Chapter 8 DINNER WITH THE DAWNS

I felt really warm when I woke up cuddled in his arms with his body closely pressed against mine. There was a golden glow over the room created by the morning lights that filtered through the curtains.

I rubbed the ring on my finger to remind myself that last night wasn't just a dream. The ring shone under the morning light as a symbol of promise. I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement as I thought about all that had happened between us lately, especially last night.

Bryan made a low groan as he awoke. He tightened his grip on me for a while and then brushed his lips against my neck.

"Good morning my beautiful fiancée". He whispered in my ears.

"Good morning, my beloved", I said as I turned to face him, and I ran my fingers gently through his silky hair.

He smiled and trailed his fingers down my arm to my ring. "I can't believe this is real".

I gave a slow nod and he kissed me deeply, breaking what was left of the walls inside of me. I gave in to the kiss, and in an instant, time seemed to stop as we kissed with more longing for each other. The copulation was slow and he seemed to savor every detail of my body.

After we had made love, I sat up. "I need to inform my family about the engagement". I spoke, remembering that my family didn't know about the turn my life had suddenly taken.

"Do you think they will be happy about it?". Bryan asked.

"Yes of course, but make sure you get ready because I know they will want to meet you as soon as possible". I replied.

"He smiled; it would be my honor". He said.

I slid out of bed, wrapping the sheets around me, and reached for the phone; my heart thrummed in my ears with anticipation as I dialed our home line.

After a moment of ringing, my mother picked up the phone. I remember that ever-warm and familiar voice.

Tessy dear, how are you?". She said and I could sense a smile.

I smiled broadly, "I am perfectly fine mum; I have something to tell you."

"Oh, then go ahead".

I sighed, "Bryan asked me to marry him, and I said yes."

I heard a loud gasp followed by a shout of joy.

"Oh, my goodness! This is very great news!". She shouted. "Your father will be very thrilled; I knew your relationship with Bryan would blossom; I can not wait to meet him over dinner tonight."

I turned to Bryan and gave him that knowing look, just like I predicted, he would be meeting my family tonight.

Then there was silence on the other end of the line. "Does Mira know about this yet?". Mum asked. The thought of Mira seemed to suck away all the excitement.

"Not yet". I assume you would break the news to her.

Mum released a sigh, "I am sure she will come around tonight". But the truth was that none of us was convinced.

We arrived at The Dawn Farm that evening. We were greeted with open arms by my parents as we stepped into the property. My dad tapped Bryan on the back as they hugged and my mum hugged me tightly as she wiped tears of joy from her eyes.

"This is the best news we have had in a while". My father said with pride. "You have always been a strong girl, and your happiness brings us great joy."

"And I promise I will take good care of her". Bryan said, beaming with pride.

"You are welcome to the family, Bryan". My mother said.

As we sat at the dinner table, Mira stood at the doorway with her arms crossed and a dark expression in her eyes. She looked from me to Bryan with coldness.

"Come join us, Mira". I spoke, trying to ignore the unease and tension her presence brought.

She hesitated for a long time and then, with a subtle smile, said. "Congratulations sister".

There was a thick tension at the table, only Bryan seemed oblivious to it. My parents tried to ease the tension by discussing plans for the upcoming wedding ceremony with Bryan. I was absent-minded for most of the time as I concentrated my focus on Mira who ate her food with clear disinterest.

"I would like to host a party in honor of our engagement". Bryan spoke as he placed his hand on mine. "I would like both our families and acquaintances to get together."

My parents looked excited at the idea, and I felt excited, but Mira's expression grew very dark and she stood up. The frictional sound of the chair against the floor caused a sudden silence.

"I am satisfied". She said and stormed out of the room.

My parents looked at each other and then at me in an awkward silence. When dinner was over, I approached Mira in the garden, where she stood with arms crossed and staring at the sky. I tried to soften her.

"You shouldn't have walked out like that". I said with a soft tone.

She did not turn around. "You are always the one to get everything, and now you have taken my opportunity for a better life".

I stepped closer, "That is not a fair thing to say."

Tears welled up in my eyes. It hurt me so much how she could be so covetous and yet she blames it on me.

She sharply turned around and, brushing me by the shoulders, walked away without speaking further. I was frozen and I just stood there with a heavy heart from the heaviness of her words.

Moments later, Bryan came to me, held me by the waist from behind, and, as he turned me around, planted a kiss on my forehead. "I had a good time with your family".

His words meant so much to me, and it brought hope anew.