“Thank you for having a mind that was always prepared to understand me regardless of my shortcomings, and for having arms that would always embrace me for who I am. Thank you for the sunshine that you kept bringing in my life. Thank you for being you, Gianna. Thank you for existing. And I’m sorry because I don’t have a gift for you on this special day. Can I just make it up to you by offering you myself and this ring that I have right now?”
“Of course! That’s more that I could ever ask for. I’ve been ready to say ‘yes’ for quite a long time now.” I said as my tears kept falling. It was crazy how I was laughing and crying at the same time. I also think that this was the longest thing I’ve ever heard from Caleb. He would never forget to say “I love you” every day, would never let a day pass without making me feel cherished and appreciated, but this was still different since he was announcing it to everyone who was listening tonight.
“Where are you? I miss you so much.” I was about to say something more when he hanged up. “Are you on a power trip again, Caleb? This is not funny.”
“I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to propose on the phone. Why would I do that when I am already right in front of you?”
I quickly glanced at the door when I heard that familiar baritone voice. And standing on the studio’s doorway was Caleb who was sweating profusely as if he was on a marathon. He was only a few steps away from me. He was carrying a bouquet of sunflowers in his hand and a velvet box in another.
Anticipation filled my chest.
“Hi there, love.”
“Caleb…”
“I love you so much, Gianna, and that is why I want to be real to you.” He said in the softest voice I have ever heard from him. “I know that I am still a work in progress. There may be days when I’d mess up, when we’d fight because of our differences. I can’t promise you that you are going to be the happiest woman in the world every day by being with me because that would be very unrealistic. There may be days when I’d fall short of your expectations. But I can assure you one thing.”
I sniffed. “What is it?”
“I can assure you that I would hold your hand when we fight. I would never let you sleep crying. I will be there to wipe those tears. Besides, you are aware of how much I am into you, right? He chuckled. “So I would probably let you win whenever we argue since your tears are my weakness. I can’t stand seeing you sad. You are an extreme believer of fairytales and I can’t promise to be your Prince Charming. Heck, you know that’s impossible considering my personality. But I can be your Knight, love. I will save you each time you are about to fall. I would catch you with my two arms. So will you allow me to take care of you forever? Will you give me the honor to be your Knight for the rest of your life? Will you accept me to be your lifetime partner?”
I stoop up and ran to him. “Yes to all your questions!”
Caleb smiled as he gently wiped my tears. At long last, my dream was about to come true. I am finally getting married with the man I love and with the man who loved me back. In his eyes, I can see a glimpse of forever with a family that I have always dreamed to have.
Caleb put the diamond ring on my finger. It was very beautiful and it fitted perfectly. He kissed me swifly on the lips before he lightly pushed me back to my swivel chair. “As much as I love the attention, you still have a job to do.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “It’s still five minutes before your program ends, love. Finish it. I will wait for you here.”
I nodded before coming back to my chair. I turned on my microphone with a big smile on my face while looking at my ring. “I always think that the heart has a mind of its own that’s why you can never trick it. Even if you have found the best guy, you will always go back to that one special but stubborn guy who makes your blood boils, who makes you nuts but who makes you... fall in love. Until next time, folks. This is still your DJ Gi... getting married finally.”
I ran back to Caleb’s side after my program ended. His arms were already wide open for me. He kissed the top of my head.
“Thank you for coming back sooner.” I whispered. My face was buried on his wide chest so I could hear how much his heart was pounding, too.
“How could I not? I had to finish what I needed to do in four days so I could rush by your side sooner. My business partners teased me like crazy but what can I do? I really missed you a damn lot. Next time, I’d probably take you with me. By the way, I brought souvenirs. They are in the car. You can give them to all the kids and staff in the orphanage.”
“Thank you, Caleb. I really appreciate that a lot.”
I smiled contentedly. I don’t think I could ever get used to this side of him. Who would have thought that Caleb could be this sweet and thoughtful? Every time we would go out on a trip, he would make sure that he would bring some delicacies and souvenirs for the kids. He had been spoiling them a lot these days that they were more excited to see their Uncle Caleb lately than me. But I have no objections. I was actually glad that the kids had one more person who will love and cherish them.
“Don’t mention it. And Gianna?”
“Yeah?”
“It’s been exactly six months today since you chose me over your first love. I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you enough for choosing me that day. I know that I am not your ideal guy. I’ve heard that straight from your best friend’s lips, but I will keep working on being the right one for you, Gianna.”
My tears welled up once more. “This is crazy.”
“What is?”
“This. You. Me.” I looked up at him and saw him gazing at me with such warm eyes. “I should be the one telling you those things. You were the one who chose me. And I’m the one who feel the most thankful here. I still suck at cooking department. You know that.” He grinned. “Yet, you loved me still.”
He winked at me. “Let’s just say that that’s a part of your charm.”
I was about to say something more when my co-workers arrived. “Congratulations, Gianna! Your program is trending number one tonight!”
I gasped. Good things were happening now. And I knew that there would be more to come with Caleb by my side.