After dinner, Matthew guided Emily back to the car, but instead of returning to her apartment, he asked the driver to take a different route.
"More surprises?" Emily asked, a curious smile on her face.
"Just trust me," he replied, a mysterious glint in his eyes.
The car drove down streets further and further away from the city center, until it stopped in front of a large, illuminated gate. The driver got out to open it, revealing a property surrounded by lush gardens, and further back, a glass structure that seemed to shine like crystal under the soft night lights.
Matthew took Emily's hand, helping her out of the car.
"Are you ready?" he asked, with a nervous smile, something rare for him.
Emily nodded, her curiosity and excitement growing. He led her into the interior of the structure, where a magical sight revealed itself: the ceiling was adorned with lights that simulated an aurora borealis, in shades of blue, green and lilac, while the floor was covered in flower petals. All around, large floral arrangements emanated a delicate and enveloping fragrance.
"Matthew..." Emily whispered, her voice choked with surprise. "This is... incredible."
He led her to the center of the room, where there was a small table with two champagne glasses and a black box resting next to them. Emily looked at him suspiciously, but before she could say anything, Matthew knelt before her.
"Emily... From the moment I met you, my life has completely changed. You have brought light, joy and purpose to everything. Every moment with you is a blessing, and I can't imagine a future without you."
Emily brought her hands to her mouth, her eyes already brimming with tears.
"Matthew..."
"Today, in the midst of this scene that represents the beauty you have brought into my life, I have only one question for you," he continued, opening the small box to reveal a stunning, delicate, and perfectly chosen ring. "Will you marry me?"
Emily stood still for a few seconds, absorbing the moment. Then, tears streamed down her face as she nodded, unable to say the words.
"Yes..." she finally said, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes, Matthew, a thousand times yes!"
He smiled, relieved and radiant, placing the ring on her finger as she trembled with emotion. They stood up, and Matthew hugged her tightly, while the lights of the "heaven" twinkled above them.
But as they embraced, a discreet, almost imperceptible sound echoed through the room, something like the snap of a twig or the sound of footsteps. Emily frowned, slightly alarmed.
"Did you hear that?" she asked, pulling away slightly from the embrace.
Matthew looked around, his eyes narrowing.
"It must be the wind..." he said, but his expression seemed alert, as if he had also noticed something unusual.
The moment of pure happiness was subtly tinged with a sense of suspense, as they exchanged intrigued glances.
Before Matthew could investigate the sound, the sky above the garden lit up with a spectacular display of fireworks. Bursts of gold, silver, and colorful lights painted the night, each one more vibrant than the last. Emily gave a small cry of surprise, her eyes wide in wonder.
"Matthew, did you plan this too?" she asked, holding out her hand.
"I..." He started to answer, but was interrupted by excited voices coming from behind them.
"Surprise!" a crowd shouted in unison.
Emily turned quickly, and her jaw dropped as she saw Matthew's grandparents, Carlos and Elisa, leading the group that included his parents, Diego and Mariana, and his siblings, Hugo and Lara. Everyone was beaming with happiness, clapping and smiling as they walked toward the couple.
"That was beautiful to watch!" Elisa exclaimed excitedly.
"Did you really do all that, Matthew?" Mariana asked, her eyes shining with pride as she hugged her son.
"Actually, this was their idea," Matthew confessed, indicating the family with a surprised, yet clearly touched smile. "I had no idea you'd be here."
"Of course!" Lara said, running to hug Emily, still with tears in her eyes. "We wouldn't miss this for anything!"
"Welcome to the family, Emily!" Diego said, shaking her hand with a smile.
"I... don't know what to say," Emily murmured, excited, looking at everyone around her.
"You can start by saying that you accepted the proposal," Hugo joked, winking at her.
Emily laughed, wiping away the tears that were still stubbornly falling.
"I did!" she said, showing the shiny ring on her finger.
The crowd burst into applause and screams of joy. Elisa hugged Emily tightly, while Carlos congratulated Matthew with a firm and proud handshake.
"Now, we just need to plan the wedding," Mariana commented, already excited.
"And I'm going to help Lara choose the dresses!" Hugo added, causing everyone to laugh.
Matthew looked at Emily, who was beaming with happiness surrounded by her new family. He took her hand again, squeezing it gently.
"I didn't expect this, but I think they're as excited, if not more, than I am," he whispered.
"I'm speechless, Matthew..." Emily replied, with a smile that left no doubt about her happiness.
The fireworks continued to light up the sky while the group chatted excitedly, celebrating the beginning of a new phase in the couple's lives. The sound of laughter and joy filled the room, creating a night that none of them would soon forget.
Mariana, still beaming with happiness, placed her hand on Emily's shoulder affectionately as she said:
"Now that you're officially engaged, we need to schedule a meeting with your family too. It will be wonderful to plan the wedding together."
Emily's smile wavered for a moment, and she looked down, clearly moved.
"My parents... they passed away when I was younger," Emily said, her voice breaking but maintaining her composure.
The group's joy was interrupted by a moment of respectful silence. Mariana, her eyes full of empathy, wrapped Emily in a protective hug.
"Oh, dear, I'm so sorry. They would surely be so proud of you and this beautiful moment," she said sincerely.
Elisa, Matthew's grandmother, also approached, holding Emily's hands affectionately.
"I'm sure they're watching over you and blessing this union, my dear," the elderly woman said with a tender smile.
Emily took a deep breath and, smiling brighter again, added:
"But I still have my uncle Otávio. He took care of me after my parents passed away, and he's like a father to me. I'm sure he'll be delighted to be a part of all this."
"Then it's decided!" Mariana exclaimed, now excited again. "We'll organize a dinner to bring the families together and start planning every detail of this wedding!"
"That's right!" reinforced Carlos, Matthew's grandfather. "We need to meet this man who helped raise such a special person."
Emily nodded, now calmer, feeling the warmth of acceptance and affection from Matthew's family.
"Uncle Otávio will love meeting you. He always said he dreamed of seeing me happy and loved. I think when he finds out about you, he'll feel even more at ease."
"And he'll know you're in good hands," Matthew said, squeezing Emily's hand and giving her a loving look.
The group resumed their lively conversation, making dinner plans and ideas for the ceremony. Emily felt a warm feeling in her chest, as if her parents were really watching from afar.
In the midst of all the joy, she thought to herself, "Mommy, Daddy... I think I'm finally building the life you always wanted for me."