Domino Effect

by Kristin Mayer

  She kissed me once more before going into the house. Right before the door closed, Nikola turned and gave me an air-kiss goodbye. Now it was time to finish all the arrangements for a moment that would change my life forever.

  I checked everything again as I looked at the clock. I’d rented the private dining room of one of the nicest restaurants in Atlanta. Ainsley and Nora had handled getting everything set up. Nikola still didn’t know Nora well, but they were becoming friends through Ainsley. They all seemed to get along. The tables were set, the lights were turned low, classical music played softly in the background, and a massively tall flower arrangement sat on the large, round table.

  This was either going to be a great idea or an epic failure. Today, when Nikola had accused me of doing drugs, I’d wondered if I’d made the right decision. But after what Nikola and I shared in the alley, knowing she came for me—not the other way around—I knew I made the right decision. Hopefully, Nikola felt the same way.

  Logan came up to me. “If she says no, I cleared a path through the back for you.”

  I looked at him incredulously; he tried not to laugh. I felt sick.

  Logan’s face dropped. “Oh, shit, I’m sorry. You really are nervous. You know there’s no way she’ll say no. That girl loves you more than anything in this world.”

  “I hope so. Hell, I hope so.” My heart felt like it was beating a hole in my chest.

  “She will. Here comes Adam. I know he probably wants to talk to you, too. Dad would be proud of you. Hell, I’m proud of you for fighting for what you wanted.”

  That meant a lot. “I think he would be, too.”

  We nodded. Thinking of my dad was sometimes hard, but he would have loved Nikola. All he’d ever wanted was for his boys to be happy. Logan walked to where my mum stood as Adam came over. He slapped me on the back. My nerves were starting to get the better of me and I started rubbing my hands up and down my legs.

  “How you holding up?”

  “I’m a wreck. I know this is what I want, but what if Nikola doesn’t think we’re ready? What if she thinks I’m doing it for the wrong reasons?” My pulse was at an all-time high.

  Adam stepped back and looked at me seriously. Ainsley was at the back of the room talking to Nikola’s parents, who had flown in from China. They’d arrived last night.

  “You know Ainsley, in the beginning, thought I wanted to keep her around as only a fuck buddy. Even though I didn’t know this at the time, I loved Ainsley, and that’s why I kept pursuing her. My love was showing through, even though I wasn’t aware. This may make me sound like a puss, but it’s the truth. You and Nikola are meant to be; it just took you guys a bit to get there.”

  “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

  Adam slapped me on the back again and walked back toward Ainsley. I watched Nikola’s parents with everyone and thought back to my phone call with them. Nikola was a mixture of them. Her dad, Richard, was tall and slim with dark hair and dark eyes. Her mom, Melanie, was medium height and slim with blonde hair and green eyes.

  I had left a mid-morning meeting with Quentin. We’d found out about Anne’s serious condition yesterday, and I needed a bit to get my thoughts straight on what I wanted to do. Nikola had said something that struck me deep through the night: “Brandt, she’ll never be part of my life or know where I end up. See me married and happy. She’ll never know if I have kids and if I’m a good mother. She’ll never know. Who will I go to when I need help? Who will I go to when I don’t know what to do? Grandmama won’t be there. My heart is breaking, Brandt. My heart is breaking.”

  Through the night, I’d known I wanted to give Nikola as much as I could when I reflected on what she said.

  Now, I was on my way to my mum’s before going to Club Envy to make plans for proposing to Nikola. I thought about my talk with Quentin at our diner, regarding my decision to ask Nikola to marry me. Any major changes in my life, I liked to talk to Quentin. He sometimes helped me see what I wasn’t able to in order to clear the fog or prepare me in general for what was to come. Quentin’s only words of advice were: “If she’s not ready to take this step, don’t push or be disappointed. It’s a big step for anyone to take. It takes two to be ready, and it’s not rejection if Nikola says she’s not ready. Don’t look at it as a sign of not trusting you.”

