grandpa are here too." Grandma Nina, Connie, Grandpa Alfred, and Marvin came. What a surprise!

They waved their hands. Now, I knew about Michail and Alise. I was surprised about my grandparents.

"No way we could miss Alyshea and Cocoa's proposals. Congratulations, girls."

"Thanks, Grandma Nina." We all walked off the stage and back to our seats.

"Congratulations, Cam, and Cocoa. And, none of that Mr. Dominic stuff. It's just Dominic now. We have the best daughter-in-law that Eli and I could ask for. Now, if Cam gives you any trouble, just let us know."

"Dad! Seriously?" Cam protested.

"Thanks, Dominic." I just had to chuckle.

"Congratulations, Alyshea, and Val. Now, Alyshea, Riccardo, and I can tell you all about Val, especially when we were kids." Val had the same expression as Cam. Mom laughed.

"Thanks, Eli. Let's get together one day."

Several waiters came out with what looks like wine and sparkling cider for the 18 and under kids. Nonno Luc made a toast.

"Alyshea and Cocoa, Val and Cam were nervous wrecks the last couple of weeks. But, Val and Cam got the women that they wanted. On behalf of Emiliano, Donatella, and Aida, we want to welcome you and Cocoa into the family. The Toscano and Calabro families have some great times to come."

Mom spoke first. "Thank you, Luc, Emil, Donatella, and Aida."

"I knew Cam was nervous about something as we drove to the luau. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel the whole ride over. Tosca and I have been friends for life. Now, we can add sisters. Thank you, Nonno Luc, Emiliano, Nonna Aida, and Donatella. I now have four additional grandparents, and two additional parents."

"Cheers!!"

We all clinked our glasses, then took a sip. Not only did mom get surprised, but so did I. I hope someone recorded this special day. I will never forget it.

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Alyshea's engagement ring is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / deserttrends

Cocoa's engagement ring is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / rmakedonsky