Chapter 17

That evening after the girl’s pool party at Miki’s. Stacy’s dad sat her down for a family meeting. He said, “Your mom and I ... well, to be completely honest, more me than her. Okay, let me start over. I see how much you are in love with Emmy, and she seems to love you just as much. But ―”

Stacy assumed she knew what her dad was going to say, and she interrupted him saying with a sour look on her face, “But!

“I knew it! I knew you were going to find something to disapprove of about me loving a girl.”

Sam Billings held his tongue but tersely said, “I won’t say what I was going to say, but I’ll tell you this, young lady. No one loves you more than me. Got it! Every little hurt you ever got, every bruised knee, every tear you shed because we couldn’t give you what other girls were lavished with. Every time you came home and cried in your room when you thought no one heard about some boy who dumped you because you didn’t let him have his way with you. I cried right along with you, and when you prayed to God “Why is there no one who can love me for me?” I prayed that prayer right along with you. I also thanked Him for making you such a moral and chaste girl. Sometimes, I felt ashamed because I thought you were ashamed of me for not being richer and giving you a better life. But this isn’t about me, it’s about you. It’s about me and your mom afraid that you might get your heart ripped out and we want to try and prevent that from happening.

“Now, what I am going to say I would say even if the one you love and are in a relationship with was a boy. Can we start over?”

“I’m sorry, Daddy. But we were talking about how us girls have been forced to do things and accept things simply because of us being girls. We are hated and despised because we are lesbians. Even Sunny’s mom confessed to being forced into a role she never wanted. Her culture didn’t let her express herself as an individual and as a young girl and woman. I guess I’m just a little over sensitive after our sharing today.”

“Yeah, As the father of a daughter, I can understand that very well. I have tried with every fiber of my being to try and instill in you the knowledge that you can do and be anything you want to be as long as you were sincere, work hard and have character. You think your mom and I don’t see the discrimination at the office, the sexual innuendos towards a good-looking woman. I’m sorry women are treated the way they are, but that’s the world we live in, and we need to deal with it. We can’t change the world, but we can effect a change by changing ourselves.

“Now, to the point I wanted to discuss with you. I know it’s none of my business, but have you been intimate with Emmy yet? Before you answer, I understand that you are old enough to make that decision for yourself. I want you to know that whatever answer you give me, I’m not going to judge whether it’s right or wrong. You’ve either made a choice to have sex or not. I respect that, but I would like you to be honest and open with me and your mom and tell us.”

“Yes, Daddy, Emmy and I have had sex three times already.”

“Thank you for loving me and you mom enough to share that with us. We value that trust more than you know. So, by your own admission, even though things have progressed impossibly fast, you both believe that you love each other very deeply. Correct?”

“Yes, Daddy, we love each other more than we could ever express.”

“Now. The point. Have both of you made a commitment to each other?”

“We’ve kinda talked about that now. But. I’ll admit, I have been thinking hard about it, but am kinda afraid to really press the issue. In fact, now that we speak of it, I’m not absolutely sure what her opinion is about a real, solid commitment. By that I mean, I feel in my heart that I know, but she has not come out and said that she is committed to me.”

“There we have it. THAT is exactly what I wanted to know. Before you invest all of you into this relationship, don’t you think it’s time ― right now ― to find out? Like I said, Sweetie, I would be having this discussion with you whether the person you’re in love with was a boy or a girl. If something were to happen, and you two broke up right now, you would be in a world of hurt, right?”

“Oh, Daddy, I don’t even want to imagine that happening! I would be devastated.”

“I don’t mean to put you under the gun, but it is my opinion, and the advice I’m giving you now, is to sit down with Emmy and get the answer to that single, one most important question: Are you as committed to me as I am to you?

“Remember, she will be leaving for New Jersey in less than a year. What assurance do you have that you two can and will be faithful to each other? There needs to be a very clear and positive statement of commitment that you both make to each other. I say this because in every relationship, there are decision points. Points where both of you say, ‘Okay, we’ve reached a point of no return where we need to state that I am going to devote all my energies and feelings to this relationship.’”

“Dad, what would you say if I asked her to marry me before she leaves for Princeton?”

“Well, Sunny and Miki have been extremely fortunate and lucky to be able to put a wedding together on such short notice. That certainly is not the norm. It usually takes six months or more to plan even a small wedding. I would say that if you two did decide to get married, her parents and your mom and I need to get together and see how much we can pool to give you two girls a decent wedding. I would bet that Emmy’s parents want her to have a nice wedding as much as we want for you. But you know things are tight right now, and weddings are a very expensive proposition. So, we need to plan.”

“Oh, Daddy! Now I feel like such a schmuck for thinking that you were having second thoughts about us. I’ll give up the car at graduation for a wedding.”

“Too late, Sweetie, your mom and I already bought the car. Your uncle Bob has it hid in his garage. We were going to give it to you for Christmas.”

“You Did!? Can I have it now?”

“Nope. It’s your Christmas present.”

“What kind is it?”

“Ain’t tellin’. I won’t even tell you what color it is.”

