Bonus Chapter Engaged
CALLUM
The nineteenth Limericks & Libations event was in full swing at Café Istanbul, and the place was buzzing with energy. The monthly poetry slam had become a staple in New Orleans' cultural scene, and tonight, the atmosphere was electric.
I had planned something special for this night—something that had my heart pounding in my chest.
Fleur was on stage, introducing the next poet, her voice vibrant and filled with excitement. She had no idea what was about to happen. My parents, James and Rose, were seated nearby, trying very hard to keep the secret but bursting with the need to tell the world that their oldest son was soon to be married, that is, if the lass said yes.
As the next poet finished their piece, I took a deep breath and stood up. This was it. I walked towards the stage, my steps feeling heavy and light at the same time.
Fleur noticed me approaching and gave me a curious look. "Callum? Do you have a poem for us?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
I nodded, taking the microphone from her. "Yes, I do."
The room fell silent as I looked out at the audience, then back at Fleur. My heart was racing, but I knew this was the right moment. I took a deep breath and began to recite the limerick I had written for her. I was no poet so this was simple and hopefully she'd still say yes.
"At Limericks & Libations where words take flight,
I've found love, my heart's delight.
Through laughter and pain,
You keep me sane,
Fleur, marry me, let's get it right!"
I pulled the ring from my pocket and got down on one knee. The room erupted in gasps and cheers, but all I could see was Fleur, her eyes wide with surprise and filling with tears.
She covered her mouth with her hands, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Fuck yeah, she will," June screeched from somewhere in the café.
I laughed, and Fleur winked at me. "Like she said, fuck yeah, I will!"
I slipped the ring onto her finger and stood, pulling her into my arms as the crowd erupted into applause. My parents beamed, and the poets who had just performed cheered and clapped.
Fleur kissed me, her lips warm and sweet, and I felt like the luckiest man in the world. We broke apart, and she looked at me with love and amazement.
"I can't believe you did this here," she whispered, her eyes still glistening with tears.
"I wanted it to be… poetry," I replied, my voice thick with emotion.
"That was not poetry. It was a terrible limerick."
I chuckled. "I know, but you still said yes."
My parents approached us, their faces glowing with happiness.
"That was a crap limerick, son." Dad clapped me on the back.
Mom hugged Fleur tightly. "Welcome to the family, dear."
Fleur smiled through her tears. "Thank you for being my family. I'm going to tell you now, Callum, if we don't work out, I'm getting custody of your parents."
I laughed. "So noted, darling."