'you're allowed to be more than just a mummy'
above all else, mara walsh is a mother. for as long as her daughter's been in her life, she's raised her all on her own and done a damn good job of it. so what happens when carlos sainz comes into her li...
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Liked by CARLOSSAINZ55 and 131,482 others
MARA flowers for Elsie's fifth <3 tagged: CARLOSSAINZ55
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CARLOSSAINZ55 My beautiful girls
USER1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELSIE!!!!!!!
AMIRA.CARMICHAEL mom goals
USER2 why can't I have a mum like Mara???? 😭 ↳USER3 ikr?!
The air is alive with laughter and joy, the sun warm over the garden as Elsie's fifth birthday party goes full swing. The fairy garden theme she'd chosen, something I'd once had as a child, has turned the backyard into a little dreamland.
Twinkling lights and flower arrangements Amira and I had worked overnight to put together take up every available space. I'd had a good cry over not feeling ready for the party around seven this morning, but as soon as Elsie had woken up to see it all laid out and she'd screamed her little head off, I knew it was worth it.
Children dressed as fairies and woodland creatures flit about, their laughter blending with the soft music playing through our sound system. Elsie, dressed in a fairy costume she'd picked out ages ago, radiates happiness as she leads her classmates and Penelope toward the flower crown table.
As the day progresses, it's clear that Elsie's in her element.
She's all giggles and smiles as she searches for hidden 'fairy coins' in a scavenger hunt, her enthusiasm infectious as she proudly shows off her pile of gold wrapped chocolate coins at the end of it.
The cake, an ice cream masterpiece Bianca had brought, is enough to send Elsie into another fit of excited squeals as soon as it's brought out.
As the sun begins its descent, a hush falls over the garden as Carlos stands up. Elsie's laughter and the rustling of leaves seem to quiet as he clears his throat, his eyes already wet with unshed tears.
"A todos, me gustaría daros las gracias por estar aquí," he begins, his voice carrying a warmth that wraps around me like a comforting embrace. He reaches out, gesturing for Elsie and I to come up to the front with him with a smile.
"I've been blessed with a very, very amazing life. I've had many incredible moments, but none compare to the love and happiness that Mara and Elsie bring me every day," he continues, his voice steady yet laced with a softness that tugs right at my heart.
"Seeing the bond that Elsie and Mara share, the way they light up each other's lives, I can't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude. Mara, you've brought a love and joy into my life that I never thought possible."
Carlos pauses, his eyes locked with Elsie's as he takes a deep breath. "Elsie," he says gently, kneeling down to her level, "you know how much I love your Mummy, right? Well, before I ask her a very important question, I need to ask you something first."
He leans in close, whispering in our daughter's ear with a conspiratory grin. It only takes a few seconds, but it feels like a lifetime as I watch tears form in Elsie's eyes.
She roughly wipes them away, her flower crown briefly falling over her eyes as she nods. "Yes, yes!" she exclaims, her voice trembling with a happiness she can hardly contain.
Carlos's gaze shifts from Elsie to me, his smile wide.
He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box that makes my heart stop. As he pops it open, there's an excited gasp from Reyes, her reaction very quickly hushed by her husband.
My heart still hasn't started back up again as Carlos looks up at me, his hands shaking.
"Mara," he begins, "you are my rock, my partner, the mother of my child, and the love of my life. Ever since that day we met, I knew we would come to this point, I just never knew how. Your presence in my life is a gift I'm still not sure I deserve, but I don't plan on letting it go to waste. I promise that every day I will wake up and choose you, the same way I have for as long as I've known you. There's no one else in this world I'd rather spend the rest of my life with. Will you marry me?"
Tears spill from my eyes, my heart starting back up in a rush as my breath leaves my lungs. I reach for his outstretched hand, the ring he offers a perfect fit as he slides it on. "Yes," I whisper, choking back tears as I collapse onto the ground in front of him, pulling him into a hug tight enough to hurt. "Yes, Carlos, a thousand times yes."
Applause erupts from everyone gathered, the garden coming alive with cheers and congratulations.
Elsie joins in on our hug, climbing in between us with a toothy grin. "Mummy, does this mean I get a brother now?"
I laugh, nodding my head as Carlos ruffles Elsie's dark curls, "Do you want siblings?"
