Leanna and her husband were off on their honeymoon. They were off god knows where doing exactly god knows what for the past two weeks. They were due to be home today, but then again you never know with those two.
Suddenly, my phone rang.
"Hello, Daphne speaking."
"Daphne! I've missed your voice."
"Leans! I would have figured you'd be gone for a couple more days."
I could literally hear her eyes roll from thousands of miles away. "If you're free, could you pick us up around 12 after that party of yours?"
"I wouldn't call it a party but sure."
"Great I'll see you then Daph," she said and hung up.
Chuckling, I got dressed for the day and drove off to work. Letting my thoughts wander I thought about Sorin. I had expected to hear back from him but he was a ghost. And I know I should be glad because of it but, I was filled with dread. Great, even when he's not here he's a constant pain in my arse.
With Leanns on her honeymoon, Myr, Khione and I had spent a couple of nights at the club together; getting high and getting drunk. Gosh, I can't wait to tell Leans how they both had taken a stranger back home with them. Like me and unlike Leans, Myr and Khione weren't human. Some assassin, Myr was who the Archangels called to handle things discreetly. Khione on the other hand was a healer who tended to wounds of the fallen angels. The juxtaposition was simply uncanny. They hid it well during the war but they were lovers. They still are. So much so they had abandoned their homes, who had shunned them for being different, and joined the cause. As people who did not fit in, the three of us got along perfectly. Even Leans unsurprisingly. People always wanted to be around her bubbly personality.
On days I didn't hang out with the girls, I had spent them with the company of my boyfriend. When we weren't at work, Javier and I had spent every ounce of time with each other. Things started getting serious between us after my breakdown at the wedding. He had taken me in his arms and comforted me after my argument with Sorin. He didn't even push me to tell him what had caused it. He just held me in his arms and made me feel protected. Not that I needed protection. Nevertheless, it was nice to feel wanted for once. That he was with me by choice and not forced to was a whole other matter. He even had spent a couple nights over. I enjoyed those nights with him. Thinking about him, a text popped up. Parking the car, I checked my phone: can't stop thinking about you. Want to meet up at Clava's later?
I shot back a reply immediately: sure! Leanna and Eric are coming home today. I'll bring them over. Adding a couple of emoji's, I tossed my phone into my handbag and headed to work.
At work, there was another ceremony to be planned. You'd thought it would be another wedding but, it was a measly birthday party for some rich kid. Even so, the pay's good, so I rarely complain about it. And not to be one who brags but, I'm pretty good at my job.
"Madam. Where do the lights go?" Said a tall skinny man.
"By the table," I directed.
"Daphne!" A screech sounded. I knew that voice.
Turning around, I plastered a smile on my face, "yes, Gwenn. How can I help you?"
"I don't think the flowers are necessary and the balloons are all over the place. And - OMG D, look where they're putting the lights. Absolutely horrible!" Gwenn, my assistant screeched in a single breath.
If there was a downside to the job, this would be it. I've had enough drama to last a lifetime. Calming myself so not to combust, I told her, "Gwenn, calm down. The balloons are going to go up later and the flowers are for the tables. I know they aren't necessary but the mother demands it. Says it brings out the blue in her son's eyes." I said pretending to gag. She chuckled. "And the lights by the table, although they may not look nice, at least it'll alert the guests that the birthday boy - or should I say birthday man - sits at this table."
She burst into laughter this time. "Oh D, how I adore you," she said and strutted off.
A crash sounded behind me followed by a yelp. Great, looks like I'm going to be here awhile.
-
Hours later, I drove to Clava's; the newly mated couple in tow. Catching up with what seems like years worth of gossip, we giggled the entire way there.
Arriving right on time, I spotted Javier resplendent in a lovely black suit. His hair styled to frame his face and his chiseled cheeks dimpled as he smiled and waved us over. Having saved us a table facing the beautiful expanse of the ocean, I slid into a seat beside him and kissed his cheek in greeting. Leanna hugged Javier and whispered something in his ear. He nodded, smiling in response. Eric and Javier did the kind of handshake guys normally do and then we took out seats; Eric and Leanna opposite us. We indulged in chitter chatter till the food arrived. Digging in, I devoured my succulent meat and almost moaned at the delicious smell that greeted me. Trying to act like a lady for once, I ate my food in silence. I looked towards Javier to find him poking his lobster around. Weird. Maybe he doesn't like it. I moved to offer him my lamb but the waitress appeared.
"Would you guys like anything to drink?"
"Light and fruity white Chardonnay wine please. The fancy kind," Eric replied."My treat." The waitress nodded and walked away.
"Ohhh, what's the occasion?" Leanna asked, sharing a knowing look with Eric.
I rolled my eyes, "what is it you guys?"
Javier cleared his throat.
"Daphne, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," Javier said. Dropping down to one knee, a gasp of delight escaped me as I looked down at Javier.
"I know it has only been a couple of months but I can't deny my love for you. I love you Daphne. I don't think I've ever loved anyone this much. I never want to spend another day apart with you. You're the love of my life. I can't imagine being with anyone else that isn't you. So, Daphne Adelaine Rivera, will you marry me?"
I was completely and utterly speechless. I looked at Leanna. A silent conversation passed between us.
"Javier I - I -"
"We don't have to get married right away. In a few years, whenever you're ready. I just want us to be engaged, so I can call you mine."
Well if his speech earlier didn't melt my heart then this surely did. "Oh, Javier! Yes! Yes, I will marry you!" I practically screamed the words out loud as I threw my arms around him and hugged him tight. He chuckled and slid the ring onto my finger. We kissed as if we were the only two people in the world. Pulling away with a huge dopey smile on my face, I faced the mated pair.
"You guys knew about this didn't you?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Since the wedding," Leanna replied, winking.
I literally jumped 5 feet in the air and threw my arms around Javier and kissed him once more. Finally, finally pulling away, I examined the ring. It was a piece of work: a black onyx ring with bands of 925 sterling silver tops. It was exquisite. I looked at Javier. His chiseled smile made me want to have him right then and there. Behave, I thought to myself. That would come later.
Leanna and Eric threw their arms around me to congratulate me. Leanna hovering longer. We pulled apart slightly and I saw tears streaming down her face.
"Oh Leans," I said, pulling her closer.
"I love you D. Never forget that," she uttered holding on tight.
"You know what this means don't you?"
Rolling her eyes she replied, "Come on Daph, you can brave a storm, you shot the Veritas and I know you have a temper capable of bringing buildings down. I'm sure telling your mother about your engagement is something you can handle."
Chuckling, I replied, winking "of course I'll be fine. Cause you're coming with me."
"Ugh, I hate your engagement already," she chuckled.