Brittany and Lewis were an inseparable couple, though they had yet to tie the knot. Brittany overheard Lewis expressing his desire for children, but he seemed to be waiting for her cue. Then, to Brittany’s bewilderment, Lewis began disappearing with her sister, Carla. Driven by curiosity and concern, Brittany felt compelled to discover the truth.
“Mom, it’s so good to see you. Come in,” Brittany greeted her mother as she welcomed her and Carla to the dinner she was hosting at the home she shared with Lewis.
For five years, Brittany and Lewis had been blissfully together, having moved in with one another after just six months of dating. Their bond felt perfect, save for one missing element: a marriage proposal. While Brittany wasn’t in a rush, a small part of her couldn’t help but wonder if Lewis ever thought about making their commitment more official.
They both maintained that they didn’t need a wedding to validate their relationship, as their life together was fulfilling enough. Yet, Brittany secretly longed for the experience of walking down the aisle, dreaming of starting a family with him. However, she resisted the urge to pressure Lewis, hoping he would make the move willingly.
“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?”
The reason for the dinner was partly due to Brittany’s mother, who had been encouraging her to marry Lewis. Brittany hoped the evening would demonstrate their strong relationship, even without marriage.
During dinner, Lewis chatted with Carla, while Brittany noticed her mother’s skeptical expression. After the meal, she set about clearing the table when she noticed Lewis and her mother were missing, and saw Carla on the porch, engrossed in her phone.
A bit worried her mother might press Lewis about marriage, Brittany stealthily tracked them down, finding them in the bedroom. Her mother’s inquiries about marriage drifted to Brittany’s ears as she hesitated outside the door.
“When will you propose?” her mother pressed.
“In time – when we’re ready,” Lewis replied calmly.
“That doesn’t cut it. You’re having life with Brittany without a ring on her finger. And what about kids?” her mother insisted.
“I’m open to the idea of children, Mrs. Madsen. But I feel Brittany might not be ready for that step,” Lewis confessed. Brittany’s heart skipped a beat as she eavesdropped.
His words stung, leaving Brittany emotionally distressed. Did Lewis really think she wasn’t committed or ready for kids? Desperate questions tumbled through her mind, threatening her composed exterior.
After a few moments, Lewis and Brittany’s mother returned, seemingly in high spirits. Brittany, however, couldn’t help but wonder about the rest of their conversation as she continued to clear away dishes.
***
Carla decided to stay for a while, claiming the guest room. Brittany didn’t mind; Carla had stayed over before. However, Brittany noticed Lewis spending lots of time in Carla’s room. Their laughter echoed through the walls, and Brittany chose not to pry, even though insecurity gnawed at her.
The next day, Lewis and Carla went for a post-work coffee without mentioning it to Brittany. Although she rationalized this was normal, an unsettling feeling lingered.
Their bonding continued over coffees after work, stirring waves of jealousy within Brittany. Suspicions burgeoned, sowing seeds of doubt about Lewis’s intentions.
Unable to bear the tension, Brittany decided to follow them one day. The neighborhood Starbucks was familiar ground, and Brittany hovered outside, careful to remain unnoticed.
As she observed, Lewis arrived, greeted warmly by Carla. Their laughter bubbled up as Brittany’s heart sank.
Her heart skipped a beat as Lewis produced a small box, unmistakably a ring box. Panic-laced questions flooded her mind. Could it be true? Was Lewis planning to propose to Carla, her sister?
Brittany’s suspicions spiraled out of control as she watched Carla’s gleeful response. Overcome, she burst into the café and confronted them. “WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!”
Her outburst turned heads while Lewis appeared flustered. He patted his pocket, seemingly trying to conceal the box.
“Explain this! Are you seeing my sister behind my back? Is there something I don’t know?” Brittany cried, teary-eyed and oblivious to the surrounding stares.
Lewis, exuding sincerity, knelt down. “Brittany, this isn’t the moment I planned, but will you marry me?” he proposed, voice rich with earnest intent.
Speechless, Brittany’s gaze darted between Lewis and Carla, who nodded with encouragement. She’d misjudged everything. They had been orchestrating a surprise all along.
Her “Yes” was a murmur veiled in disbelief and joy. The café erupted into applause as Lewis stood, enveloping her in a heartfelt embrace. “I think I need to sit down,” Brittany admitted, overwhelmed yet elated.
Over a comfortingly warm coffee, Carla clarified their clandestine activities. “Lewis needed my help in choosing the right ring and organizing this proposal before I left town,” she explained affectionately.
Brittany, relief evident in her eyes, thanked her sister profusely. “Lewis, I’m so sorry for doubting you. I let baseless fears cloud my judgment.”
A revelation softened Brittany’s initial anxieties. When her mother visited days before, she’d implied that Brittany might not want children because Lewis hadn’t proposed, inciting Lewis to expedite his plans.
Touched by his sincerity and intentions, Brittany expressed her deep love for him. They shared a tender kiss, affirming their bond in front of a beaming Carla, who was overjoyed to be part of their journey.
Four months later, they celebrated their love officially, with Carla standing proudly beside Brittany as her maid of honor at the wedding.
This heartwarming tale demonstrates that open communication and trust form the bedrock of a strong relationship. Don’t let doubt and uncertainty cloud your heart – ensure you always seek the truth.
