Her Awakening

Chapter 38: Awakening to Love

Jalal's POV

Nine months of loving Melissa had gone by in the blink of an eye, but every moment felt like a lifetime of joy. Each day, my love for her deepened. Watching her with Markie and Melody, seeing how she balanced her life as a mother, an author, and a partner, I knew there was no one else I'd ever want by my side. She had become the very centre of my world—her, and the twins. That's why I knew I had to make this proposal special. Not just special—perfect.

I had been planning this for weeks, and the time had finally come. We were in Dubai, the perfect backdrop for what I had in mind. Dubai, with its shimmering coastline and its blend of tradition and modernity, felt like a symbol of everything Melissa and I had built together—a beautiful mix of two worlds coming together.

But this wasn't just about me asking her to marry me. This was about family, about the people who mattered to her most. I knew Melissa's heart, and I knew she'd want to share this moment with the people she loved. That's why, in secret, I'd made a plan to fly her parents and close cousins out here. They were her support system, her best friends, her foundation. I had coordinated with my sisters and my mother to keep everything under wraps, and everyone played their part perfectly.

The night before the proposal, I lay awake in bed, running over every detail. I had gone over the plan a thousand times in my head, but the nerves still buzzed in my chest. What if something went wrong? What if Melissa wasn't ready? What if the divorce had left scars too deep to heal?

But then I'd look at her sleeping beside me, her face soft and peaceful, and all my doubts would disappear. I knew Melissa loved me. I could feel it in every touch, every glance. She was my person, and I was hers. Now, I just had to show her how much she meant to me.

The next morning, everything was set into motion. Nadine and Yasmin had taken Melissa to the spa for a few hours, keeping her distracted while the rest of us finalised the preparations. The kids, Markie and Melody, were too excited to keep the secret, so we told them they had to wait until later to see their grandparents. My heart warmed watching them play on the beach, their laughter filling the air as they built sandcastles with my mother.

The island I had chosen for the proposal was breathtaking, a small private piece of paradise just off the coast. The hotel staff had worked tirelessly, setting up the canopy, arranging the flowers, and preparing the dinner that would follow. I wanted every detail to be flawless—from the petals strewn across the sand to the fairy lights that would twinkle as the sun set.

When Melissa's parents arrived at the resort, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. They stepped out of the car, wide smiles on their faces, looking around at the grandeur of Dubai in awe. Her father, with his stoic expression softened just a little, gave me a firm handshake. Her mother pulled me into a hug, whispering, "She deserves the world. Don't let her down." 

"I won't," I promised her, my heart swelling with both nervousness and pride. Her cousins arrived soon after, joking and laughing as they joined the group. We were a family, all of us, gathered for Melissa, for the woman we all loved.

As I watched them interacting, the gravity of the moment hit me. I turned to my mother, who was holding Melody in her arms, and she smiled at me, giving me a nod of encouragement. Everything was ready.

By the time Melissa returned from the spa, glowing and relaxed, I could see the surprise in her eyes when she found everyone gathered by the beach. She blinked, looking from her parents to her cousins, then to me. "What's going on?" she asked, confused, but a smile tugged at her lips.

I took her hand, guiding her toward the centre of the setup. The white canopy framed the scene perfectly, the soft draping curtains catching the breeze, flowers scattered in the sand, and the ocean glittering in the distance as the sun began to set. The moment was magical, but it was Melissa's expression that made it unforgettable.

"You didn't think I'd let us come to Dubai without making it truly special, did you?" I teased, my heart racing in my chest. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you..."

Her eyes widened slightly as she glanced around, finally realising what was happening. Markie and Melody were already bouncing on their toes, unable to contain their excitement. I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on us, but for that moment, it was just the two of us standing there.

I took a deep breath, dropping to one knee. I saw Melissa's breath catch, her hand flying to her mouth as she stared down at me, her eyes already welling up with tears. My voice was steady as I began to speak the words I had written for her—a poem that poured from my heart:

*"In the quiet of night, I found your light, 

A love so fierce, so bold, so bright. 

Through storms we've sailed, through tears we've cried, 

But in your arms, I've found my guide.*

*Your laughter is music, your touch is peace, 

With you, my love, all doubts cease. 

I'll cherish you, forevermore, 

Together, we'll write stories yet untold.*

*So here I kneel, my heart in hand, 

Asking you to take this stand. 

Will you, Melissa, be my wife? 

Will you, love, share this life?"*

I finished, my voice steady, though my heart was pounding. I looked up at her, searching her eyes. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Melissa stood frozen, her eyes wide and her lips trembling as she looked around at her family, at the kids, at me. I could see the hesitation flicker across her face—remnants of the hurt, the fear of another commitment so soon after her divorce. My heart clenched. Maybe this was too much, too soon.

But then, she glanced at the twins. Markie and Melody were nodding enthusiastically, big grins plastered on their faces. Melody even tugged on Melissa's dress, whispering, "Say yes, Mommy!"

And just like that, Melissa's expression softened. She looked back at me, her eyes brimming with tears, and she slowly nodded, a smile breaking across her face.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice shaking. Then, louder, with more conviction, "Yes, Jalal. I'll marry you."

The world erupted around us. Cheers, laughter, and applause echoed from all sides, but all I could focus on was Melissa as I slid the ring onto her finger. She pulled me into her arms, and I held her close, burying my face in her hair as tears of relief and joy welled in my eyes.

Our families swarmed us, hugging, congratulating, and laughing together. My mother wiped her eyes discreetly, and Melissa's parents beamed with pride. Nadine scooped up Melody, who was giggling uncontrollably, while Yasmin ruffled Markie's hair.

As we stood there, surrounded by everyone we loved, I realised this was the beginning of our forever. And as I held Melissa's hand, feeling the weight of the ring on her finger, I knew I was the luckiest man in the world.

Dubai had given me everything I could have ever wanted. Now, I had my future standing right next to me.