The Tailor Princess [Wainwright Series 2]

TAILOR 24: The Arrange Marriage

KOHLEN

Nakabalik na kami sa palasiyo ng mga Wainwright pero naisipan namin ni Kheilanie na pumuntang Town Awi upang maglibang. We stayed out the whole day and enjoyed our date. It was wonderful. What we wish for each other is happening already. 

I don't give a damn anymore of what Kheilanie's father told us before. I would follow my heart right now. I would follow Kheilanie.

"Kohlen, kailan ang balik ninyo?"

"Why'd you ask?"

"Kasi malapit na matapos ang dalawang buwan ninyo rito sa amin..." Malungkot na wika nito pagkalabas namin sa isang restaurant na pinagkainan namin. Inakbayan ko siya at hinagod ang kaliwang balikat niya.

"I will think about it when to go back home."

Tumango tango naman siya. "How about your family though? Aren't you worried about them?"

I cock my head. "I do, but they can handle it properly. I would leave once I hear any news from my brother."

"And how about the marriage?" Dagdag niya. Napatingin ako sa kaniya na naka-kunot ang noo. "I mean, err! Diba kailangan mo na magpakasal para ma-secure yung trono mo?"

"Marriage can wait, Kheilanie."

"But your family needs you, Kohl."

I took a deep breath. "Kung aayain kita ng kasal, papayag ka na ba?" Balik na tanong ko sa kaniya.

She was taken a back for a few seconds and met my gaze with pure earnest. "Are you proposing?"

Nagkaroon naman ng karera sa loob ng dibdib ko. Shit! It does sound like a proposal.

"On the worst way of proposing..." I pause, finding the right words to hide my embarrassment. "I think I am, princess." She giggle and pinch my cheek. 

"That was adorable, Kohl. Do better though." She teases and let go of my cheek.

"You really want to make this entertaining, do you?"

"No. I want this to be memorable for both of us."

"In that case," Inalis ko ang pagkakaakbay ko sa kaniya at hinarap ito. Kinuha ko ang kamay niya at hinalikan ang likod ng palad. Lumuhod ako't may nilabas na maliit na pouch sa aking bulsa. "Kheilanie Wainwright, will you marry me?"

I open the lead and a charm bracelet shine. The designs around the charm are her favorite flower: daffodil and a single tiny ruby design needle in the middle. "I'm sorry if I have not brought an engagement ring with me. But this bracelet, this is my symbol of happiness in our relation towards our indefinite storm. Our strength. Our bond." 

"Oh, Kohl," she covered her mouth and tears starts falling off her eyes. I also tear up along with her as I dream about this moment every night. Dreams do come true.

"Will you do me the honor placing this bracelet on your wrist?" I worriedly asked as I wipe away my tears. Bead of cold sweat perspire on my back and neck. Kheilanie stood silent and flabbergasted in front of me. 

Was I too eager for her hand? Am I pressuring her too much?

I took a quick glance around us and people are watching. They start gushing and smiling. Some were giggling.

"Kheilanie?" I call her name again softly. She gently uncover her mouth and held her right hand in front of me. I almost jump up on my knees by the gesture but I stumble on my right. I almost let go of my proposal bracelet. 

"Kohl... Yes!" Sagot niya at ngumiti ng napakatamis. 

The heavy weight inside my chest disappear and I slip the bracelet around her wrist. The whole crowd cheered and chanted us to kiss. I took a stand and lean closer to her face. "May I?"