“Alright, Daddy, Let me call Emmy about having that talk tomorrow to have a serious heart-to-heart about where our relationship is going.”

“Just a little advice. If Emmy isn’t as committed as you are to give you an answer tomorrow, that should raise the warning flags. That tells you her feelings are not the same as yours. You do want to marry her, don’t you?”

“Of course, I want to marry her. I gave her my innocence. I am fully committed and in love with her”

“Well, let’s say a prayer that she feels the same.”

When Stacy and her parents finished praying for Emmy and Stacy’s heart to be of the same mind and commitment, she went to her room and called her sweetheart. “Hey Baby Girl, whatcha doing?”

“Nothing, just listening to some of Celine Dion’s love songs and thinking of you, why?”

“Can we have breakfast at IHOP tomorrow morning? I have an important question to ask you.”

“Sure, I’d love to get an IHOP breakfast. You’re treat? And yes. The answer is definitely yes.”

“Yes, my treat, and yes to what?”

“I hope I was on the same wavelength as you, but you DID plan on proposing to me tomorrow morning, didn’t you?”

“Hoy Shit! We are of one mind, soul, and heart! I love you so much, my heart is bursting! Well, it’s kinda academic now, but I won’t officially ask you over the phone. I need to do it in person. I love you so much, Emily Katherine Simmons! Pick me up at nine, okay?”

“Yes, Ma’am, you da boss. I love you too, Stacy Marie Billings! See ya! Hee, hee...”

Click.

“Hey Daddy! Guess what!?”

⸟

After making out in the car for five minutes, Stacy asked Emmy, “You know what I want to ask, I was so happy, I told my mom and dad that you knew what I was going to ask, and you said yes. But could we go inside and let me propose to you in front on my mom and Dad? They love you to death and are as happy as I am that you want to marry me.”

“Sure, I think it would be great, but you gotta promise me something.”

“What’s that?”

“You’ll buy me a diamond ring. I don’t care how big or small it is, I’ve always dreamt of having a diamond engagement ring.”

“You got it. I don’t know how, but you’ll get it one way or the other.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Let’s go, I need to see my lover on her knee asking me to marry her. You are the dominant one, right? I mean, in our marriage, I will follow you, correct?”

“If that’s what you want, I would be privileged to lead you through life.”

Inside, Stacy’s mom, Marie rushed to Emmy and gave her a bear hug crying for joy. Sam got his sugar also with a big hug and a kiss. Stacy directed Emmy to the living room and sat her on the sofa. She knelt in front of her with Sam and Marie watching on from the archway.

‘Emmy, Sweetheart, I love you more than life, I gave you my innocence and I give you my life as I ask you, will you please honor my gift and my love, will you marry me?”

Emmy leaned forward and threw her arms around Stacy’s neck and said, “Yes, yes, yes! A thousand times YES!” Followed by a long, passionate kiss.

Stacy pulled out a red ruby ring and pushed it onto Emmy’s left ring finger. She said, “My grandmother gave me this ring when I graduated middle school. It’s been in our family for a long time. It should serve its purpose until I can get you the Diamond ring you hope for.”

“It’s beautiful! I love it! Where’s my phone? I gotta call my mom and dad! I told them last night you were going to ask me today, and they are on pins and needles waiting for my call.”

“Hello, Dad? Is Mom there”

“Yeah, we’re on speaker.”

“Your daughter is now engaged! Stacy asked me to marry her in front of her parents. You guys are the greatest parents in the world! Both of you support us 100% and we can’t make it without your love and support!”

Sam spoke up and said, “Hi, this is Sam, Stacy’s dad. I know you’re probably as happy as we are, but we love Emmy to death and can’t wait for her to become a part of our family!”

“Sam, this is Roger, Emmy’s dad. Can we have dinner tonight? How about Sizzlers in White Marsh?”

“Great, how about we meet there at say ... six-thirty?”

“Sounds great! Can’t wait to meet the in-laws.”

“Us too. See ya then.”

Emmy primped and turning to Stacy quipped, “Well, now that everyone knows and is happy, come on, hubby, you need to feed the little wifey, she’s hungry after all this proposing stuff!”

Sam told his daughter, “Remember, Sweetie, happy wife, happy life!”

“See?” Emmy smiled and said pointing to her future father-in-law, “Father knows best!”

Stacy rolled her eyes and said, “Oh brother, let’s go. You’ve been watching too much Retrovision again.”

At IHOP they talked about their future. Emmy said, “Now, we need to figure out how to get the money for the wedding.”

They both looked at each other, took a bite of pancakes and when they’d swallowed, looked at each other and said in unison, “We gotta get married before I [you] leave for Princeton.”

They both broke out laughing and Stacy said, “This is so freaking unbelievable! We know what the other is going to say!”

Emmy agreed and replied, “Our hearts are on the same wavelength. We both need a solid commitment before we separate. The only thing that can effectively bind our hearts and bridge the distance to maintain a loving and faithful long-distance relationship is if we’re married. Either one of us would really have to be a filthy slut to cheat on our spouse.”

“Again, we’re thinking the same thing at the same time.”

“So, now what, hubby?”

