The Mermaid's Unexpected Mate

Chapter 35

Third Person POV:

Everyone was really happy for Harmony and for Alon. Everyone was excited. This was a wonderful birthday for both girls. But, the day wasn't over yet. And one young man had something special in mind for his girl.

Darnell's POV:

My dad always told me the right words would come when I was ready. When it was time, I would know what to say. I'm not gonna lie and say I believed him. I actually didn't really believe him and I didn't really understand what he said. Well, I believe him now. Because after the party, Aerwyna and I went for a walk......

"I'm so happy for Harmony, Darnell! I can't wait to help her plan her wedding and look for a dress! It's going to be amazing! Right?" "Yea, I think so.." I gave her a shy smile.

I guess I always felt a little giddy around her. But tonight was different. There was something special about tonight. And not just the fact it was her birthday or the fact her sister got engaged. I couldn't put my finger on it, but, it was then I realized, it was now or never. It was time.

"Aerwyna, I need to ask you something. I want you to hear me out...Don't interrupt, please.." 

 "Alright, Darnell. You know I'll listen to whatever you have to say. Is...everything alright?" she asked with a frown. I sighed and closed my eyes. Here we go.

"Tell me, can you feel my heart beat? Tell me, as I kneel down at your feet," I sang, getting down on one knee. I took a blue velvet box from my pocket and opened it, revealing, a ring.

"I knew there would come a time when these two hearts would entwine. Just put your hand in mine, forever..." Aerwyna gasped at the sight. She looked from the ring to me then back at the ring.

"For so long, I have been an island, where no one could ever reach these shores...And we've got a whole lifetime to share. And I'll always be there, darling this I swear..." I slowly stood up and wiped Aerwyna's tears with my thumb. I gave a small smile.

"So, please believe me, for these words I say are true! And don't deny me, a lifetime loving you! If you ask, will I be true? Do I give my all to you? Then I will say, I do.." 

 Aerwyna smiled at me and nodded. "I'll marry you, Darnell." she spoke softly. I smiled at her and slipped the ring on her finger.

"I'm ready to begin this journey. Well, I'm with you with every step you take! And we've got a whole lifetime to share! And I'll always be there, darling this I swear!" I held Aerwyna in my arms. She smiled at me and leaned her head on my chest.

"So, please believe me, for these words I say are true! And don't deny me, a lifetime loving you! If you ask, will I be true? Do I give my all to you? then I will say, I do..." Aerwyna and I began dancing slowly.

"So come on, just take my hand! Oh, come on, let's make a stand for our love! I know this is so hard to believe..." I twirled her around. She smiled brightly.

"So, please believe me! for these words I say are true! And don't deny me, a lifetime loving you! And if you ask, will I be true? do I give my all to you? If you ask if I'll be true, do I give my all to you? then I will say, I do...." I ended my song and we hugged each other tightly.

"I will be the best husband I can be, Aerwyna...I don't want you to ever regret saying yes..." I said quietly.

 Aerwyna let go of the embrace and looked at me. "Darnell, I will never regret saying yes. I love you so, very much." she spoke softly, placing her hand against my cheek. 

 I placed my hand on top of hers. "I love you too, dew drop..."

Unknown POV:

I saw all of that. I sometimes wonder what that's like. Love. To have someone that loves you, no matter what. I could sure use that sometimes....But, I can't have it. If I did, something bad might happen to it. I can't let that happen. See, I didn't run away from my people. Remember when I said something bad might happen to the one who loves me? Well, that bad thing happened to my people. All of them. I'm the only one who survived, unfortunately...

Aerwyna's POV:

I was so excited to tell my family I was engaged. I ran all the way home, dragging Darnell behind me. Any other man would probably be annoyed with me. But he chuckled and smiled at me. I burst into the pack house. I guess Harmony and Alon hadn't gotten back yet. They had gotten engaged earlier today and after the party, went off alone together. 

 "Oh, Aerwyna, it's just you...We thought it might be Harmony." my dad sad, walking into the hallway. 

 "You're worried, aren't you?" 

 "I'll never not worry about my children, Aerwyna. Someday, when you have children of your own, you'll understand." he told me. 

 I smiled, my cheeks pink. I glanced up at Darnell. "Dad, mom, we have something important to tell you. All of you." My aunts and uncles had come up behind my parents. Their kids, Raidne, Earwyn, and Dawn stood there too. "Darnell asked me to marry him. And I said yes." The room erupted with cheers. 

 My dad scowled, but my mom just hit him in the arm. Finally, dad came up to me and spoke. "I would have preferred you wait. But, I will allow it." 

 "And how long did you want me to wait?" 

 "Until you were an old maid......" I stared at my dad, who received a slap from my mom. 

 "Michael!" she scolded. Darnell and I chuckled. 

 "What? She's my little girl! I'm already losing Harmony. Now I'm gonna lose Aerwyna!" 

 "Oh, daddy, you'll never lose me. I'll always be your little girl.."

 "S-so w-will I," a voice came from behind me and Darnell. I turned around and saw Harmony and Alon standing there. She wore a big smile. She looked so radiant and happy. I hurried over and hugged her tight. 

 "Congratulations, sis.." I smiled at her. 

 "T-th-thank you. C-c-congratulations y-y-y-yourself. I s-see D-Darnell finally a-asked," she giggled. I giggled and went to hug Alon. 

 "I guess you both got engaged on the same day." Alon grinned. 

 "I guess so," I said with a smile as I looked over at Darnell. I am so grateful for him...