Clyde, Claire, Rodney, Bella, Clarence, and Beauty were all sitting inside the restaurant. All had tired faces but eager to listen on what had transpired in Clarence's office.

"I think this calls for another celebration." Claire stood up. "Let's go somewhere else to talk about the upcoming wedding?"

"I think let's go home for now and rest. We can talk about this matter tomorrow or some other day while Rodney and Bella are still here." Clyde glanced at Rodney. "When is the best time for you?"

Rodney faced Clyde and said, "I need to talk with my daughter first." He glanced a little at Beauty then back at Clyde, "I still need to hear from her side. This is also very sudden. I hope you understand. I'll send you a message on when we'll talk."

"Okay then, till that day." Clyde stood up and shake Rodney's hand and waved to Bella and Beauty. Claire followed after hugging the ladies. Clarence watched the scene in front of him but remained silent. He looked at his future father in law and went to him. "I kept my word and I hope you will allow us."

Rodney gazed into Clarence's eyes. "Thank you for keeping your promise but I need time to process all this first. Don't worry, you already have my Yes." He smiled at the young man.

"Thank you, Uncle." Clarence smiled back.

Clarence looked at Beauty and winked. "Send me a message later." He followed his parents on their way to the parking lot.

Beauty watched her parents' expressions. Shame filled her heart after she saw the tired eyes of her father. She didn't know what to say but lowered her head in silence.

Bella broke the ice first. She sat beside Beauty and held her hands on hers. "Congratulations, dear. I've never thought that you'll follow after your brother's marriage. I feel getting old knowing this will happen but also excited to see my grandchildren. You're also happy, my dear husband, aren't you?" She looked at Rodney somehow unwilling to say something. Her eyes hinted him to follow her for their daughter's happiness.

He was unsure what to say. "Hmm, ah." Later, he sighed. "I'm happy for you but I just couldn't imagine that after your brother you would follow soon." He sighed again and his hands fell at his side. "It was unexpected and I believe you were not ready when he asked you."

He stood up, walked at the window, and gazed at the stars above the dark sky and closed his eyes. "Do you really want to get married now?"

Beauty kept her mouth shut. She knew that his father wished for her to finish college, nonetheless, she had her own business. In that way, whatsoever might happen, she had something for her own financial needs.

Silence prevailed for a while and he spoke again. "If this is what you want, do as you wish. As long as you're happy then I'm happy."

Beauty ran toward him and hugged him. "Thank you, Pa."

Her father hugged her back. "I only want the best for you."

She cried and embraced her own father. "I want you to be happy, Pa, but I also want to be with Clarence."

Rodney caressed her hair and kissed her forehead. "Be happy with him then." She continued to cry as Bella went to their side. Rodney let go of Beauty allowing his wife to hug her.

That night, Rodney called Clyde.

. . . . .

Ten o'clock in the morning, the three of them walked toward the parking lot.

Beauty was wearing the first red dress that Claire gave her. She recalled the day she first wore it. It was the day Cathy took their first picture when they were in the elevator. That dress was part of their journey as a couple. Clarence made a gold-plated portrait using that stolen shot.

They went into the car where Richard was waiting to drive them to the Peres' most important and biggest restaurant they ever had, the Elegant Gourmet restaurant. Claire made sure to have the ballroom prepared for this occasion. Both families would be there, including Clarence's sisters, Beauty's brother Sean and wife, and of course, Ronald and Jenna were there too.

The whole building was five story's tall and the topmost was the ballroom. The restaurant's workers, who lined up at their right and left at the entrance, welcomed them with smiling faces. For three hours, Clyde closed the place for the occasion. He also gave special bonuses to the staff.

Richard ushered them to the ballroom full of red flowers a.s.sembled beautifully, with petals laid on the floor. Huge chandeliers on the ceilings made the place welcoming and grand. The long table full of food stood at the right. A separate roundtable for the families was on the left side. Chairs enough for the restaurant's workers are in rows near the grand table. Cla.s.sic music played at the background.

Clyde and Claire greeted them as they entered the room. Clarence walked toward them and held Beauty's hand.

Sean was there with his wife sitting at the roundtable. They stood up to greet the new arrivals.

As they sat, Clyde held a microphone and spoke. "Welcome to all of you. Today marks a very special day for my family and for the Ferol family. Today is Clarence and Beauty's engagement day."

Everyone including the restaurant's staff rose and clapped whilst Clarence pulled Beauty to the center of the ballroom and danced the waltz with her.

"Come on everyone, let's enjoy before we'll plan for the wedding," announced Clyde.

Rodney whisked Bella up her feet and started dancing. The rest of the couples followed suit. Everyone laughed and danced, enjoying this special day. No formalities, it was a celebration day.

. . . . .

Three hours after, the restaurant opened and the staff went back to their workstations.

Clyde wiped his mouth with a table napkin and spoke, "When are we holding the wedding? I wished it to be not that long but also give time for the preparations."

"Oh my, it seems our own baby brother would marry first before any of us sisters," Celia, the oldest of the five siblings spoke first.

"That means Clarence has to wait until one of us will be married," spoke Clover, the second sister.

"It's not my fault the four of you won't decide to get married. Beauty and I will marry this year." Clarence spoke and addressed the elders in the table. "I wished our wedding to be this December."

"Hmm, I think that would be fine. I'd love it," Claire declared.

"Indeed, there's still ample time for the preparations. When exactly in December?" Bella spoke this time.

"When do you think, Beauty?" Clarence felt ashamed to see her eyes wide in surprise. He didn't consult her first.

"I'm not sure when for now, but I wish to be after Christmas or New Year. You see, I'm still concerned with my newly opened restaurant and I'm not sure if I can handle the stress before the wedding." She glanced at Clarence, "You understand what I mean, right?"

"Sorry, Beauty love. I forgot about the restaurant." He took her hand on the table and said, "Okay, how about I train people to take over our jobs so that we can focus on the planning."

"I can't do that easily. The restaurant is important to me." Beauty pouted and felt dismayed that he didn't talk to her before telling the elders.

The whole room silenced as everyone waited for Clarence and Beauty's decision. Clarence was guilty to say something. In the end, Beauty spoke. "Can we talk about the wedding day some other time?"