  Quentin’s words had made me nervous that there was a possibility Nikola would say no. Before talking to him, I had only imagined her saying yes. Even if Nikola wasn’t ready, I was ready to put myself out there. If she wanted to wait, I’d wait. As long as we had each other, that’s all that mattered. Pulling into my mother’s driveway, I got my phone out to call Nikola’s parents. They were nice, just different. My family was warm and loving. Nikola’s mom loved her but was unemotional in showing it. Anne gave Nikola the motherly love I knew she craved. In some ways, Anne was like her mother.

  I’d only met them once when they were in town for a couple of days before heading back to China. Hoping I’d be able to catch her dad at dinner, I called them.

  After three rings, a smooth voice picked up on the other end. “This is Richard.”

  “Hi, Richard. This is Brandt Mattox, Nikola’s boyfriend. Do you have a second?”

  There was background noise that sounded like he was at a party. Cheers erupted in a toast. “Give me a second. Melanie and I are at a function. I’ll step out for a minute.”

  “Thanks, Richard.”

  The sound of a door closing came through the phone, then the party noises were muffled. “How’s Nikola? Is everything okay?”

  My palms started to sweat. I was about to ask the father of the woman I loved for her hand in marriage. We’d only met once, and I’d talked to him a handful of times. “Yes, she is. She’s over at Anne’s house now while I’m running some errands. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

  “Okay, go ahead.” His voice sounded hesitant.

  I cleared my throat. “I want to ask for your permission to marry Nikola. I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but I’ll love her and always provide for her the best I can. She’ll always be my first priority.”

  Richard chuckled. “I’ve been waiting for this day. You guys have been together for a while. I figured it was getting close to time. Of course, you have mine and Melanie’s blessing.”

  The response threw me. Had Nikola not told them about the drugs and our breakup? I knew she didn’t tell them a lot, but figured this would have made it into at least one conversation. Knowing how unconnected they were from Nikola’s life saddened me. “Thank you, Richard. I plan on asking her in a few weeks. If possible, I’d love for you guys to be a part of that moment for Nikola.”

  “Let me check our schedule and we’ll see. My office will be in touch if we can make it. Is this a good number for them to reach you at if we’re able to come?”

  Again, Richard’s response gave me pause. His daughter’s engagement was getting pushed off to his office personnel. “This is a good number. Thanks again.”

  The doors must have opened, because the sounds of the party came over the phone. “No problem. Have a good day. Talk to you later.”

  The phone disconnected before I had a chance to respond. I opened my door and was greeted by the crisp air. I’d only texted my mum about an hour ago to see if I could swing by. I knew my mum’s response was going to be night-and-day-different from Richard’s.

  My mum gave me a hug, breaking me from my thoughts. She was glowing and excited, as I’d expected. She’d almost slipped the night I’d taken Nikola over there for dinner after Valentine’s Day.

  As she hugged me close, she said, “Your dad would be so proud. I cannot tell you how happy I am you’ve found your soul mate. It’s a mother’s dream for her babies to find true love and happiness. I see the same love your father and I shared. Thanks for letting me be part of this special moment. Don’t be nervous.”

  She pulled back, and I nervously chortled. “Easier said than done. She hasn’t said yes yet.”
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br />   My mum patted the side of my face like she has throughout my childhood. “She will. I know Quentin prepared you in case she said no, which is good, but she loves you. That night I almost slipped, I saw her eyes light up at the thought of marrying you.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so.”

  My phone vibrated. It was Anne.

  Anne: We are about ten minutes away. Nikola is going to drop me off at the door, then park the car. Thank you for giving me this memory.

  Me: It’s a memory I want us all to have. Thank you for giving me permission to marry her.

  Anne: I love you like a son, Brandt. Always have and always will. Putting my phone away before my precious granddaughter gets nosy.

  Me: Love you, too—like a mother.

  Anne had cancelled her doctor’s appointment today and told Nikola when she went over there to work. Nikola had already helped her schedule another appointment next week. I’d noticed Anne’s cough getting worse, and she tired more easily. I think she’d known the prognosis wouldn’t be good and didn’t want to overshadow what happened tonight. I still prayed for a miracle.

