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“I know,” I sigh. “I’ll be fine. Let me have a few minutes on the balcony to center myself and then we’ll get ready.”

The sun is blazing over Kauai. There isn’t a single cloud in the sky. I take deep breaths, focusing on the sounds of nature. It doesn’t take me long to reset and feel peace.

Erin’s arm snakes around my torso. She holds me close, her head resting on my back. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“I’m exhausted. Can we please go back to the suite?” I mutter under my breath to Erin.

“Amelia, we can’t. Not until after midnight. They need to be here for you.”

“Why, nothing is actually going to happen. They can’t actually see the change begin.”

“It doesn’t matter. Let them have this, and then you can have me in whatever position you want.”

“Alright then.”

Erin titters. “That didn’t take a whole lot of convincing, my love.”

“I’m not stupid,” I grin.

Our conversation is interrupted by my father rising from his seat. We’ve been sitting in my parents’ bungalow for hours, eating and drinking. “Can I have your attention please?” he asks. “Shut it,” he barks at Lucille, who is yammering away at Trent about something. “Thank you. Now, the time is almost upon us. Two minutes until Amelia sheds her mortal skin.”

“Jesus, Father, that’s a bit much,” Jacob laughs.

“Yes, I heard it,” Father chuckles. “In all seriousness. Amelia, this day has felt like a long time coming, but has also arrived far too fast. We’re proud of you, sweetheart.” I tip my glass in his direction.

“Get ready,” my mother calls. Naturally, my eyes drift to the big clock on the wall. My heart rate rises in anticipation. Even though I know I won’t fall into madness, there is still a sliver of fear.

I watch as the seconds tick by. Three… Two… One. I close my eyes and hold my breath. A small quiver passes over my heart and then it’s gone.

Opening my eyes, I laugh when I see dozens of eyes trained on me. I weigh up putting on a show, pretending something is happening, but then I come to my senses. Mother might actually kill me if I make fun. Erin’s hand caresses my thigh. I smile at her sweetly.

“I’m okay,” I say to her.

“I know,” she replies. My family are hugging each other and laughing with abandon. They really were stressed.

Hawaiian dancers enter the room. A surprise my parents have cooked up, I bet. Music begins and a fresh round of drinks is poured. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the ring box I’ve been carrying for six months. I wanted to ask Erin to marry me when I bought it, but I knew I had to wait until my rebirth. That’s what I’m calling it.

Erin is smiling at the dancers. I’m smiling at her. I see my mother in the corner of my eye jab my father in the ribs. She’s spotted the ring box on the table. Trailing my fingers down Erin’s cheek, I wait for her to turn. Her eyes zero in on the box and then go wide, making me chuckle. “What’s that?” she asks.

“That’s a ring,” I reply. “A ring I hope you will agree to wear.”

“A ring?”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Erin lost for words. “Yes, a ring. We are bound in body and mind, Erin, but I want to be bound to you by law. Erin Hanson, will you be my wife?”

Her eyes haven’t left the ring box. I take it and open it gently. The sapphire is the same color as her eyes. I knew it belonged to Erin the second I saw it. Taking the ring from its cushion, I push back my chair and drop to both knees. “I will cherish you always. I will protect you with all that I have, and I will love you until my last breath. Erin, marry me.”

Her finger slips through the ring, but she still hasn’t said anything. Her eyes slowly make their way to mine. I see her, all of her, and she sees me. I can hear her innermost thoughts and feel the pure joy coursing through her body.

“Yes.”

We embrace as our family and even the dancers cheer. It’s a perfect ending to a tumultuous year, but I need to remain vigilant. Our worries are not over until Erin turns. Waiting for eternity will be a test for us all.