Masked

XXIV

"Happy birthday Taran," I whispered in her ear as she woke up in my arms.

"Thanks Michael," she said and stretched her wings slowly. It hadn't taken her very long to get used to flying or seeing her wings on her. She was actually grateful for them.

"Are you ready for your birthday gift now, or do you want to wait?" I asked already knowing she would love it.

"Now," she said sitting up and shutting her eyes with outstretched hands.

"Okay, but there's more than one thing I got you; so I'll go with whatever present I feel like is appropriate at that time."

"How many did you get me?" peeked open an eye in interest.

"Three."

She sighed before laughing, "good. I'm glad you didn't buy me like ten presents that were all really expensive."

"Well, the presents are sort of pricey, but you're worth it."

She blushed, and held out her hands saying, "okay. Gift number one of three is..."

"This," I said handing her a small bag with tissue paper inside.

Taran examined the bag and opened it carefully to reveal a small box. She opened it up slowly and touched the royal blue necklace and matching earrings that were shining.

"Michael, they're beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as the other two, but you'll have to wait."

She seemed fine with that and went downstairs to receive a new camera and some clothes from her parents.

"Our last gift to you Taran is a laptop, and some money to help you buy a house."

"Mallie, Ryan, that's so thoughtful!" she cried and hugged them.

Taran went to go change, while her parents discussed with me the ararngemtns for tonight.

"Where are you going to propose?"

"At her favorite restaurant, Brios."

"What a great idea," Mallie smiled.

Taran came back down, so we dropped the discussion, and let us go. We hopped in her car and went to the mall to hang out with the rest of the gang for her birthday.

"Happy birthday Taran!" the girls cried as we walked in and saw them at a table with a smoothie for Taran.

"Thanks guys!" she accepted the smoothie and let me have a sip. Mmm Pineapple and orange.

We walked around for a bit, and I decided to give her the second present while her friends were present.

"You ready for your next gift?"

"Yes!"

I pulled out a piece of paper with airline tickets on it.

"Michael what is this?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to explain this gift. "Well I got you airline tickets to go visit your real parents in Colorado."

Taran looked at me with shock, no words formed on her lips. "How... wh when? Are you coming?"

"I got the information from the adoption center, and we are leaving next month to go visit them. Taran your parents are a lot better now, from what your grandparents said. You'll get to go see some of your family again. And of course I'm coming with you! I'd be insanely depressed if I didn't join you."

"I... I don't know what to say. I always thought they were awful people, and would never want to see me."

"Taran listen to me, they love you and miss you terribly. Your mother thinks about you everyday."

"Thank you Michael," Taran hugged me fiercely.

"Good job Michael," Kevin patted me on the back.

"Thanks," I replied and walked out with Taran to her car, "we'll see you guys later!"

"Bye!" Lauren and the guys waved.

We arrived home, and Taran decided to bombard me with questions on my last gift for her. "I don't understand what else you could give me that I now have thanks to you."

"Believe me Taran, there's one more thing that I need to give to you, but it won't be until tonight."

Night took forever to arrive, but when it did, we all piled into one car and went to the restaurant. I was so anxious to give Taran the ring; I nearly forgot how exactly I was going to propose.

By the time her birthday cake came I was itching to give her the ring. I needed to wait until after dinner. Part of me wanted to do it at the restaurant, but I wasn't sure if I should wait longer or not. Ryan noticed my anxiety and said, "so Taran, what all did you get today?"

Taran listed off all the things and ended with, "Michael still has one more gift that he needs to give me."

I kissed her softly and whispered, "wait until we get home."

Mallie caught my eye for a second and nodded her head in approval.

"Michael can I please have my present?" Taran asked as we sat on her bed.

"Alright... I guess now would be a good time," I teased her.

Taran smiled and shut her eyes with her hands held out. I put her hands in mine, "Taran keep your eyes open for this one."

"Okay Michael," she said and watched me intently as I pulled her off the bed and stood in front of her.

"Taran Bethany Blake, I'm not sure how to say this, but you are the most loving, compassionate and caring girl I have ever met and loved. I promised you that I would spend eternity with you only a few days ago and well... I intend to keep my promise."

With that I knelt down and pulled out a small violet colored velvet case. "Taran will you marry me?" I asked looking into her sparkling eyes.

"Michael of course!" she laughed and gently opened the box to reveal the ring. It was a heart cut diamond with a silver band encasing it.

I slipped it on her finger as she kissed me passionately. Then she ran downstairs with me to show Mallie and Ryan.

"Nice pick," Ryan said approvingly.

"Thanks," I said and looked at Taran, "when and where would you like to have the wedding?"

"Before August because I'll want to focus on college, so how about late July?"

"Sure, where do you want to have it?"

"On the beach!" she clapped her hands.

"Alright," I said and let Taran go call her friends to start planning the wedding.

"Michael?" Taran called as she dialed a number on her cell.

"Yes Taran?"

"This is the best birthday present by far."