“Pamanhikan.” Sarai giggled as she corrected his pronunciation.
Alexander tossed her a nod. “Yeah, that thing!”
Zachary laughed. “A, you’re a day late and a dollar short, my brother! I already have you covered.”
Alexander looked confused, and Sarai laughed, the lilt of it warming his spirit.
His brother grinned. “It’ll all make sense tomorrow. Then you two will be stuck with each other for good.”
* * *
The following day the whole vibe around the athletic facility shifted into high overload. Everyone was on edge. Energy levels were super intense, and the excitement was one firecracker away from exploding. Gamon had declared a moratorium on everyone else’s training, the entire camp focused on Zachary. They were just days from him defending his title, and all hands were on deck to help.
The two brothers had started their morning with their usual run, but the alone time both relished had been bombarded by a cavalcade of fans, sports enthusiasts, and reporters running with them. They looked like they had a marathon following on their heels, trying to keep up.
“This is crazy!” Alexander said as they rounded a narrow passage that dropped them at the bridge that connected the island to the mainland.
From there they followed the route to Haad Sai Kaew Beach, an endless stretch of sand and sun. Miles of solitary beachfront property lay before them, the area completely deserted. The water that kissed the sand’s edge was as blue as Alexander’s eyes. And above their heads, the new day’s sun colored the sky in striations of yellow, orange, and gold.
Zachary didn’t respond to his brother’s comment until they were kicking up sand, the spray of ocean water hitting them in the face. “We go to Bangkok this week and it’s going to get even crazier. But things will settle down after the fight.”
Alexander nodded. His calves had begun to burn as both men fought their way through the damp sand. He had broken out into a slight sweat and was panting softly.
“Did you pack a suit?” his brother suddenly asked, his own body temperature seeming as if it had barely risen. “Or do you need to borrow one of mine?”
“A suit?”
“Yeah, a suit, white dress shirt, nice necktie, leather shoes?”
Alexander shot Zachary a look, confusion wafting from his stare. “Yeah, why?”
“You’ll need to dress up tonight when we go to the Montri home. I don’t know if Gamon’s sisters will be there to represent Sarai’s mother or not, but you’ll need to make a good impression. With your luck, the whole family will turn out.”
“I thought it was just supposed to be a conversation between me and Gamon?”
“It will be but it’s also about the ritual and I will be there as your sponsor.”
Alexander nodded. His lungs were beginning to burn, and it was becoming more of a challenge to talk and breathe. Behind them runners had begun to drop like flies, and Alexander realized there was a method to his brother’s madness. They reached an incline that began the path back to the gym. Every step was taxing, but side by side the two brothers were easily outrunning the rest of the pack.
“Damn! I still have to go buy a necklace! That thong moon gold gift thing!” Alexander suddenly exclaimed, a wave of panic crossing his face.
Zachary glanced down to his wristwatch. “It’s already being handled. I have a jeweler friend who’s going to stop by the house when we get back. He’ll bring a nice selection of pieces for you to look at and choose from. And it’s called thong mun. It’s the least I can do to help you get this show on the road.”
Alexander laughed. “Did you write down what I’m supposed to say, too?”
His twin laughed with him. “You’re on your own there. I can’t do everything for you!”
They dropped into a comfortable silence, the early day’s sun beginning to bear down on them. Both slipped into their own thoughts as they pushed each other to run faster and work harder, the last of their run taking them back through the streets of Phuket Town. As they turned onto the road that led them back to Revolution, Alexander called his brother’s name.
“Yeah, A?”
“Thanks. For everything! I owe you!”
Zachary chuckled. “My brother, you just don’t know how much!”
By the time they crossed the courtyard at Revolution, only two or three runners were still tagging along behind them. The others had run out of steam miles back. As they came to an abrupt halt in front of the cottage, Alexander was surprised to see Sarai’s car parked in the roadway. He shot his brother a look, and Zachary grinned. He walked in slow circles, his hands gripping the sides of his hips as he sucked in air to catch his breath.