  I put my phone away and announced to the room: “Nikola is about ten minutes away. She’s going to drop Anne off at the door, then park the car.”

  Everyone Nikola and I loved was in the room: Adam and Ainsley, Nikola’s parents, my mum and Logan, Nora and her boyfriend, Jude, and Wesley. It had been an internal debate on whether to invite Wesley, with what he had been dealing with, but he deserved the choice. One of the worst things for me was not being giving the option to decide for myself. Wesley was doing well. The time away had done wonders for him. Wesley told me he wanted to come, without hesitating.

  He approached me. “I appreciate the invite. I’m happy things are working out for you guys. It’s good to know happy endings do happen for people who have been through what we have.”

  “Thanks, man. I’m glad you could make it. I know it’ll mean the world to Nikola to see you here. I appreciate that you were there for her when I wasn’t.”

  Wesley gave me a genuine smile as he headed to stand with Nikola’s parents. He and I were going to be good friends as time passed.

  A few minutes later Anne walked in, wearing a pale pink suit. Anne gave everyone an update. “She’s parking the car. I told her I was going to the restroom and I’d meet her at the table.”

  Anne gave me a kiss on the cheek before going to stand by her son, daughter-in-law, and my mum. I’d wanted them off to the side, to be part of this as much as possible.

  “Thanks, Anne.”

  I focused on the entrance. My present, my future, my everything was about to walk through those doors. My palms were sweating and my heart was running the Kentucky Derby as I waited to see what would happen. I kept telling myself, It’s okay if she says no. It’s okay. We’ll still have each other.

  The door creaked open, I heard the hostess talking, and then the door closed. I held my breath as it opened again slightly, then closed. This prolonged the agony unnecessarily. The door then cracked open and I heard the hostess answer a question. “I would definitely recommend the chicken cordon bleu. It’s one of my favorites.”

  Oh hell, Nikola chatted someone up.

  My brother chuckled behind me and said, “Well, this is comical, watching Brandt nearly pass out from anticipation. I’m buying my future sis something special for this.”

  I turned around, wanting to flip him off, but refrained with everyone here. My brother tried not to laugh as the hostess and Nikola kept talking about menu options outside the door. Everyone tried to stay quiet.

  The door opened wider and the room hushed. The hostess said, “Someone will be right in to get your drinks.”

  Nikola’s sweet voice sounded from the other side, “Thank you.”

  The door finally pushed open and Nikola came walking in wearing a black lace dress with tan lining. Her hair was curled. She was breathtaking. She stopped when she saw everyone standing around then looked at me in question.

  Here we go.

  I got down on one knee, and Nikola’s mouth dropped open.

  BRANDT KNEELED BEFORE me in slacks and a black, button-up shirt. My heart dared to hope, but I was scared I was wrong. My mom and dad were here. I’d had no idea they’d left China. Everyone I thought of as family was here in this room. A large, round table sat in the back with a huge flower arrangement. My one true love knelt before me. My feet shuffled as we smiled at each other. The room was silent except for the quiet, classical music.

  Brandt reached up and took my hand in his. This was the moment I’d dreamed about since meeting Brandt all those years ago.

  I spoke up, “Hey.”

  He smiled. “Hey. I’m glad you decided to finally come through those doors.”

  I giggled as I thought about asking the hostess a million questions about the menu. She had seemed as though she was trying to get me into the dining area, but I’d pressed on. “You know me. I like to keep you guessing.”

  That earned a low laugh from everyone.

  “That you do. It’s one of the many things I love about you.” He squeezed my hand. “I have something important to ask you.”

  My smile was larger than life, and Brandt let out a long breath. In front of all our family, Brandt exposed himself, which he didn’t do often.

  “I’m listening. You’ve piqued my interest, with everyone gathered here and your fancy shirt.” I couldn’t stop smiling as my reply garnered more laughter from the guests.

