43.

Xander

I am panicking. I am nervous for Damien; everything has to go perfectly tonight. We arrive at the restaurant and Damien is waiting for us outside. He looks calm, like always, but I know he’s nervous. He is wearing royal blue, a white shirt and white Nike sneakers. He seemed to be playing with a box in his hand.

“Damien, you look amazing,” Nikki says as she gives him a hug.

“Thank you,” he says with a smile.

I give him a hug, “Are you ready?”

He nods, “I’m excited and nervous. X sent me a text saying they are 20 minutes away.”

“That’s great, so what was the excuse?”

“Just a nice family dinner,” he chuckles.

Nikki and I laugh.

“I can’t wait to see the look on his face,” Nikki says, “He’s very difficult to surprise, but this plan is foolproof.”

“Let’s head inside and get everybody ready,” I say, “Can’t keep the guests waiting.”

We all step inside, and we are greeted by my mother, sister, and Nikki’s mom, as well as Chantel.

“Mom, Jessica, thank you so much for coming,