Zachary moved into the house first, then stepped aside. As Alexander entered after him, he was greeted with a loud scream, Mama Lynn shouting her excitement.
“Surprise! Surprise!” The old woman rushed them both, hugging and kissing one and then the other.
Alexander grinned as their father stepped forward to greet them. Sarai stood quietly in the back of the room, her hands clasped together as she watched the family reunion.
“When did you two arrive?” Alexander asked, looking from one to the other.
Westley shook his hand. “We just got here a few minutes ago. Sarai picked us up at the airport.”
“Lord, that’s a long flight!” Mama Lynn exclaimed.
Alexander wrapped his arms around the matriarch and hugged her close. He kissed her cheek. “Zachary didn’t tell me you two were coming in for his fight.”
Westley laughed. “He didn’t tell us that either. We thought we were coming for your wedding!”
Mama Lynn nodded. “I didn’t know what to bring! Your brother didn’t give us a whole lot of details. Couldn’t even pack my wigs the way I would have liked!” Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, the strands wrapped around a nylon donut roll to give her an oversized bun at the top of her head. She brushed her fingers across her hairline and earlobe, flattening any wayward strands.
“You look beautiful, Mama!” Westley said, moving to give his wife a warm hug. He turned toward Alexander. “Now, son, why don’t you tell us what’s going on with you and Sarai.”
Taking a deep breath, Alexander shared everything that had happened since their arrival in Thailand. With Sarai’s help he explained the Thai formalities facing them and what needed to happen for the two of them to marry.
As they talked, amusement danced across his father’s face, the patriarch shaking his head from side to side. “You can always fly back to Colorado and just go down to town hall,” Westley said. “It worked for us!”
“I think it’s just so exciting!” Mama Lynn exclaimed. “You don’t want to go to town hall!”
Zachary shrugged as he tossed his twin a bottle of spring water, chugging back his own. The two brothers exchanged a look, their silent conversation speaking volumes.
Alexander nodded his head, his eyes glazing over as he struggled to contain the emotion sweeping through him.
Zachary slapped him against the back. “I told you I had you. You can’t officially propose without the parents officially meeting.”
Twisting the water bottle between his hands, Alexander moved to Sarai’s side. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Her eyes were wide, and she blushed at the sudden attention that shifted in her direction. She pressed her hand to his chest, his heart beating rapidly beneath her palm. He kissed her forehead gently, his lips lightly brushing her flesh. And then he kissed her mouth as if he were kissing her for the very first time.
Mama Lynn swiped a tear from her eyes. “I swear! You all are trying to make me cry!”
* * *
Zachary had arranged for a car service to pick the family up at his home. When the stretch Lincoln limousine pulled onto the property, the commotion among the spectators was palpable. The reporter from the Phuket Gazette and a cameraman with Phuket TV both rushed forward, stopped short by Pom and a team of employees who’d been put into
place to give the family some privacy. Both were excited when Zachary waved them over, he and Alexander posing for pictures.
Side by side, the two men were extraordinarily handsome, both meticulously dressed. Alexander wore Prada, a navy blue design with a starched white dress shirt and paisley tie. He sported a fresh haircut and shave, his edges pristinely lined courtesy of his father. Zachary’s suit was a custom fashion-forward design in gray cotton pinstripe with a pale gray shirt and silver tie. His dreadlocks had been freshly twisted and oiled, and hung loose past his shoulders. Both men could have easily graced the cover of any high-fashion magazine.
“What is the occasion?” the reporter asked as he snapped a series of photographs.
Zachary introduced his twin. “This is my brother, American basketball star Alexander Barrett. He has fallen in love with a beautiful Thai girl and we are headed to visit her family so that he can formally ask for her hand in marriage.”
Despite knowing more of the language than when he first arrived, all that Alexander understood of his brother’s comment was his name, the words for beautiful Thai girl, and pamanhikan. He also understood when they extended their congratulations, and he nodded, smiling for a few more photos.
