Crash My Party

Twenty-Three || Family

»FAMILY |

I couldn't wait to tell my sister that Luke had proposed, I was itching to call her and scream her ear off about how excited was. But I refrained. I didn't want to tell her over the phone, I wanted to tell her in person. I thought it would be better that way; something this crucial deserves to be said face-to-face.

The only problem was my brother, I didn't know if I should tell him or not. We weren't on good terms right now, and I have no idea how he would react if I told him that I'm engaged to the guy he practically despises. I know he's my brother, my family, but the way he's been acting out was just unnecessary. I'm not even sure if I can forgive him for it. The last few days of our small vacation went by fairly quickly, time does fly when you're having probably the greatest time with the love of your life. Even though it seemed short-lived, this vacation was worth it and I was more than satisfied. After packing and tidying up, we were on the road back home. In addition to breaking the news to my family, Luke wanted to (finally) introduce me to his parents. They had no idea that we were engaged, and that made my stomach twist with nerves. Luke told me that he's talked about me around them, so they know of me, but I just felt like once they got to meet me in person, they wouldn't approve. I thought about telling Luke about my worries, but he just seemed so happy, I didn't want to ruin it with my ridiculousness. 

Soon, we had pulled up in the driveway of my home, the grin still having yet to leave my face as I realized I was that much closer to telling everyone of our engagement. I practically ran up to the porch, leaving Luke to get my bags, and fumbled with my keys, eventually opening the door and walking inside.

 I immediately heard the high-pitched bark of my puppy followed by the clicking of her nails as she shot across the wooden tile of the floor, wildly slipping left and right. I covered my mouth as laughter erupted from within me, gazing down at her adoringly when she successfully made it to my leg, jumping up and down. Miley's tail was wagging violently along with the rest of her body as little whines and whimpers emitted from her mouth. I scooped her up and she immediately pelted my face with sloppy kisses, still shaking in my hands. "I missed you too, girl!" I exclaimed, hugging her tightly.

 Luke came inside shortly after, lugging my suitcase. I ignored the look he was giving me when he dropped my things at the door. I know I should've helped him, but hey, I was excited. "Where's Nicole and Jakey-boy?" I asked the excited dog in my arms as she continued to moisten my face. "In here, Brook!" I heard Jake call out from the kitchen. My grin became impossibly wider at the sound of his voice and I made a beeline toward the kitchen, Luke following. "Heeeyyy!" I exclaimed with a smile as I set Miley down on the floor. Niki squealed and in no time she had me trapped in a bear hug which I had no choice but to return. 

"So, how did it go?" she asked once she released me, still grinning from ear to ear. Her smile slightly faltered and she narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "But seriously, what happened. You've got this glow about you." I took a deep breath and glanced at Jake, who already had this stupid grin on his face, looking between Luke and I. I looked back at Nicole and held out my hand, the expensive ring glinting under the light. 

 "Luke asked me to marry him!" I exclaimed.Niki gasped so loudly I thought she would pass out. She gently cradled my hand in hers and turned it this way and that, her mouth hanging wide open as she gaped at the jewelry. 

"Is it real?" Niki whispered, looking back up at me with her eyes wide.

"Nicole!" I scolded.

"Yes, it's real." Luke laughed and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. Niki offered him a smile before she resumed swooning over my ring, adoration evident in her sparkling eyes. I was almost certain that she was thinking of the day when she'd have a similar glimmering jewel on her finger. I stole a glance at Jake and sighed, mostly to myself. At this rate, he and Niki would sure be in the same situation, and I was eagerly awaiting the day that Jake would pop the question.