Chapter 49 Committed to Being Responsible

Caelan wasn't good at sharing his feelings. He only had one girlfriend before, and she asked him out first. She got sick and passed away soon after they started dating. Charlotte didn't look surprised. "I knew something was up with you two today." "I really need advice." Charlotte wasn't sure if she could convince Sofia. "Don't rush. First, be sure you like Sofia. We're grown-ups. It's okay if something happened." Caelan smiled. "That's what she said this morning." Charlotte laughed. "That's why we get along." Luke softly tapped Caelan's shoulder. "If you're ready to be serious and not just have fun like before, you and Sofia could try dating. "We're cool with that. But if you're not ready for something real, it's better not to start anything. It wouldn't be fair to either of you." "I get it," Caelan said. "I actually cleared all my other contacts this morning. Told them it's over. I want to take things seriously now. And about Sofia, I want to handle it right, especially after what happened." Charlotte was calm. "I think Sofia might have feelings for you too. But talk to her only if you're really serious." Caelan seemed resolute. "I am. I know what I want now." "So, give it a shot. She might just say yes." Hearing this, Caelan felt hopeful. He really wanted to make things work with Sofia, even though he was nervous about how she would feel about his past. He got up and walked toward the sea, needing some time alone to gather his thoughts. Charlotte said, "Let's just see what happens without pushing them." Luke agreed with a smile. "Okay, you're my wife. Your call." Charlotte playfully tapped his shoulder. "Hey, we're not married yet, remember?" Luke gave her a hug. "Doesn't matter. You're still my wife." That evening, Sofia, looking thoughtful, asked Caelan to go for a walk. They came back in about half an hour. "Look, there's a bonfire party over there. Want to go see?" Sofia suggested. Luke, thinking it was a good time, quietly checked the ring box in his pocket. He had ditched the formal suit for a white shirt to avoid making Charlotte suspicious. "That sounds great." Charlotte smiled. "But be careful, don't hurt your foot." "Gotcha, you've started talking a lot more after becoming a parent." Charlotte laced up her shoes and looked at Sofia. "You'll understand when you have kids of your own." Sofia's cheeks turned pink as she remembered last night. She turned away, hoping Charlotte didn't notice. "Let's hurry. We can wait outside." Watching Sofia, Charlotte shook her head with a smile. "All grown up, but still a bit of a kid at heart." Luke waited patiently. "You know, as a mom, you're always trying to be strong. But since we've gotten close, I've seen a different side of you, almost childlike at times." Charlotte, gently picking up Lilya, smiled in response. "That's because I can rely on you. You make it easy to let my guard down." Hearing this made Luke really happy. He held Andy's hand, and they started walking to the bonfire party together. There, they saw a romantic proposal happening. Charlotte and Sofia were amazed by the beautiful decorations, guessing who the lucky person was. Around the bonfire, people were dancing hand-in-hand. Charlotte and Sofia joined in, dancing with everyone. But then, to Charlotte's surprise, the crowd guided her onto the stage. Luke approached, and Sofia gently put a veil on Charlotte. She couldn't believe it – she was the one being proposed to. Tears of happiness filled her eyes as Luke got closer. Watching from a distance, Andy whispered to Lilya, "Do you think Mommy and Daddy are getting married?" Lilya nodded. "That would be nice. Daddy would always be there to take care of us and Mommy." Tears filled Luke's eyes as he knelt down and showed her the ring. "Will you marry me?" His voice echoed in the quiet crowd. The onlookers clapped and cheered, "Marry him!" Charlotte wiped her tears. "Did you all plan this trip together?" Luke smiled. "Yes, everyone helped to get you here." Charlotte remembered her quick wedding with Frank; this was so different, so special. Gathering her courage, she answered, "Yes, I will." Luke wrapped her in a hug, and they shared a kiss, their joy undeniable. Sofia, witnessing the moment, teared up too, moved by Charlotte's journey to find happiness.