Inside the limousine Zachary grinned. “Thais are big on appearances. When that hits tonight’s news and tomorrow morning’s newspaper, Sarai is going to be the envy of every girl in the country!”
“Of course she is!” Mama Lynn exclaimed. “She’s marrying my baby! Both you boys are quite the catch for any girl. And Zachary, when you find the right girl she’s going to be the envy of every girl in the country, too!”
Alexander shook his head. “God, help us!” he muttered under his breath, suddenly worried that he might commit a social faux pas and insult the entire nation. Anxiety was suddenly kicking in with a vengeance, and the family laughed, trying to ease his nerves with jokes and anecdotes.
Minutes later the driver stopped in front of the Montri home. A small crowd of curious neighbors had all come out to see what was going on. Zachary gestured for Alexander to take the lead, so he took one breath and then another before stepping out of the luxury vehicle. Reaching back, he extended his hand toward his stepmother to help her out. His father and brother followed.
At the home’s entrance, Sarai opened the door to welcome them. Beautiful bouquets of plumeria decorated the space, the soft floral aroma scenting the air. But their beauty didn’t compare to hers. She was dressed simply, a silk dress in a soft peach tone adorning her body. She’d twisted her hair into a side ponytail, and simple gold earrings complemented the look. Her smile was bright, and Alexander was instantly at ease the moment he saw her.
“Welcome to our home,” she said as she stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter.
Sarai guided them into the living space, where Gamon sat flanked by three older women. Nervous energy suddenly filled the home as Sarai made the introductions.
“Father, Aunties, allow me to introduce you to Alexander Barrett and his parents, Mrs. Lynn Barrett and her husband, Mr. Westley Barrett.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Barrett, this is my father, Gamon Montri, and my aunts,” she said, calling each of their names. “Auntie Lawan and Auntie Manee are not related to us by blood, but they helped my father raise me after my mother’s death. Auntie Rune is my father’s youngest sister. The baby of the family. His oldest sister lives in England with her husband and can’t be here.”
The tension that suddenly filled the space was palpable. Sarai’s aunts welcomed them in Thai, smiles and nods abundant, and then the whispering began as recognition swept through the room. Gamon slowly came to his feet, his eyes locked on Westley Barrett. Sarai and Alexander both shifted their gazes back and forth between the two men, acutely aware that something wasn’t quite right. Mama Lynn looked confused, her own gaze shifting to Zachary for some answers.
Westley extended his hand to shake Gamon’s but the other man never extended his arm to return the gesture. After Gamon left him hanging he pressed his hands together as if in prayer, holding them at chest level. “Wai!” he exclaimed, the Thai greeting sounding like the English word why. The aunties giggled, their heads bobbing gleefully as they greeted him back.
It surprised Alexander, a smile pulling full across his face as Zachary winked an eye at him.
Westley continued. “It’s good to see you again, Gamon. My wife and I would like to thank you for your hospitality.” He reached for a box that Zachary carried, extending it toward the other man with both hands. “Please, accept this as a token of our appreciation,” he said.
Gamon’s stare shifted toward Mama Lynn, who was grinning brightly. “Thank you,” he said, resting the gift on the table by his side. He turned abruptly and dropped back into his seat.
There was an awkward silence as Sarai gestured for them all to sit. She reached for Alexander’s hand, drawing him to her. Side by side, they were a stunning couple, and there was no missing the emotion they shared; love like a warm blanket wrapped around their shoulders. Zachary moved to his brother’s other side, and the two gave him a nod, gesturing with their eyes.
Alexander took a deep breath, and then he spoke. “Mr. Montri, Aunties, my family and I are here because I would like to ask for your permission, sir, to marry your daughter. I love Sarai and I would like to be a good husband to her. I have a home and a very successful business back in the United States and I want to share everything that I have with her.”
Gamon pondered his question for a brief moment. “And why do you want to marry my daughter and not someone else’s daughter?”
