His Proposal

His Proposal - 111

2 weeks later

Jai and I have been at his parent's place for three days and today it's Christmas. Jai's entire family is going to be here and he told me that some of my family will be here as well.

Nate flew out last night and he didn't come alone. He was with Teresa and they told us that her family didn't want her to come home for Christmas and they think she's ruining her life by being with my brother.

I feel bad for the girl being given an ultimatum by her parents. All I can say is that it's good that she's following her heart.

Jai's family start arriving at the house. He looks at me. "Are you alright?"

I give him a weak smile. "I'm okay. I just need a few minutes alone." I walk into the backyard and take a seat on the porch swing. I look at the swings and remember the first time I was at this house with my family.

*Flashback*

Aleysa jumped off the swing. "Can you do that?" She said to the little girl, as she lands on her feet in the sand.

The girl jumped off the swing and instead of landing on her feet she falls on her knees.

Aleysa helped her up. "I want you to meet my sister." she walked over to me with the girl. "Chloe, this is Maggie."

I kneeled at the girl's height. "Hello,"

She stepped behind Aleysa and hid from me.

*End Flashback*

A tear falls down my face and I wipe it away.

"Is this seat taken?" Someone asks.

I look at the person and a smile spreads across my face as I see Charlotte. "Hey, Charlotte."

She takes my hand. "Are you alright, Chloe? I know that it must be hard being back here the first time since you're sister..." she cuts herself off.

I squeeze her hand. "It's okay, to say passed away. When I first got here it was hard. It still is. I look around this house and yard and all I can think about is the first time we met. The kitchen is where Aleysa collapsed, the swings are where Maggie and she jumped off the swings, the trampoline is where she showed your Dad some tricks."

She wraps her arms around me. "I didn't know your sister for long, but from what I saw she was an incredible girl and I was lucky enough to get to know her thanks to my brother dating you."

"Can we open presents?" One of the kids yells.

"Not yet," is the reply.

Nate and Teresa walk onto the decking and they walk over to us.

"What are you doing out here, Chloe? I thought you would be inside helping Veronica with lunch? She's making duck, prawns, lobster, crabs for lunch." Nate pulls a chair out for Teresa and she sits. He looks at me. "Oh, and our brother and cousin are here. They both want to see you."

I might as well see what they want.

"Charlotte, I will talk to you later. I need to find out what my cousin and..." I choke on the word "brother, wants."