Chapter 19: Percy

“I love you,” I said, reassuring Laura that I was here and not going anywhere. It didn’t matter how screwed up this situation was. I was in this for life.

Laura must have sensed something of this because, all of the sudden, she went down on one knee, took my hand, and said, “Let’s get married.”

After saying the words, Laura sucked in a nervous breath, as though she was momentarily trying to pull the question back in, fearful of the answer.

“What did you say?”

“You heard me, let’s get married,” Laura repeated with a nervous smile.

“Why?”

“Why not?”

“Because I think you only asked me to marry you to get back at your father. Laura, I love you, but proposing to me to defy your father is not the right thing to do.”

I could see her lips tighten.

“I hear what you’re saying, but I’m not a teen anymore. I’m not proposing to you because I want to piss my Dad off. My father’s visit made me treasure what we have built here. It helped to open my eyes and realize what I have here with you. You are sincere, loving, and I know that you truly care for me. I want us to start a family. When I look at you, I can see myself with you, and, as much as marriage scares me, I want it.”