Alexander took a step toward her family, gesturing with his hands. His words were suddenly poetic. “Sarai brings me immense joy. She makes me smile. I am a better man because of her. She has my heart and I breathe because she is my air. I don’t hunger for anything because she is my nourishment. Your daughter is my lifeline and I would only be a semblance of myself if you were to deny us a future together.”
As Alexander spoke, his brother translated for the old women. There was a rumble of mutterings as they whispered together, faces glowing with wide, toothy smiles.
Zachary stepped forward, his hands clasped together in front of him. “Gamon, I come on my brother’s behalf. I speak to you as one friend to another. You know me and you know I am an honorable man. When I tell you that Sarai will want for nothing, you can trust that with your life. My brother loves her with his whole heart and he will cherish her forever. You have my word that he will be a blessing to you and your whole family.”
Alexander reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a velvet box. He stepped in front of Gamon and lifted the top. Gamon eyed its contents intently before lifting his gaze to meet Alexander’s. The women beside them were fanning themselves, unable to contain their excitement. The patriarch gave Alexander a nod but said nothing.
Moving back to Sarai’s side Alexander reopened the box for her to see what was inside. The stunning piece of jewelry that lay before her was an intricate design of gold and diamonds. It was a dropped collar, the gold looking like delicate lace entwined in a bed of teardrop diamonds. He had known it was the perfect piece the moment the jeweler had shown it to him. It had taken Alexander’s breath away. He prayed that it would do the same to Sarai.
Her eyes widened, tears suddenly misting her gaze.
“Will you accept my proposal, Sarai?” he asked.
Sarai nodded, her smile widening. “I’d be honored.” Taking the gift from Alexander’s hands, she moved to where her father sat and dropped down onto her knees. With a bowed head she extended the box toward him. “Will you give us your blessing, Father?”
Gamon hesitated for a brief moment, once again looking in Westley’s direction. He suddenly gestured for the man to follow him and the two disappeared from the room. Their departure was abrupt and unexpected. The aunties resumed their whispering, concern shadowing their expressions.
“What’s going on?” Alexander asked, look
ing to his brother.
Zachary shrugged. “You got me!”
“Do you know?” Alexander asked Sarai, who was chewing nervously on her bottom lip.
She met the look he was giving her and shook her head. Despite her optimism, something about the turn of events didn’t feel encouraging.
“This is ridiculous,” Alexander muttered under his breath. “We’re eloping,” he whispered between clenched teeth. “I’ve had just about enough of this craziness!”
She reached for his hand and squeezed it, knowing in her heart of hearts that if her father didn’t give them his blessing, marrying Alexander might not be an option for her. Ever.
He seemed to read her mind, the frustration and fear across her face. “You do want to marry me, don’t you?” he asked.
Tears misted Sarai’s gaze. “Of course I do,” she whispered between her own clamped teeth. “I want that more than anything in this world but I also want my father to support us the way I know your father supports us.” She brushed a tear from her cheek. “I need him to give us his blessing!”
“It’s going to be okay,” he said and then he exited the room, moving to the patio outside to join the two patriarchs, his brother close on his heels.
* * *
Gamon and Westley stood toe to toe, the two men in heated discussion. The twins were both surprised to hear their father speaking fluent Thai. Heads were waving, hands were shaking, and clearly, whatever it was between them had finally come to a head. The brothers stood watching, heads snapping left and right as if they were watching a tennis match.
“What’s he saying?” Alexander asked as Zachary stood listening.
“Apparently Dad and Sarai’s mother had a serious fling,” Zachary whispered. “Really serious! Everyone thought Dad was going to marry her but when he left she stayed behind.”
Alexander rolled his eyes as he eyed both men, desperate to understand why their past drama was interrupting his marriage proposal.
Zachary suddenly gasped. “Sister?” The look he tossed his brother was gut-wrenching. He switched from English to Thai, inserting himself into their conversation.
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