28. Meiko

The backyard is alive with the sounds of our extended families mingling together, laughter and cheerful chatter filling the air. Blankets are spread out on the grass as we all enjoy the sunny day and each other"s company.

Mustaf gets behind the grill and eventually, the mouthwatering scent of sizzling meat fills the air as he flips burgers and hot dogs with practiced ease. Our families mill about the backyard, chatting happily and sipping drinks in the summer sun.

"Babe, those ribs smell amazing!" I say, sidling up beside Mustaf. "Your special recipe?"

He winks. "You know it. I"m pulling out all the stops to impress our guests today."

I laugh and kiss his cheek. "I think you already have. Especially my dad. He"s been eyeing the grill hungrily."

Just then, my little cousin Nia runs over, pigtails flying. "Mr. Mustaf, I want a hot dog with lots of ketchup!"

He smiles indulgently. "Coming right up, kiddo."

As Mustaf hands Nia her hot dog, my aunt approaches holding out her plate. "The ribs really do smell divine, Mustaf," she says. "I"d love to try them."

"It would be my pleasure!" He carefully places two glistening ribs on her plate.

I glance around at our families mingling so warmly and feel my heart swell. With Mustaf by my side, this merging of our two worlds feels natural and right. The happy sounds of laughter and sizzling meat fill the air as I breathe in the mouth-watering smells.

Soon everyone is heaping their plates high and settling in to eat. The happy sounds of laughter and chatter mix with appreciative murmurs as they dig in.

"Mmm, these ribs are heavenly!" Mom raves, licking BBQ sauce from her fingers. "Absolute perfection, Mustaf."

My aunt fans herself after trying a spicy sausage link. "Woo! Delicious heat! You"ve got some skills, young man."

Mustaf beams, clearly thrilled. "Means a lot coming from my new family."

I squeeze his arm, beyond touched at how well this is going. Our parents continue raving about the food, going back for seconds and thirds. Mustaf's siblings tease him, of course, but I notice they're eating a pretty healthy portion themselves.

As I look around the table at all the happy, satisfied faces, my heart swells. Mustaf"s incredible barbecue has brought our families together so wonderfully.

Laughter rings out as Nia smears ketchup all over her face. The smoky scents of grilled meat fill the air. Right here, enjoying the bounty of Mustaf"s grill with those we love, feels absolutely perfect. I wouldn"t change a thing.

I slide onto the bench next to Mustaf, pressing close against his side as he throws a few more burgers on the grill.

"Having fun, babe?" I ask, kissing his shoulder.

He grins. "Absolutely. Just look at our families all mingling together."

I follow his gaze to see Nia giggling as she chases his younger cousins across the lawn. Mustaf's brother is teaching some of the other kids how to whistle with a blade of grass. Our parents are gathered around the picnic table chatting amiably over glasses of lemonade.

"It"s perfect." I sigh contentedly.

Mustaf wraps an arm around me. "Couldn"t agree more, my love. And how"s the food? Up to standards?"

"Are you kidding? It"s incredible!" I assure him. "Everyone is raving about your barbecue skills. I think you"ve got some new fans."

He chuckles. "Well, I aim to impress the in-laws. But as long as you"re enjoying yourself, that"s all that matters to me."

"Mmm, I"m in heaven," I say, popping a gooey rib in my mouth. "Seriously, babe, you"ve outdone yourself. Best barbecue ever."

Mustaf"s chest puffs up proudly at my praise. "Why, thank you. I"ll be sure to whip up more feasts like this for our future family gatherings."

The day is perfect, and after food, I sit against a tree, cradling my belly.

I lean into the shade, smiling as I watch my mother trying to teach Mustaf"s little cousins a hand-clapping game. Their delighted squeals every time they mess up make me chuckle.

Mustaf settles next to me, sneakily brushing his fingers against mine. "Having a nice time, my dear?"

I lace my hand with his. "It"s perfect. I"m so glad our families are really coming together."

