House Party

"Thank you everyone for coming to our little gathering," Lizzie said as she looked around at all of her close family and friends. This was only the second time that Lizzie and David invited their loved ones to their home.

Since Lizzie and David's declaration of love, everything moved quickly. Lizzie's parents met and absolutely adored David and he became a staple in all of their family gatherings and beach vacations, impressing her mom and her step-dad with his Domino skills but also frustrating her grandfather when he always managed to win full sets of the game.It was like David fit into her family like a glove.

She also felt the same way around David's family. Ruth treated her like another daughter and she got along so well with his sister and stepsisters, even bonding with one of them over their writing passion and mutual like of anything Harry Potter. It warmed Lizzie's heart to think that even if David wasn't in the picture, under any other circumstances, she would've been friends with his siblings. This was too good to be true. Their blended family was turning out to be just like her parents'. Though they were divorced, both sets of grandparents still spend time together and it was as if the family was never separated.

Everyone got along. Everyone was happy. The first time David and Lizzie brought their families together in their home was right after Lizzie moved in, which was met with heartfelt congratulations and many hugs and well-wishes.

And now Lizzie didn't have to hope for the same reaction. She knew she would get it.

"David and I," she entwined her fingers with his as they both stood up from the couch they were seated in, "are happy to welcome you to our home and hope you are all very happy with how I was able to spice up the decorating and cleaning of the house once moving in."

Everyone laughed, knowing full well that before Lizzie had moved in, the house looked like a regular, old bachelor pad with mismatched furniture and dirty floors.

"Amen to that," Ruth said, holding up the champagne glass that Lizzie and David poured for everyone.

"Yes," Lizzie began, "But we have a big announcement to make." She leaned into David and looked into his eyes, receiving the confirmation she needed to proceed. Her heart raced with excitement at what she had to share with all of her loved ones.

"David asked me to marry him last week and I said yes," she gushed. Lizzie didn't have time to process or check on everyone's reactions- even though she did hear many sighs, claps, and exclamations- because David put down his glass of champagne and got down on one knee again, just like he did last week. Lizzie covered her mouth in surprise. She didn't think he'd actually do the whole process again, but they did talk about having Lizzie not wear her engagement ring during the party. The last thing they wanted was to give anything away. But to put it back in its box and basically propose all over again?

Only someone as wonderful as David would do that. " Just so I can be spared the wrath of both sets of parents for not being here when this happened- " He turned to point at his mom- "I'm looking at you, Mom!"

Turning to glance in Ruth's direction, she saw that her future mother-in-law was grinning ecstatically, seemingly crying at the same time as she wiped tears away.

"Elizabeth Gutierrez, you are the love of my life. I adore you more than anything. Please be my wife?" he asked, opening up the black box for the second time as tears fell down Lizzie's cheeks. She nodded yes repeatedly as phones were being held out and flashes went off. She didn't care. Let the whole world know that she finally found the man of her dreams. Let everyone on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram know that two people who, after a long and painful search, found each other, and were dedicated for the rest of their lives to making each other happy.

"Of course David," she said, loving the feel of the simple, but elegant solitaire engagement ring on her finger. Once he stood up, she whispered in his ear, "You are so full of surprises. I didn't expect to get a second proposal."

"Of course I would," he whispered back, holding her close to him, " I meant it when I said that mom would kill me if she couldn't at least get a proposal on video or pics. She adores you, you know."

"My parents adore you too."

"Yeah, I figured they'd want some pics too. It also didn't help that this time around, I was a lot more relaxed knowing that you already said yes." He kissed her lightly on the lips before the parade of friends and family surrounded the couple to wish them all success and happiness. From that point on, Lizzie didn't get a single moment alone with her fiancé during the party, but that was to be expected when coming from a mostly Cuban background, where everyone tries to outdo each other on how many things they can say and how loudly they can say them.

Two of those people were her best friend, Andrea and her mother.

"Omigod, Liz. I can't believe it but at the same time I can because David is so gaga over you!" Andrea exclaimed, jumping up and down.

"Elizabeth," her mother said in a low voice, "I was not able to tell at all this week that he asked you. You hid it so well."

"Mom, when I want to hide something, I can actually do it," Lizzie said.

For the first time in a long time, her mother's eyes watered and she enveloped her in the longest, tightest hug. It was reminiscent of the hugs she used to receive and crave as a small child who just loved her mama.

" My baby. I am happy beyond words for you, mi Licita," she said, hugging Lizzie so tight that she can smell the slight citrus perfume that was distinctly "Mom" to her.

"I know you've been worried about me, but now you don't have to worry any longer," she said.

"David is going to make you so happy."

Lizzie nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "I know."

From across the room, David locked eyes with Lizzie and gave her a small smile, clearly happy to see her happy. Lizzie returned the smile with one of her own.