“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 99

***Gracie’s POV:***

As everyone made their way to Roana, she scanned the room nervously until her eyes fell on Kai. Suddenly, her tears began to pour out as he walked over to hug her.

*“Oh, my goodness!!! You’re really awake!! Praise the heavens!!”*

*“I missed you too grandmother.”*

I took my phone out to take a picture of this moment. Suddenly, Roana released Kai and looked in my direction. Walking towards me, she had a stern expression on her face.

*“So…is this my new granddaughter-in-law…the miracle worker?”*

Marla walked over and placed her hand on Roana’s shoulder.

*“Mother, this is Gracie. Kai’s fiancé…isn’t she beautiful?”*

Marla’s words made me blush. I bowed slightly to Roana and introduced myself.

*“It’s an honor to finally meet you grandmother-Roana. I’m Graceland Teagues.”*

*“Lift your head. I want to look into the eyes of the young woman that saved my grandson.”*

I nervously lifted my head to find Roana’s eyes staring directly at me. I could feel my heart skip a beat as my nerves began to take over.

*“I’ve heard a great deal about you Ms. Graceland Teagues. You saved my grandson, and in turn….saved this whole family. I can’t wait to hear you play.”*

Roana held her hands out and embraced me in a hug. I hugged her tightly and thanked her for accepting me into the family. She smiled at me warmly.

*“Oh, my dear…you’ve always been apart of this family. Even when you didn’t know it.”*

I smiled brightly as she made her way to the table.

*“Well, looks like I came just in time! Who made dumplings?”*

Everyone suddenly turned and pointed to me. Roana’s eyes widen.

*“And you can cook!! Good choice grandson.”*

Roana winked at Kai causing him to blush. He looked over at me with a bright smile on his face and held out his hand. I walked to my fiancé grabbing his hand as we made our way back to our seats to eat.

After eating, Kai went into the bathroom to shower and change his clothes. We all sat in the sitting area chatting.

*“Oh my gosh Gracie, if Kai doesn’t marry you can I? Those dumplings were just divine.”*

We all laughed as Kayla rubbed her stomach with satisfaction.

*“Yes, I must admit…that was quite delicious. The broth was amazing, perfect for recovery!”*

I blushed and thanked Theo shyly.

*“Where’d you learn to cook like that?”*

*“My mom was actually a great cook, so I learned a lot from her. The rest was trial and error.”*

I smiled proudly thinking about my mom. Roana spoke next.

*“Your mother Diana, she sounds like she was a lovely woman.”*

My eyes shot up in surprise, I wasn’t sure how much everyone knew but hearing them not judge or speak ill of her sent emotions to my heart that was overwhelming.

*“Thank you for that. She was amazing, you all would have loved her.”*

Marla gently placed her hand on my shoulder. Empathy in her eyes.

*“I’m sure we would have. She raised an amazing young woman.”*

I smiled warmly, just then, Kai came out of the bathroom fresh and dressed in his sweat shorts and T-shirt.

After the doctor came by to check how Kai was doing, he confirmed us Kai would definitely be able to go home tomorrow. Roana was the first to cheer.

*“That’s wonderful news!! We have a wedding to plan!”*

*“Oh!! Yes!!! Grandmother I’ve been looking at venues the past few days! I can’t wait!”*

Kayla squealed as she grabbed Roana’s hands.

*“And we’ll have to make sure it’s a big enough venue for at least 500 guests”*

Teddy stated as he looked at Theo.

500!!!!!!

*“I think the Remington would be the best place.”*

Theo looked at Marla for indication that was the best place. Marla smiled brightly.

*“The Remington will be perfect! They have the loveliest courtyard!”*

*“Oh, the wedding can be in the fall when the weather is perfect here!!”*

Kayla beamed.

As everyone began to plan our wedding, Kai looked at me with an apologetic expression. Leaning over, he whispered,

*“I’m sorry. They’re all just really excited.”*

I smiled passively. And leaned closer.

*“It’s okay. I don’t know the first thing about wedding planning anyway.”*

I giggled as the family continued.

****************************

***Kai’s POV:***

The sound of her giggle made my heart spin in unnecessary circles. I looked at Gracie’s beautiful face as it filled with humor and joy listening to my crazy family plan OUR wedding. I don’t think anything could have made my day happier. That was until Kayla told me the good news.

*“Oh, Kai…Gracie is going to stay here with you tonight so she can come home with you tomorrow. Does this couch convert into a bed?”*

My mind cleared out slightly as Kayla looked at me waiting for my response.

*“Um…I don’t know. I-”*

Before I could answer, Gracie cut in.

*“It’s okay if it doesn’t! That recliner is really comfortable.”*

*“Absolutely not! Kai! She can’t sleep in a recliner!”*

*“No, it’s really okay Kayla, we’ll be home tomorrow.”*

Gracie smiled brightly at my little sister who was now pouting. To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled about her sleeping in a chair either. I could tell she hadn’t been getting much sleep. Although her face was flawless, I’d noticed the slightly darkened circles under her eyes and the slight redness. She needed rest.

Just then, grandmother detoured the conversation back to the wedding.

*“1000! The Remington can fit up to a 1000 people in their courtyard.”*

*“See! I knew it!”*

My father interjected with his hand raised.

*“Do we really need that much space?”*

My mother frowned staring at the pictures on grandmother’s phone.

*“Well of course we do! The whole world is going to want to see this! Our grandson woke up and now he’s marrying a beautiful young lady!”*

Grandpa Teddy beamed with pride as he spoke.

*“Well, if they’re getting married in the fall we need to have earthtone colors.”*

*“Ohh!! Gracie would look beautiful in teal!”*

Kayla beamed as my mother’s eyes widen with joy as if visualizing Gracie in the color.

*“What about orange?”*

*“ORANGE!!!”*

My mother, sister, and grandmother all gawked at my dad like he had three heads.

As they all continued arguing back and forth about colors and themes, I stood up and smiled at Gracie extending my hand for her to take.

*“Want to get out of here?”*

She giggled again and my heart swelled some more.

*“Sure.”*

We snuck out as my family continued fussing over the wedding.

******************************

***Group’s POV:***

*“Well, I think she would look lovely in orange.”*

Grandpa-Teddy stated with his hands folded siding with Theo.

*“She is not wearing orange! Teal is definitely the right color! It’ll go beautiful with her eggshell white dress!”*

Roana fussed at Teddy as Kayla and Marla pulled up wedding boutiques.

*“Well why does she have to wear white?”*

*“Because she’s pure! It’s tradition.”*

*“Well, we don’t know if that’s what she wants to wear!”*

*“Well, why don’t we ask her….Gracie what do you-”*

Everyone turned towards where Gracie and Kai should have been.

*“Wait….where’d they go?”*

Kayla looked around the room with a puzzled expression.

*“I think they left us.”*

Theo laughed as he closed his tablet. Marla chuckled as well.

*“Looks like they’re getting along just fine.”*