Is this destiny?

It was around five-thirty when Ron went on the stage and took the microphone into his hand.

"Can I have your attention, please?" Ron asked and waited for everyone to settle down. "It's almost time for dinner, but before that, I would like to say a few words. Today is my twenty-first birthday and I am officially an adult. For a long time, I was in a bad place and I sank deeper, convinced that no one likes me, no one believes me, that I'm not worthy and that there is no future for me. I channeled that negativity into reckless behavior which endangered me and everyone who came close enough. I woke up every morning hoping that it's my last, and about three and a half years ago, I met Sarah and Aiden." Ron gestured to the table where Sarah and Aiden are sitting. "I met them when I was at my lowest, but they didn't see a failure, they saw potential and they allowed me to grow while being myself. Sarah and Aiden accepted me as part of their family and showered me with support and encouragement which showed me that I am worthy and that my future depends on me." Ron turned slightly and spoke to Sarah and Aiden: "Sarah, Aiden, what the two of you did for me… I can't describe it with words and if I start listing every time you acted as my pillars, I would take the whole night. Thank you."

Sarah and Aiden exchanged glances and smiled. They felt like proud parents.

"Due to Sarah and Aiden taking me in, a number of other people entered my life and impacted my path, but one stands above all… Zula, can you, please come here?"

Ron looked at Zula anxiously while she climbed the stage.

Her stiff smile told him that she has no idea what is going on.

"For the ones who don't know, Zula is much more than my assistant and my partner at Heinelurgy. She is my partner privately and I am lucky that she is willing to be my girlfriend." Ron turned to Zula and spoke into the microphone: "Zula, your unyielding support kept me from falling apart because every time I cracked, you helped me collect the pieces. You showed me that life can be fun and full of colors and without you I would not have a reason to keep on moving forward. Sarah and Aiden helped me find my way out of the abyss, and your love prevented me from plunging back into it. If it's up to me, we would never be apart and that is why…" Ron got down on his knee and extended a box with a sparkling diamond ring toward Zula. "Zula, I know that we are young and that there is no need to rush things, but our time is limited, and we don't know what tomorrow brings. I don't want to delay asking this… Would you consider spending the rest of your life with me?"

Zula stared at Ron, and then at the ring. It took her a few seconds to process the fact that he is down on his knee, holding onto a ring, and that he asked her to spend her life with him… a proposal… a marriage… a lifetime together. She didn't think about getting married, but whenever she thought about the future, it was with Ron.

Zula's face lit up with a smile. "Yes."

Ron put the ring on her left ring finger and stood up. They hugged and kissed, and everyone clapped.

Sarah leaned on Aiden and watched Ron and Zula who broke their kiss, looked at each other with big matching smiles, and then they kissed again.

Aiden glanced at Sarah. "Are you crying?"

"Our kids are all grown up…" Sarah said through sniffles.

Aiden stifled a laugh and hugged her. "Yes, they are grown up."

People (again) lined up, this time to congratulate the engagement.

Aiden wiped Sarah's tears and smiled. He does not like it when Sarah cries, but he knows that these are happy-tears.

Aiden remembered that Sarah used to have a wall around her that didn't allow people close enough to hurt her, and that same wall kept the bad and the good things away. The fact that she is so emotional about Ron's and Zula's engagement is definite proof that she is letting people in. Their family. And he hopes that he had a part in creating the opening in that wall which allowed all of them to be touched by Sarah. Especially him. She is amazing.

"Save some of your tears for others…" Aiden murmured.

Sarah blinked. "Others?"

"Mhm… I have a feeling that this started an engagement flood and soon other couples among our kids will start flashing their rings."

Sarah paused, and her sight landed on Michael and Oni who were holding each other and smiling. And right next to them were Haru and Nala.

"I think you are right… Do you think that we should add more apartments?"

Aiden chuckled. Sarah always thinks about accommodating everyone. What if the kids decide to move out? Aiden reminded himself not to mention that possibility. Sarah likes to collect people and animals but letting go is not something she is willing to do. It's not that she will force anyone to stay, but she will be sad when they are gone.

A few tables away…

Samara and Mathew are sitting at the table and observing the commotion. His eyebrows shoot up in surprise when he felt Samara's hand on his thigh, hidden under the tablecloth.

Samara smiled, amused by his expression. "I heard the boy say how the time is limited and should not be wasted so…"

Mathew's lips curved into a sly smile. He knew that Samara is interested in starting something with him, but he wanted to be certain before making a move. After all, she is young and a White and he does not want to overreach, not in public at least. Mathew's plan was to make his move once they find privacy or at least some of the people disperse. But since Samara took the initiative, things are different.

Mathew reached under the table and took Samara's hand in his. He lifted it up and kissed the back of her palm.

"I see you as a lady, and in public, I will treat you as such. And in private… It will be different."

Samara's eyes sparkled with curiosity. She was undeniably attracted to his confidence and she could not stop herself from asking: "Where are you going after this party?"

Mathew understood that she is asking about where he will spend the night. And her seductive smile tells him that she wants to join him. Samara is bold and not afraid to make the first move. He likes that. "Unfortunately, I got a ride with my daughter and my son-in-law, so my options are limited. If I don't return with them to Chicago… Ron said that there are rooms available for anyone who wants to stay the night. In the morning I can arrange something. You?"

"I'm in a similar situation." Samara responded.

"We can always go to Springfield and get a room in a hotel." Mathew suggested, and he was delighted to see Samara nodding in agreement.

Samara noticed that Mathew is on his own. "Don't you have bodyguards?" She was curious because almost everyone here came with some security.

"I don't need them." Mathew responded. He wanted to say how no one will dare to cause a ruckus at the event secured by the Army of Chaos, but he knew that he should not mention that. However, he explained another point: "The ones who don't know me will not bother with me, and the ones who know me will not dare to approach me."

Samara was interested. "Really? What is your identity?"

"Stick around, and you might find out." Mathew said mysteriously.

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