“Good point,” Luke chuckled.
“Glad I got to meet yours, too.” Ethel smiled at me and then walked away from the table.
Ryan walked in a few minutes later with a raven-haired girl. She was small beside him but had a fierceness in her eyes.
“Cindy.” Luke gave her a half hug then turned to me.
“Emmy,” she smiled and then looked back at Luke. “I know all about Emmy.” She chuckled and then slid into the booth as Ryan turned back toward the table.
“Cindy, this is Emmy.” Ryan introduced as he slid in beside her.
She smiled up at him and then turned back to Luke and I.
“So, tell me the truth because I'm not sure Ryan is always honest with me. I need the truth about you two.” She pointed between us, and in that moment, I liked her.
“There isn't much to tell.” Luke smiled down at me.
“Yeah, right.” She giggles. “I've known you for a long time, Luke Lawson, and I have never seen you look at a woman then way you looked at her.”
“Well, she is pretty great,” Ryan chirped beside her.
“Really?” Cindy looked at him, and he shrank in the booth. For one, I had never seen Ryan shrink away from anyone, and two she seemed to be exactly what Ryan needed. Ryan reached over and took her hand, and they disappeared under the table. She gave him a sly smile.
“We worked hard to make this happen.” Luke leaned over and kissed the side of my head.
I could see her following Luke’s movements, suddenly realizing that she wanted that with Ryan.
I kicked Ryan under the table, and he jerked his head up and looked between Luke and me. I smiled and darted my eyes toward Cindy whose face was in her menu. Ryan reached around her and pulled her closer, and I saw the smile spread across her face. I winked at him, and he nodded. He just needed a little direction.
“You trying to make sure he does things right?” Luke whispered in my ear.
“He is on the right road, he just isn't you.” I leaned into Luke. I could tell Ryan liked her, and that it was more than just sex for him, even if he wouldn't admit it. After dinner, I grabbed Ryan in a hug and whispered in his ear. “Bring her to Portland for my grandfather’s cookout, also open doors and touch her in non-sexual ways. I like her.”
His deep chuckle rumbled as we separated.
“It was so nice to meet you,” I hugged Cindy loosely. Ryan took her hand and led her to his truck and opened the door, helping her in. Once she was seated in the truck, he leaned in, kissed the side of her head, and closed the door. I knew then that she was different and Ryan cared about her more that he wanted to admit.
“How long have they been seeing each other?” I asked as I leaned back into Luke’s arms.
“Almost eight years. It started not long after high school.”
I looked at him over my shoulder and sighed. “She’s crazy.”
“About him, yes.” He tugged me closer.
“I would say so.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Luke
I was putting the last cooler in the truck as Ryan pulled up. He walked around the front of the truck and went to open the door to help Cindy out. He lifted his blue cooler from the bed of the truck and walked over and put in the back of Emmy’s.
“You guys ready?” Emmy asked as she walked out of the door.
“Yes.” Ryan slinked his arm over Cindy’s shoulders, tugging her against him. Her soft smile was telling, and I was convinced then that Ryan was a goner. He had changed in a matter of weeks. Having thought it was impossible, I was happy for him.
We all had a great conversation on the drive to Emmy’s grandparents’ house.
“There's my girl.” Emmy’s grandfather pulled her against him.
“Hey, Granddad.” She smiled as her arms went around him. When he released her, she stepped into her grandmother's arms. When she pulled away, she reached her hand out to me, and I grabbed it, stepping forward.
“This is Luke. Luke, this is my granddad, Harlan Myers. And my Mimi, Amelia Myers.” She smiled at me then turned back to her grandparents.
“It's nice to meet you, sir.” I took his outstretched hand and shook it, then turned to her grandmother. “And nice to meet you, ma’am.”
Emmy then introduced Ryan and Cindy. When the introductions were done, we followed them to the back of the house. When we walked out of the back door, it was like walking into a paradise that didn't belong into the pacific northwest. There were palm trees surrounding a large inground pool and a built-in grill and bar. The man standing with his back to us at the grill made every part of my body shift. Chris looked over his shoulder, a smile spreading across his face. He put the cooking utensils down and walked over to us. Ryan stepped to my side, and I tried my best to keep myself in check.
“Hey Emmy. It's good to see you.” He moved toward her, but she stepped away and closer to me.
“Ryan. Luke,” he said and then looked back at her.
“I didn't realize you knew each other,” Emmy’s granddad said.
“We compete together,” Chris explained.
“Together would be a stretch,” Ryan spoke up.
“Luke won it all this season,” Emmy announced and smiled at me.
Her grandfather’s eyes widened. “That's amazing, son. Congratulations.” He slapped me on the shoulder. “Now, let's get this party started.” He smiled then turned away and walked toward the house. We settled at a table near the house, and I can't say I was comfortable, but I did my best to relax and enjoy everything that was going on.
“The fireworks will shoot from that direction.” Emmy pointed toward the river. I looked over her shoulder at the kids that were splashing in the pool. I was also looking to see where Chris was, but I was trying my best to keep him out of my mind.
