Kale and I had been on several dates, and shockingly I didn't completely ruin them. We even had a casual date at the park once and I got to see Kale without a suit. Once, but it was still nice :)
What Kale had said about his brother had been nagging me for a few weeks, so I finally asked Alani about Kanoa Perez. Alani was quick to supply information. "I graduated with Kale and let me tell you: Whatever he told you about Kanoa's cheating its about a million times worse." (My roommate exaggerates alot, when she's not starting kitchen fires) She leaned in. "I don't know everything, but I do know that Kanoa sabotage's Kale's relationships. All of them. Oh, and their family is loaded." And with that she hopped into bed, leaving me up to worry half the night.
He arrived at his brother's house to witness the tailend of a fight between Kanoa and Jazlyn. Poor Jazlyn. He felt really bad for his sister-in-law. He had told her many times she should leave Kanoa, but she was stubborn and wanted her kids to grow up around their father. Kale cleared his throat, "Is this a bad time?"
Jazlyn wouldn't even look at Kale as she huffed out of the room. Kanoa dismissed it. "Women are so moody. Hormones, I guess." He looked at Kale. "Surprised to see you, kid brother. Thought you weren't going to talk to me ever again."
Kale spoke quickly. "I'm going to cut to the chase. I am dating someone. She is off limits and you will NOT be allowed to see her before we get married. Do I make myself clear?" Kanoa smiled cruelly. "Am I really that bad?" Kale nodded. "Worse" Kanoa continued, "Well, I will try to give you space, but you never know." Kale left feeling like somehow his brother was going to ruin everything.
Our next date Kale was very serious. "What's wrong, did I say something offensive?" I asked, knowing full well my mouth tended to get me in trouble constantly. Kale shook his head. "Just preoccupied with work and my family I suppose. I really wish my brother was someone, any one else." I heard the concern behind his words.
I held my hands out. "What's wrong? Your going to have to tell me about your brother eventually." Kale looked down at his plate contemplating what to do. I added, "I would rather hear it from you than the local gossips."
Kale supplied. "My brother is a complete scumbag and someone I want no where near you." His brows knit together. "If he ever, ever comes near you I want to turn and walk away, do you understand?" I nodded, hoping he would say more and he did. "Kanoa views relationships as a game, and has utterly destroyed anyone I came close to loving." He looked at me determined. "I won't let him get to you, I will figure something out."
The next few dates we went on, were much more pleasant and laid back and I nearly forgot what Kale had told me about protecting me from his brother.
Then came an especially romantic date and I could tell something was up with Kale. He was quieter, though he smiled at me lovingly most of the night. He finally kissed me after we had dinner.
"I have a question for you." He said. I squealed in delight. He was going to ask me to marry him! I jumped up and down making high pitch squeaky noises that most girls do when their excited. I looked at Kale and felt disappointment leap into me. "I'm not asking that question...not yet." Kale confirmed and I felt my shoulders droop.
"Holly, I love you so much but I want to keep you safe more than anything. The last person I cared about.."Kale's voice grew hoarse and I knew he was having a hard time speaking. "I didn't know my brother then or what lengths he would go to, to hurt someone I love. I do know now though."
"This is my proposal,er, proposition. I want to marry you but I know you are younger and haven't been to college yet. Let me pay for you to go to school and get your business degree. I am hoping Kanoa will have lost interest in our relationship by the time you finish your degree." Kale paused. "Then, when you return we will forgo engagement and get married."
I was shocked that he would suggest I move away from him, and to college! but as I thought about it I realized that Kale didn't scare easily. The fact that he asked me to move because he feared his brother was enough for me. Plus, I really needed college to get ahead at work. "Okay, I'll do it, Kale."
End of Part 3
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