  Logan said, “I love Nikola. She makes my bro work for it.”

  Brandt turned toward Logan then back to me. Logan smiled back at Brandt. Tears started to form in my eyes as Brandt gave me a tender look. The moment of laughter had passed; now it was time to say yes to the man of my dreams.

  Our eyes searched each other. Brandt was strong, dependable, and mine. His hair was down and he ran his hair through it once as he cleared his throat.

  “Nikola, we’ve had our ups and downs, and we’ve weathered the storms and come out stronger in the end. I know what it’s like to lose you, and I never want that feeling again. You’ve been my future since the first moment I laid eyes on you at that concert. It’s why I chased you in the parking lot and flirted with you until you gave me your number. In front of all our family, and those we love, I want to ask you something important. I want you to be my wife, my soul mate, and my best friend—forever. I want to someday have kids and give a piece of the love we share to them. I want us to be each other’s one and only through all life’s trials. Nikola Kingston, I’m down on one knee, humbly asking you to do me the honor of uniting with me forever. Will you marry me?”

  Tears fell freely down my cheeks as Brandt looked up at me, vulnerable. I sank to my knees, bringing us eye level.

  “I never could have imagined that going to that concert would result in us finding each other. Growing up, all I ever wanted was to share my heart with someone who’d take care of it. I found that with you. Despite our ups and downs, we’ve loved each other even in our time a part. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  Brandt brought me to him and kissed me. Cheers erupted around us. This was a perfect moment. We stood as everyone came and congratulated us. I could hardly see through the tears. Ainsley and Nora were next as they hugged me.

  Nora spoke, “Girl, let me see the ring.”

  I looked down at my hand and realized I didn’t have a ring. Not knowing what to do, I looked to Brandt. “Oh shit, I forgot the ring.”

  He let go of my hand and began searching his pockets. Everyone chortled. Brandt pulled out a gray velvet box. Everyone gathered as he popped the lid open. My hand started shaking. Brandt took the ring out and took my hand.

  As he slipped it on, he said, “The solitaire diamond in the center is us. The diamonds that surround the ring are from my mother, your mother, and your Grandmama’s wedding rings. There’s two from each representing their blessed marriages of love and happiness.”

  Th
e ring shone like a thousand brilliant stars as the light danced off it. I jumped into Brandt’s arms as he twirled me around slowly. In my ear, for only me to hear, he said, “Our forever is finally happening.”

  I nodded, too choked up for words. He set me down and kissed me once more before saying, “Are you ready to sit down to eat?”

  I nodded. Brandt brought us to the table. He squeezed my hand over and over. Everyone followed, staring at us. I wasn’t sure why there was an awkward silence all of a sudden.

  Brandt spoke up, “The food should be out any minute. They placed everyone’s orders when we got here.” He turned to me. “I ordered you the chicken cordon bleu. They said it’s phenomenal.”

  “Perfect. It’s what I was asking the hostess about.”

  He laughed. “I know. It was giving me a coronary, waiting for you.”

  I glanced around nervously as everyone continued watching us intently. Adam gave Brandt an expectant look. Brandt seemed clueless as he picked up my hand and kissed it. My ring looked perfect on my finger, where it would stay forever. Thinking back on this morning, and what I’d almost jeopardized due to insecurities, firmed up my resolution to always talk to Brandt if I ever had doubts. I glanced back around—everyone was still watching. Brandt had caught on, it seemed, as he looked around.

  Brandt spoke up, “Did I miss something?”

  All our family and friends were staring back in disbelief. Finally, Brandt’s brother, who was a replica of Brandt but with short, blond hair, spoke up.

  “Umm, wasn’t there something about a wedding happening in the next day?”

  My head snapped to Brandt. He closed his eyes. “Shit.” Then, he looked at Grandmama. “Sorry.” He looked toward me. “Once you said yes, I forgot the ring and next big part.”

  Everyone started chuckling, and I was at a loss as I stared at Brandt in wonder.

  Anne laughed. “I guess he forgot everything when he got the girl of his dreams.”