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They still worked together but cut down to three days a week so Adaze could enjoy more down time with Leilani. Despite that, the pair now spent time together in their off hours. Usually just going to grab lunch or going shopping, but it was still such a nice change to their “strictly professional” relationship Adaze had insisted on pretending to maintain for so many years even though it had been far more than that for years..

The meal passed in a pleasant buzz of conversation. They talked about how everyone was doing. Leilani broke out her phone and started showing everyone pictures of Jaspurr and Patches.

Leilani sighed. “It’s such a shame Patches doesn’t like to be dressed up. I really wanted us to all wear matching sweaters for a holiday card this winter.”

Adaze grimaced. “It’s a shame really,” she forced herself to say.

“I know! I guess it’ll just be the three of us in sweaters. I hope Patches won’t feel too left out.”

“I’m sure you can think of a way to make sure she feels included,” Diana said, smiling at the face Adaze was making at the thought.

Despite her misgivings, she knew she wouldn’t hesitate to put on whatever Leilani asked for her holiday photo.

Besides, it would be the first time she was ever included in something like this, and while it felt silly and a little embarrassing, she was also excited at the thought.

She didn’t have an office to hang it up in, and she was hardly in an industry where she would be sending it to colleagues, but it still felt like a tangible sign of their commitment to each other.

“I hope so,” Leilani continued. “After all, I was going to be sending one home to my family so I want it to give a good impression.”

Adaze almost spit out her drink. “You what?”

“Well, I’m going to be sending one back home to my parents, siblings, grandparents, you know. Everyone you’d usually send a holiday card to.”

“I didn’t know you were planning on doing that.”

“Yeah, well what else would I do with it?”

“I don’t know. It seems like kind of a big deal though, right?”

Leilani smiled in understanding. “You don’t need to worry. They’re going to love you.”

“How can you know that?”

“Because I love you.”

She leaned in and the pair shared a kiss. Adaze didn’t have all the answers yet, but that was alright. They were going to find them together.

Leilani continued, “I actually thought maybe we could deliver it in person this year? Come to Hawaii with me? Meet my family? They are amazing. I owe everything to them.”

Adaze smiled in understanding. “I would love to.”

Later that night they were in bed together with Jaspurr and Patches.

“I’m so happy you want to meet my family,” Leilani said.

“I’m just sorry I have nobody close on my side for you to meet in return,” Adaze sighed. “But I can’t wait to meet your family and also get to know the island you grew up on. I can’t wait for you to show me around.”

Leilani reached her hand out for Adaze’s and tangled their fingers together.

“Also…” she said almost nervously, “I was wondering if I could maybe tell my family we are engaged…”

Adaze felt confused for just a moment, “But, we aren’t…”

“I know, but I thought maybe we could be? I know marriage is a big thing for you after what happened last time, but would you? Will you marry me, Adaze?”

Adaze smiled. She had come a long way in therapy now. She was at a place where marrying Leilani had been high on her list of priorities.

She reached into the drawer of her bedside table and pulled out a small leather box.

She flipped it opened to reveal a large sapphire ring that shimmered in every shade of blue possible. It was surrounded by small diamonds.

“Oh my god!” Leilani gasped.

“Sapphire to remind you of the ocean. You beat me to it, my beautiful Leilani. But I was going to ask you. So, yes, I would love to marry you.” Adaze laughed, happier than she had ever been.

“So, yes, you can tell them we are engaged. And, if you are still wanting to try and get pregnant next year, well, you can tell them that too. I’m all in, Leilani. I’ll do everything I can to be the best wife for you, and I can’t wait to become a mom with you.” She slid the ring onto Leilani’s finger.

Leilani smiled and rolled on top of her, kissing her eagerly. “Oh, my darling. I can’t believe how far we have come together since we met! I can’t wait for the rest of forever with you!”