There's Always Second Chances

Chapter 28

"JESS!" I called out. It's now or never. I need to ask her about planning Søren's engagement. We've tried to, over the past few weeks, come up with something but everything seems to fall through. Just the other day I was talking about how Søren could propose to Andrea in a small coffee shop. 

It would be casual but special. Søren didn't like the ideas where there would be other people to witness him propose. He said he might mess up if there were people looking. So restaurants are out of the question. 

He thought about going all the way out to Sydney to do it outside the opera house and I reasoned with him that that's another big travel expense considering we're not even close to it. We talked about flowers and then he said no because he wanted something that was unique and not just giving Andrea flowers. 

In the end, we exhausted out list of plans. Time was ticking. Andrea was going to be here any minute and we needed a plan. The only one I knew who knew how to do this stuff was Jess. "What now?" she called out from behind her door. I jiggled the door handle and whined out her name again. I laughed when I heard a pillow hit the door. 

"Adrian do you have to be so annoying?" she huffed when she finally opened the door. "Yes, you're my sister. It's what siblings do." I responded. Jess stuck her tongue out at me. We were both grown ups but who's to say we can't act childish every now and again. "Seriously, what do you want?" she asked leaning against he door frame. 

I looked down at the floor. How do I say this? I hadn't really said to anyone else that Søren came here for my help. Neither did he by the looks of it. "I really need your help," I said. I was hoping that Jess would agree without fuss. Jess smiled smugly. "So you need my help?" she asked coyly. The smile just seemed to grow into an excited grin. 

"Yes. Big sister Jess, please, I need your all knowing abilities to help me and Søren." I said bowing to her. She laughed. "Alright, alright. What do you boys need help with?" she questioned raising a brow. I looked away at the floor and then back to her again with a small smile. Please agree to this, Jess, please. 

"I was hoping that because you work to make weddings happen all the time, I was hoping that you could help Søren because he wants to propose to Andrea and doesn't know how to do it. He came to me for help but I couldn't do it because I'm not good at these things." The words spilled from my mouth faster than I could think of a better way to ask her. 

Jess just nodded. "That's going to be a lot of money Adrian, I'm a wedding planner and events organiser.." she started saying. I rummaged around in my pocket. "I can pay you," I responded. It's the least I could do if she's agreeing to helping. I presented her with some money. She pushed my hand away and shook her head. 

"One condition..." she spoke. I nodded awaiting to hear what the condition was. "I get to plan your wedding." she stated. I was in shock. When I have a wedding? She's got to be joking. I'm not even seeing anyone right now. "Fine," I responded. Anything for her to help. Jokes on her, I'm not even going to get married. Naomi's all I need right now. Besides, where am I going to find a girl, my age, that wants to date a single Dad. 

Jess clapped her hands excitedly and followed me out into the garden where Søren and Naomi were playing. I smiled at the sight. If I could, I'd live right next door to Søren and Andrea so that Naomi could grow up and see them all the time. "Søren? Tell me about Andrea." Jess said and she sat down next to Søren. I listened as I played with Naomi. 

They finally agreed on a place, a time and anything else they needed for the plan. "Do you want us to video tape it?" asked Jess as she started finalising the plan. Søren nodded and that was that. The planning was finished. Jess would go pick Andrea up tomorrow, bring her straight to the beach for a big surprise.

We were all way too excited to sit, eat or sleep and by the time it came to the time to do it, we were all tired. "Do you think they're coming yet?" Søren asked checking his phone for the thousandth time. I shrugged. "Jess said she'd text when they're on they're way." I responded, adjusting Naomi's dress. 

This was all part of the plan. I was to hide out the way with Naomi. Søren nudged one of the shells in line with the others. "Are you sure this is going to work? What if I drop the ring? What if she says no?" he asked worriedly. I flicked his forehead. "Andrea will say yes. This was planned by an official wedding and events planner, a woman at that. You will not drop the ring, if you keep it in the damn box." I responded. 

A small ding alerted us to a text. "It's happening," Søren said. He started rambling in hurried, almost gibberish, Danish. I passed him the ring from my pocket and walked over to my hiding spot. "Ready Naomi? Ready to copy Daddy?" I questioned. Naomi babbled a yes before putting her hands over her mouth and copying me.

I watched through the gap in the box, and wishing that Søren would calm down. I could see him rigidly standing there. I could already tell that he was really nervous. I would be too, if I were in his shoes. I saw Andrea start walking down, following the path of candles and seashells. I watched on as Søren started talking. Probably not even what he planned to say. All before he got down on one knee and held the black box up in front of him. 

The scene was utterly beautiful. The sun setting perfectly behind them, Andrea beaming with happiness as she accepted the ring. I saw them detach from one another and start walking over to where I was. Now's my time to shine. "I have just one more surprise for you," I heard Søren say. There was a moments pause, silence broken by the crashing waves before the box fell apart and I was face to face with Andrea. 

"Oh my god! ADRIAN!" Andrea squealed and pulled me into a bone crushing hug. I returned the favour and finally pulled away from her. "Congratulations Andi," I spoke. It was almost like I could feel her happiness radiating from her. It made me happy to see her so happy. 

Her hair was pulled back into two plaits, the scar across her face, lighter and less visible. She still looked beautiful. "Oh! Is this Naomi?" she questioned, her eyes flicking over to Naomi. I nodded. "Say hi," I cooed. 

"Hi," Naomi said. Naomi then hid her face in my neck. "She's gotten so big and cute..." Andrea gushed. It was another twenty minutes before we all got into the car and drove back to Mum's house. "What are you doing now?" I asked Andrea on the way back. "I'm helping out at home with the family bakery. I'm also preparing the new flat I got for Søren and I to move into." Andrea spoke. 

"Decided on Norway have we?" I asked looking between the two. Søren nodded. "I didn't want to take her away from her family. I spoke to mine and they didn't mind. It's not like Denmark is far from Norway anyway." he spoke holding Andrea's hand. They were perfect together. 

"Are you seeing anyone?" Andrea asked with a hopeful look. If I were getting married, you'd have already been invited. Unfortunately, I'm a bit wary after what happened with Delilah. Most girls I've been on dates with from dating apps have been rather up tight or they weren't looking for anything serious. 

I shook my head. "I've been focusing on Naomi and myself really. I don't think I'm anyone's type." I muttered. Besides. Why should I worry? We're only 23. It's not like it's the end of the world if I don't meet anyone right now. Andrea patted my shoulder. "You'll get your second chance Adrian, everyone does. Whether it's for love or work or children. It'll come eventually and when you least expect it." she said. 

"Where'd you hear that?" asked Søren, looking very confused. Andrea laughed and waved her hand dismissively. "It's something Nana used to say." Andrea stated. Things became quiet as we pulled into the drive. We went inside for dinner. Needless to say, it still felt like nothing changed between us three at all. 

As I closed my eyes to go to sleep that night, I could help but think about what Andrea said. Do people really get second chances?