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Jaxon is very close to his family. They talked at least once a week.  As is their custom, he brought them up to speed on how things were going for him.  Before the call ends, Jaxon says, "Guys, I have a serious announcement." I have given this much thought.  I am going to propose to Oleò, and I hope to have your blessing.  Marion spoke first; son, what you're planning is a big step considering all that is going on in your life, and you have to be sure before you assume such a commitment.  I have dad. I have been thinking about this for a while now, and this is the right thing for me to do. Sara interjects, Jaxon, you are young, and so is Oleò.  I know how you feel about her, and she is a wonderful girl, but I wouldn't be your mother if I didn't tell you. It concerns me because neither of you has much experience in the world or with how challenging life can be.  Marriage can be wonderful, but so much more complicated than one can imagine. With that said, you also know that your father and I support you in all you do; this matter is no exception. 

Guys, I appreciate your concerns and haven't taken this ask lightly.  I spent many sleepless nights thinking about asking her to marry me.  The answer always comes back, I choose Oleò.  I want to spend the rest of my life with her.  You haven't asked her yet, have you?  No, not directly, Dad.  I hoped to get your blessing before approaching her family with the idea.  Son, you have made us as proud as any parents could be, and if this is the path you wish to pursue, I think I speak for both of us; we support you, and you have our complete blessing in this and all you do.  Yes, Sara added that you have become the young man we hoped you would be, and we raised you to think critically about everything and make your own decisions.  We couldn't be happier for you.  If you need anything, you know we are here for you.  Thanks, guys.  You don't know how much I appreciate it, and what a relief it is to know you support me.  I love you guys.

Jaxon sees Dr. Aku and Élise enter the restaurant and waves for them to come over to the table where he is sitting.  He greets them with a handshake and hugs them as they sit down.  The conversation is light as they ask Jaxon about his music and work in the industry.  The server comes to take their orders.  While they wait, Jaxon says, I asked you to come here today because I want to propose to Oleò. I wanted to discuss it with you and hopefully get your blessing.

As you know, Oleò and I have been seeing each other for quite some time.  The distance between us has been difficult at times but, our love and commitment to each other has never wavered through the years.  We have discussed what a life together would look like, and although we don't have all the answers, I would like to build a life with her if she will have me.  Dr. Aku says, Oleò is my only child. She is my daughter you are asking to marry.  As her father, he paused. There are reasons I feel torn about the prospect of you marrying my child, but the main one is that she is still my baby, and I will protect her with my life if necessary.  I understand, Sir.  I do.  I will assure you that I will do my best to make her happy and feel safe with me as she does with you guys.  I promise, Sir, I will love her, as I know you guys have done every day of her life. 

To this point, Élise has been silently listening to Jaxon.  She asks pointedly, how will you take care of her, Jaxon?  How will either of you make a living?  Marriage is more than I love you and having good feelings.  It's an all-or-nothing proposition. If you are not ready for that, it can't possibly work. I acknowledge that a career as a musician is not the same as having 9-5 employment.  Honestly, I love music, but I love her more.  Music is undoubtedly my passion, and I put an extraordinary amount of time and energy into my craft.  To your point about making a living, I am also an adjunct professor at the university to supplement my music income.  In addition, I have a publishing company to market and license my compositions, with which I have had some success already.  I am negotiating with several record companies to record and promote my work.  My parents and management team have been helping me so far to figure out the music side of my life, but Oleò and I will figure it out together. 

Sitting back, Élise said, that's quite impressive.  It sounds like you have a lot going on with your career. Will you make time for her?  Ms. Aku, Oleò is the center of my world, and I can't imagine that changing.  Besides she is a trusted confidant and voice of reason. Her incite has been invaluable to me.  As you know, she has a brilliant mind, and I depend on her point of view.  

Look, I know you guys have reservations, and I hope I have impressed upon you how sincere I am in making this request.  I don't have all the answers, but I would like to walk through my life with Oleò, so I ask for your family's blessing.  Élise says Jaxon, you have been as fine a young man as we could imagine for our daughter.  We notice how respectful you are towards her and how happy she is with you.  Please know that we don't doubt your commitment to Oleò.  As parents, we naturally only want the best for her.  Yes, ma'am, I understand.  Jean-Michel and I were about the same age when we were married, looking over at him.  Our parents had many of the same reservations and cautioned us just as we are doing with you, but we were determined.  You will also have to be most determined because it will take all the effort, love, and respect you guys have to make it work. 

Have you talked with her about this?  We have yet to speak about marriage in specific terms, and she does not know I would be asking for your blessings today.  I wanted to talk with you, reassure you, and then go to her to ask for her hand in marriage.  We appreciate you seeking our blessing, and by looking at my wife, I believe you have it.  Élise nods her approval tearfully.  I only wish her grandmother was still with us to see this day.  Dame Simone passed on a little over a year ago.  She always loved you, Jaxon.  Mother always rooted for you and hoped you two would be together forever.  Jaxon rises; thank you, Dr. Aku, shaking his hand.  Please call me Jean-Michel, I insist.  Perhaps after the wedding, Jaxon says, laughing.  Moving around the table, he reaches to hug Élise.  Thank you, ma'am, for coming and hearing my plea. Jaxon, you are so good for Oleò, and I wish you all the luck in the world.  Walking with them to their car, Dr. Aku says you still have to ask her, right?  Good luck with that son.  Sir, I'll be putting my best foot forward; he says with a laugh.