“I didn't know he would be here. He was supposed to be in Seattle.” Her words brought my attention back to her.
“It's fine.” I shrugged.
“It really isn't, and I'll talk to my grandfather about him next week.”
“You don't have to do that. As long as he knows where we stand, then it should all be good.”
“There’s more to it though. I want Granddad to know how deceitful he was.”
I nodded. “Up to you, babe. But as long as we are a we, then I don't really care what he does or says.”
Ryan and Cindy decided to get in the pool as night creeped in on us. They were kissing and just enjoying the closeness hidden by dusk.
“They are so cute,” Emmy smiled as she stood and kissed my cheek. “I'll be back, I'm going to hit the restroom and then make a quick visitation round.” She walked away, and I watched her as she disappeared into the house. Her grandfather wandered over to our table and pulled a chair out sitting and looking over at me.
“When her father left, a piece of her seemed to leave along with him. I see that piece being filled by you.” He took a sip of his drink and sat it on the table, leaning back into the chair. “I see so much of myself in her, and I don't want to see her hurt.”
“That will never be my intention, sir.” I said as I watched his face.
“She means the world to me,” he looked over at me.
“I love her.” It was the only thing I could say. I wanted him to know what I was feeling, but I also wanted him to understand my intentions.
“She’s worried about moving here and leaving you there,” he said, reaching for his drink again.
“We’ve talked about it. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there,” I said.
“Best advice I can give you, son. Never make her choose between what she wants out of life and you.” He wasn't being mean, just matter of fact.
“Hadn't planned on it.” I responded.
“Good.” He shook his glass making the ice clink around the glass.
“I want to marry her,” I declared.
His eyes narrowed. “Does she know this?”
“No, sir. I thought I should talk to you
about it first.” I sat forward, putting my elbows on the table.
“Are you asking me for her hand?” He leaned forward, bringing his face closer to mine.
“Yes, sir. I am,” I said, more certain of that fact than I’d ever been of anything.
“If she says yes when you ask, then you have my blessing.” He placed his hand over mine and gave it a squeeze, then pushed away from the table. “Good luck, son.” He said and walked away. I let the breath that I hadn't realized I’d been holding out and sighed loudly.
“What was that for?” Ryan stood behind me. He was drying Cindy off and then wrapped her in a towel and pulled her down into his lap when he sat beside me.
“I just asked Emmy’s granddad if I could marry her.”
“Seriously?” Cindy clapped.
“Congrats, bro.” Ryan fist bumped me. I wasn't exactly planning on that happening today, but he was here.
“When are you going to ask her?”
“I don't know. We haven't been together that long.”
“Five minutes or five years, easy to see that it doesn't matter when you look at her,” Cindy said.
I should probably feel her out and see what she is thinking before I asked her something like that. I hadn't even known her a year, but I knew I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I would even give up the farmhouse and move here if that's what it took. All I really needed was a workshop, and I could build one of those anywhere. I started looking around for Emmy and realized that I hadn't seen her in nearly an hour.
“Have you seen Emmy?” I looked over at Ryan.
“I haven't,” he answered and went back to nuzzling Cindy.
I stood and walked around the pool looking over every table and not seeing her. I walked into the house and started to look for her. I heard some rustling and then a slap. I started toward the hallway and stopped when I heard words coming from the other side of the door.
“You don't know what you are missing. Why waste your time on that stupid hick? He will never be anything more than he is right now.”
“Get off me.” I heard, and my body stiffened. I shoved at the door, but it didn't open.
“Emmy?” I half-shouted.
“Luke.” I heard her voice. I laid my shoulder into the door and shoved hard. When it gave, I stumbled into the room to see that Chris had her pushed against a wall, her wrists pinned above her head. I saw red and grabbed the back of his overpriced shirt collar. I pulled him backward and out of the room. He was trying to get out of my grip, but I pulled him up and then shoved him into the front door. I jerked him back toward me, reaching for the door and pulling it open, and heard Emmy as she was running toward me.
“Luke!” she shouted. I shoved him through the open door and to his knees. I planted my foot into his back, kicking him forward. He shuffled on his hands and knees and stood, turning to look at me. I rushed him and hit him with everything I had, making us both tumble to the ground. The blow drew blood. He shoved at me, and we tumbled again. We exchanged several blows before he went down on one knee. I lifted my fist to hit him again, and he started to speak. There was blood running down from his nose, and he smiled.
“I've been waiting on this for a while. I'm sure Harlan will wonder what kind of man his precious piece of ass has fallen for. She’ll never be happy with you, Lawson. She needs financial security, just like her mother. Fucking her was one of my biggest challenges. Now that you've beat me bloody, I'll stumble back around to the party and show him exactly who you are.”
I felt arms wrap around me, and I was pulled back before I could hit him again.
“Stop.” I heard Ryan’s voice. I continued to struggle until Emmy appeared in front of me. Her hand reached tentatively toward my face and then laid softly over my cheek.
“I'm okay, it's okay.” She leaned into me.
“Emmy,” I pulled her against my heaving chest and didn't want to let go. “I'm sorry,” I said.