“Why all of a sudden are you calling me that?”

“Well, I have more lesbian experience than you, but I honestly believe you are more dominant and stable than me. I like following you. I trust you and like that you lead. I’m perfectly happy to follow.’

“Wow ... You make me feel so proud that you trust me so much and believe in me.”

“Okay, hubby, now what? When do we get married and how are we gonna pay for it? I think that both of our parents are kind of strapped right now with us graduating soon.”

“Hmm ... how about a spring wedding?”

“Spring would be nice. I guess during Spring break?”

“I was thinking the same, exact thing. Now, I’m about to go into hock to pay for it. Or at least try...”

Stacy pulled out her phone and called Sunny.

Sunny answered the phone, “Hi there, you lezzie whore.”

“Takes one to know one. Whatcha doing?”

“Getting ready to go over to my beloved’s, why?”

“Cool! Can me and my beloved come over and see you two? We have something very important to talk to you and Miki about.”

“Oooh! I love juicy stories. What’s up?”

“Nope. You gotta wait until we get there. We got something so juicy, you’ll have a seizure.”

“I hate when you do that! Why in the hell do you open the door and then stop short of walking through it?”

“I like to see you squirm with anticipation, but believe me, this one is well worth the wait! We’re at IHOP getting breakfast. Let us finish our pancakes and then we’ll be over.”

“Oh alright. See you then.”

Click.

⸟

When Sunny arrived at Miki’s, she kissed her and said, “Stacy and Emmy are on their way over. They’re at IHOP finishing their pancakes, but Stace said she’s got something really juicy to tell us.”

They pulled out their books and Sunny started to help Miki with her algebra when the front doorbell rang. Sunny got up and answered the door and said, “Why’d you make me walk all the way in here and open the door, is your hand broken?”

“Ah shut up and stop being such a lousy hostess.” Turning to Emmy, she quipped, “And to think, she’ll be the lady of the house in a few days. She’s such an ungracious hostess.”

“Hey, I’m a therapist, not a hostess. Now get in here, Miki is about to pee her panties in anticipation of this juicy news you two have got.”

Emmy took a seat next to Miki and Stacy told Sunny as she pointed to a chair, “Sit.”

Sunny obeyed and Stacy said, “Well ... I was gonna ask Emmy here, but she knew what I was going to say and said yes. Then our parents got involved and now, it’s a big deal.”

“WHAT IS IT!? Miki asked, “stop talking like you’re a dimwit like me!”

“Okay, the long and short of it is...” Stacy pointed to Emmy, and Emmy said, “We’re engaged!”

“Eeek!” Miki screamed, you’re what!?”

Stacy grabbed Sunny in a hug and said, “We’re engaged!”

Stacy sat down and explained about her dad snagging her and sitting her down for “the talk.” And how she mis-judged her dad because she was thinking about their discussion at the picnic. After her Dad’s talk with her, she called Emmy, and Emmy said yes because she knew what Stacy was going to ask. What followed was the usual girl tittering back and forth.

After all the joyful chattering finished, Stacy got serious and asked Miki, “Miki, please, don’t think we came here to use you, but ... this was my idea. We want to get married during spring break before Emmy goes away to Princeton in August. Even if we are separated, we would still be married and committed to each other. Our parents are tapped out with our college expenses. I came to ask you if you and your mom could lend me the money for the wedding and I would pay it back when I get out of school and get a job.”

Like perfect timing, Silvia appeared in the kitchen and asked, “What was all that noise? Did you scream, Miki?”

“Yeah, Mom, guess what? Emmy and Stacy are engaged!”

Silvia gave each of the girls a big hug and congratulated them. Miki said, “Sit down, Mom, We need to talk.”

Silvia sighed and asked, “Okay, what are we talking about. How much?”

“How much what?” Miki asked innocently. Stacy, Emmy, and Sunny watched with bated breath what was going to transpire.

“Mom. You and I both know I have more money that I will ever live to spend ―”

Silvia held up her hand stopping Miki and said plainly, “Okay Miki. You want to pay for their wedding. Am I reading this conversation correctly?”

“Yes, Mom, I do. They want to get married on Spring break before they need to separate when Emmy goes away to Princeton in August. Their parents are strapped with their college fees and are tapped out.”

Looking at Stacy and Emmy, Silvia asked, “Do your parents know you’re engaged? I mean, you girls were just here yesterday, so you had to have asked each other last night or this morning, right?”

Stacy gave Silvia the condensed version of the story and finished with, “I officially proposed to Emmy in our living room with my parents looking on. Emmy called her parents as soon as it was official.”

Emmy added, “My mom and Dad, Stacy’s and us two are having dinner at Sizzler’s to discuss things.”

Silvia thought for a moment and said, “Alright. Let’s move this discussion into the study.”

Once everyone moved in a chair and was seated, Silvia said, “Stacy, Emmy, what’s your home numbers?”

She wrote them down and said, “Each of you call and tell your parents where you are and what you want to do. I can’t just call your parents and say, ‘Hi, I’m Miki’s mom and I’m gonna pay for your daughter’s wedding. Know what I mean?”