He smiles, but he seems distracted. I notice him checking his watch.

"Everything okay?" I ask.

"Hmm? Oh yes, fine," he says vaguely. "I"m going to get us some lemonade."

He presses a quick kiss to my temple before disappearing into the crowd. I watch him go, bemused by his behavior. But soon I"m drawn back into the festivities as my aunt calls out.

"Meiko! Come join us for this game!"

I make my way over, noticing Mustaf on his phone behind a tree, whispering urgently.

I"m so caught up cheering on my cousin in a three-legged race that I don"t register the lull in activity until it"s completely quiet. I glance around in confusion. Where did everyone go?

A whirring makes me look up. My eyes go wide at the sight of drones rising into the sunset sky, lights blinking. They move seamlessly into the shape of a giant, glowing heart.

"Oh my God..." I breathe.

I stare open-mouthed as the drones dance and loop through the darkening sky. Their lights flash in sync, outlining the giant heart against the sunset backdrop.

Fireworks suddenly explode in a dazzling display, lighting up the heavens. I gasp, hands flying to my face as bursts of red, gold, and green crackle and sparkle above us.

Each thunderous boom and crackle echoes the frantic beating of my heart. I"m swept away by the spectacle, reality blurred at the edges.

Then through the smoke, I see him. Mustaf, walking towards me with purposeful steps. The fireworks frame him in a halo of shimmering light. He holds something small in his hands.

My pulse is roaring in my ears as he drops down on one knee before me. Oh my God, is he...?

In his hands, he holds a small velvet box. My heart pounds deafeningly as he stops before me and sinks down to one knee.

The cheers of our families fade into the background. At this moment, it"s just the two of us alone beneath the dazzling night sky.

I meet Mustaf"s adoring gaze, seeing my own joy reflected back at me. With reverent care, he opens the box to reveal a perfect diamond ring nestled inside.

"Meiko, my love," he begins, voice overflowing with emotion. "From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were my destiny. We"ve endured so much together, and through it all, my love for you has only grown stronger. I got this new ring to symbolize the start of us for real this time. "

Tears of happiness run freely down my cheeks as he continues. "You are the missing piece of my soul. Will you make me the happiest orc in the world by becoming my wife?"

Tears blur my vision as I stare at the man before me, the love of my life, asking for my hand in marriage. Again. My heart feels close to bursting. I can only nod and choke out a tearful, "Yes!"

Our families erupt in raucous cheers and applause all around us, but I"m deaf to it all. At this moment, my universe has narrowed down to Mustaf alone as he takes my trembling hand in his.

I'm already wearing the ring from our first engagement, and I half expect him to pull it off. But as he ever so gently slides the new, glittering ring onto my finger, I realize it's designed to nestle against the old one. I can wear both rings and be reminded of the memories that come with each one every day.

He stands, keeping hold of my hand, and I immediately throw my arms around his neck, clinging to him as tightly as I can. The fireworks above us booming in celebration are barely audible over my pounding heart.

After everything we suffered, all the hardship and heartache, we"ve finally found our way here. The promise of a real future together, made under the watchful stars.

Mustaf"s strong arms wrap securely around me like he"ll never let me go again. I breathe him in, hardly able to believe this is real and not just some beautiful dream.

We stay locked in our tight embrace even as the fireworks fade away, the drones slowly descending back to earth. The cheering of our families gradually filters back into my consciousness, and Mustaf and I finally separate just enough to beam at each other..

"To the future, my love," Mustaf whispers, pressing his forehead to mine.

"Our future together," I whisper back, sealing it with a kiss. No matter what trials life brings, I know we"ll weather them side by side from now on. The rings on my finger are proof of that unbreakable vow.

Mustaf"s father raises his glass high. "To my son and his beautiful bride to be! You have my blessings and my love."

The rest of our loved ones follow suit, glasses lifted in celebration. "To Meiko and Mustaf!"