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“Nicolas is going to explode with joy,” Elena said.

“So are we,” Cat said, pulling Elena up. She intertwined their fingers and held their hands up so Nicolas could see. He began to jump up and down and scream as the others joined him on the deck.

“Oh, wait!” Cat exclaimed. “How could I forget?” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a solitaire diamond engagement ring. She slipped it on Elena’s finger and smiled.

“Cat, this is beautiful! And big!” Elena exclaimed.

“It reminded me of you. A single sparkling light that shines in my heart,” Cat said. “Our love is big, so your ring should be, too.” Cat winked.

“You’re going to make me cry again,” Elena said.

“I’ll kiss away the tears because we’re all about joy, babe,” Cat said, pressing her lips to Elena’s once again.

Nicolas ran down the deck and wrapped his arms around them both before they could pull their lips apart.

Elena chuckled. “I think we made them wait too long.”

“My girls!” Nicolas exclaimed. “I'm so happy and proud of you both for figuring this out!”

“We are, too,” Cat said.

“It took you long enough,” Nicolas deadpanned then kissed them both on the cheek.

They walked onto the deck and Christine was the first to hug them.

“I hope you don’t plan on a long engagement,” Christine said. “I thought you two would be the first, but you took your time and had a little fun with it.”

“What?” Cat said, giving her mom a confused look.

“I’ve been watching all three of my girls fall in love since the first day you opened the shopping center. It was obvious you and Elena were perfect for each other, but my quiet, cautious daughter had to think it through.” Christine chuckled. “However, Elena brought the fun with this fake relationship thing.” Christine grinned at Elena. “You couldn’t fool her mama.”

Elena laughed. “We couldn’t fool our hearts.”

Someone turned up the music and the drinks flowed.

A little later, Cat and Elena snuck onto the deck for a quiet moment.

Cat took Elena into her arms and smiled. “For so long all these thoughts swirled around my head, but now the only thing swirling around me is our love.”

“Oh, Catarina,” Elena whispered.

Cat had come to love the way her name cascaded from Elena’s beautiful mouth. Every syllable was laced with love and it sent a jolt of desire straight to her heart. She claimed Elena’s lips with her own and this kiss was full of excitement and promise. Their happily-ever-after began now.

TWO MONTHS LATER

“I still can’t believe you did all this, Mom,” Cat said.

“Why, you know I’m going to take care of my girls,” Christine said. “But I didn’t do it all by myself.”

“Everything is just perfect,” Elena said, smiling at Cat.

“I had the best seat in the house.” Christine chuckled. “I got to watch all three of my girls fall in love at the same time with women I would want for daughters.”

“Aww,” Elena said.

“And now you’re mine as well,” Christine said. “This may not be the wedding of your dreams, but it’s the wedding of my dreams for each one of you.”

“But you had everything ready and made it easy,” Cat said. She gazed around the room at her sisters and their brides. “I mean, look at our outfits. They’re perfect.”