“Kai.” His mother interjects.
“—No, I need to say this.” Kai reaches for my hand, and I’m just standing there like a deer in headlights, frozen.
“Malakai,” my dad pats his shoulder, then pulls him into a hug. “I know you do, bud. I’ve known for a long time.”
“You have?”
“Son, you don’t send flowers to someone religiously every week without having feelings. You don’t completely alter your diet and way of living for just anyone. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t normal that you and Isla were everything to each other almost immediately.” My dad chuckles and pulls Kai’s mom to his side. “Nadia and I have been waiting for one of you to come out with it.”
“We thought it would not happen when Isla started getting serious with Steve. But then when she moved back home, I had a hope that might change.” She takes my hand and kisses it. “Looks like my hoping worked.”
“So I have your blessing?” Kai’s face cracks a smile. “I can ask her to marry me?”
My dad sighs. “Can we please eat something? We can talkabout marriage when I have a steak in front of me and a beer in my hand.”
Kai laughs and nods. “Yeah, let’s get Dad a beer before he loses his shit. Where are we headed?”
“Just follow us, honey. We made a reservation at Morty’s Steakhouse.” Mom kisses his cheek one more time. “Please be safe on that thing.”
“I will, Mom. I’ll go to the speed limit. Scout’s honor.” He holds up three fingers.
“You were never a Boy Scout.” I snort.
“I don’t need to be a Boy Scout to know how to tie some knots, Princess.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me and I giggle nervously.
Dad spins around and heads back to the car, muttering to himself about how he’s going to need two beers. Nadia heads to the car, leaving Kai and me standing there. “Seriously, ride safe, baby.”
“I always do. Especially now that I’m coming home to you.” Kai leans in to kiss me and I put my hand on his chest.
“Let’s feed him first, then maybe you can attempt to kiss me in front of him.” I raise my brow and push him back.
“Mmm, I don’t like that idea. I’ve gone all day without your lips on mine. And I hit two home runs in my very first major league game. I think that warrants a kiss. Wouldn’t you say?” He inhales deeply and shrugs his shoulders. “I think there is a rule somewhere that says that it guarantees a kiss from the wife.”
“I’m not your wife, Kai.”
“Not yet.” He steps into me and I tense, my eyes shift back over to the car. But instead of kissing me, he nudges my nose with his and wraps his arms around me. With his lips on my ear, he whispers. “When we get home tonight, I’m gonna be fuckingmy fiancé.”
“Isn’t it supposed to be a surprise when you propose?” I pull back and start walking toward the passenger door.
“Like you don’t know I’m going to.” He smirks and puts his helmet on, flipping the visor up. “See you soon, Princess.”
It should be illegal for him to look that good in a pair of slacks, a dress shirt, classic Vans, and a helmet.Criminal.
The window rolls down and my dad clears his throat. “Food, sweetheart?”
I’d rather have Kai.
But I need to keep it together.
“Yep. Let’s go.” I pull the door open and get in, buckling up. Dad pulls out of the spot and heads toward the exit. Kai rides up behind us, following at a safe stopping distance. We merge onto the freeway, and the car stays uncomfortably silent.Somebody say something before the verbal diarrhea starts happening and I can’t shut up.
“Do you have your EpiPen and medication, Isla?” My dad asks, glancing at me in the rearview. I roll my eyes.
No, Dad. I just have six of the nine major food allergies and don’t carry one with me.
“Yes. I do. I never leave home without one.”No attitude.
I know he asks because he cares. But I’m not a child. I’ve been dealing with my diagnoses independently for years now. I know how to navigate in a world where so many things could kill me. And not just food. Medications, environmental allergens, and who knows what else.