Waiting for Oleò to exit the terminal security area seems like an eternity. Jaxon waits on the stairs, looking past the crowd to see her.  As a stream of passengers enters and exits the escalators, he sees her strolling through the terminal.  Since the day they met, he thought of her as the most beautiful girl in the world, but especially today.  She is tall like her mother, at about 5’10’”. Her green eyes, olive skin, and black hair are a sight that he always welcomes.  Finally seeing him, she waves excitedly.  Grabbing her bag with one hand and hugging her with the other, he says, "Hello, Oleò, and she says, "Hello, Jaxon, " with an added kiss.  The couple heads back to her parent's home, stopping for dinner before that.  At dinner, they talk, catch up on recent goings-on, and hold hands, which seems to comfort them both.  Oleò darling, I am so happy to see you. I never thought I'd miss anyone as much as I missed you these past months. I missed you too, my love. Honestly, I had a few crying moments when the loneliness without you became too much. Jaxon hearing your voice saved my sanity more times than I can count.

As the hour gets late, Sweetie, let me take you home to rest and see the family.  I'll come and pick you up tomorrow after you recuperate from traveling. Jaxon, I want to see you as much as possible. Let's agree not to spend so much time apart in the future. Living without you near me for so long is not something I ever want to do again.  I agree. It's just not good for my mental health, he laughs. Jaxon elects to wait a few days before asking her to marry him. He wanted to allow her time to settle in at home first.  He walks her to the apartment and steps in, only to say hello to her parents.  A quick kiss goodnight, and he departs.  

Her parents are happy to see her, and she is glad to see them.  My beautiful daughter has returned to me, Dr. Aku says. Sweetpea, how was your experience in New York? It was rewarding Father. I learned a lot and met some fascinating people. The CEO actually offered me a position at their firm after graduation. Élise said that's wonderful, Sweetie. I thought so, too, Mother. I would consider it, but only if Jaxon moves out there with me. I missed seeing him the whole summer, which was nearly unbearable. The thing about life is you never know how things will turn out, Sweetpea. Sitting at the end of their bed, they chat for another hour until the yawns overcome. The travel is finally setting in, so goodnight, family, a shower, and sleep beckons. Okay, goodnight, baby. Texting Jaxon, she asks if he got home all right.  "I made it," he responds, adding I love you and am glad you are home.  She replies, love you more.  Sleep well. I am sending hugs and kisses: goodnight, sweetheart.  

At heart, Oleò is a low-key private person, and Jaxon knows this.  A big, flashy proposal moment is not the thing she would want.  So, he thought they could go to an exhibit at the Nelson, and he would ask her there with just the two of them.  Oleò, I thought we'd go to the Van Gogh exhibition today. I wanted to see that. I'd love to go with you.  How about lunch before heading to the gallery? That sounds good to me. She says walking is welcome when he arrives at the museum after a big lunch.  As they stroll, talking about the art and their life together, they stop for a detour to one of her favorite works, a Renoir. 

His arms are around her from behind. They sit straddling the bench, taking in the painting and atmosphere momentarily.  Jaxon whispers, Oleò, you are all I ever want.  My happiness starts each day when I think of you.  I promise always to love you and keep you safe to the best of my ability.  Leaning back into him, she says, I know you will, Jaxon.  I am yours today and always, my love. I wish I had a better speech, but here it goes anyway: if you will have me, I will spend the rest of my life with you. He produces a box from his pocket, opens it, and shows her the ring.  Slipping it onto her finger.  Eyes widened, Oleò looked at it, and a slight quiver crossed her lips. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?" Yes, Jaxon! Through tears, she puts her arms around his neck and pulls him close.  Yes, I will, I will marry you, darling, a hundred times, yes!  They tightly embrace in the shadow of Renoir.  Everything is perfect. Jaxon holds her as she trembles with happy tears.  Adventure and wonder await, and the couple will face that future together.  

They call their families to announce that the engagement is official.  Congratulations and cheers ring out from the telephones.  Best wishes to the happy couple, Marion offered from LA.  I will see you guys when you return to the West Coast.  Jaxon and Oleò stopped by to see his mother.  Oleò, congratulations, honey. I wish you guys all the blessings in the world. If I can help you guys in any way, let me know.  Thank you, Ms. Johnson.  I will.  They all hugged again, then headed to her parents' house.  At their arrival, Dr. Aku and Élise have champagne ready.  Dr. Aku toasts to the happy couple. May your future be blessed and full of joy. We wish you both well.  Her parents have never seen her so happy.