“For what? Protecting me?” She pulled back and looked at me. “I don't know what he was planning, but he grabbed me when I came out of the bathroom. I didn't know he was even in the house.” She shuddered in my arms.
“What is going on out here?” Harlan stepped into view, several other people following him, including John.
“He hit me.” Chris stood in front of us.
“Why would you do that?” Harlan looked over at me with anger in his eyes.
“He tried to hurt me, Granddad. Luke stopped him.” Emmy reached out and touched his arm.
“He what?” Harlan roared.
“She wanted me, and now that her boyfriend is standing here, she is gonna act all innocent. Why don't you tell him about all our other times together,” Chris said. I started to push Emmy away from me and then stopped. I wasn't going to fall into his trap. He wasn't going to get in my head.
“Granddad, I have never—” She started to talk, but he put his hand up and turned his attention to Chris.
“I think it's best if you gather your things and meet Robbie and the office to pick up your belongings there. You are no longer welcome here.” He said directly to Chris, and then he turned on his heel and walked back into the house seemingly unaffected by what had happened. That was that.
“I'm sorry I had no idea that he was like that.”
“Not your fault.” I said against her cheek, hugging her to me.
“I can't believe that I ever thought he was a good guy. I spent so much time with him, and he never even gave me an inkling that he would say things about me like that or try something like that.”
“It isn't the worst that he has said, trust me.” She turned her head and looked over at me. “Really?” Her smile faltered a little, and a flush crept up her face.
“It doesn't matter what he said. What matters is that you and your family know what kind of person he is. I knew no matter what I told you, it wouldn't be so easy to believe me simply because he has two faces. One he showed you, and one he showed me. He was very good and keeping them separated.”
***
Emmy grabbed my hand and pulled me behind her toward the river. We walked out onto the dock, and we sank down onto a bench just as the first firework popped overhead. The boom that followed got everyone's attention. All eyes went skyward.
I pulled her to me, and she settled her body against my arm. We watched as each explosion of color lit up the night. I cradled her next to me and kissed the side of her face.
The constant crack of the fireworks flashed overhead. We sat together, connected in a way I never dreamt possible. For the first time in a very long time, I felt whole. I knew she loved me, and I knew I loved her. We could make this work. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the velvet pouch I’d been carrying with me for over a week. On more than one occasion, I had thought about giving it to her, but it was something I wanted to be special, something I didn’t want her to ever forget.
“Emerson Myers,” I whispered in her ear. “You are the most amazing person I’ve ever known.”
She tilted her head toward me and kissed me sweetly. She had no idea I wasn’t just saying something sweet. I loosened the string on the velvet pouch and slipped the cool metal between the tips of my fingers.
“You know,” I looked into her eyes, “this might not be easy.” She smiled up at me, and I slid from my seat next to her and dropped to one knee in front of her. Her eyes widened, and I continued, “This journey might be tough, but there isn’t anyone else in this world I want to take it with, so I’m asking you to take it with me. I’m asking you to make me officially the happiest man in the universe. I love you, Em. Will you marry me?”
Her hands covered her mouth, tears welled in her eyes, and I held the ring up as an offering that would never be worthy of the woman who I prayed would accept it. Her eyes focused on the ring, then flew back up to meet mine, and she slowly nodded her head before her hands fell to cross over her heart.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, a million times over.” She reached ou
t and cupped my face, then leaned in and kissed me.
I slipped a white gold, two carat oval diamond ring on her finger, the ring my grandfather gave my grandmother after he’d only known her three months. The ring she wore for sixty-seven years of marriage. And it fit her perfectly.
Her smiled spread as far as it could with my hands on her cheeks, but I could see the pure happiness in her eyes.
“I can't believe you just asked me that.” She laughed. I kissed her, taking the laugh right out of her mouth. We both paused as the fireworks exploded in rapid succession. We stood, and she wrapped her arms around my neck.
“I love you,” I whispered in her ear as she buried her face in the curve of my neck.
“I love you too,” she mouthed against my shoulder.
“We've been looking for you guys.” Ryan said as he walked up beside us, Cindy in tow. “What are you guys doing down here? Hiding?”
“Oh, you know. We were just down here getting engaged,” I said.
Ryan stopped and pulled back, looking over at us. “What? Are you serious?” He smiled as he thought about what that meant.
We nodded.
“You didn't even let me be included?” He looked hurt.
“Would you have been able to keep it a secret?” I asked and shoved him and he smiled.
“Yeah. Probably not,” he admitted. “But seriously, guys. This is fantastic!” Ryan reached for Emmy, pulling her from my arms and hugging her to him. “So, when’s the wedding?” he joked.
“Not anytime soon,” she laughed as he squeezed her to him. Cindy stood and watched, smiling.
I took Emmy back from Ryan, and we headed back up toward the house. When we walked into the backyard, it had cleared out for the most part. Emmy stopped before we walked further into the backyard.
“Can we not tell everyone yet?”
“If you want to.” I looked over her face trying to figure out why.
“I would just like to get used to it before everyone thinks we are crazy.”
“Your grandfather already knew I was going to ask.”
“He did?”
“Yeah, I asked his permission.”
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