“Ahem.”
They parted and looked at her mother, who was staring up at them with slight disapproval.
Britt’s cheeks heated, and they hurried to the kitchen. Dad was there, off from work, and plates of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans were in the center of the table. They said grace, and her mother picked up the meatloaf platter.
“Daniel,” Hunter said.
“Britt,” Daniel said at the same time. The men looked at each other, and he said, “You go first, Hunter.”
Hunter’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down, his expression suddenly anxious. “Mr. Branch—”
“Daniel,” he said, frowning. “You’ve always called me by my first name.”
“I want to do this right.” He glanced at Britt, who was confused. Then he gulped. “Mr. Branch, I love your daughter. I’d like to ask for her hand in marriage.”
Britt froze. They’d jokingly talked about getting married, but she thought it was just banter. But now he was looking at her, and she could see he was serious. “You’re doing this over meatloaf?”
“Uh, yeah,” he said, more doubt entering his eyes. “Is there a rule against that?”
“No.” Britt bit her bottom lip. “I’m just shocked.”
“Honestly, I was going to do this later, but I can’t think of a better time than now.” He fiddled with his jean’s pocket and pulled out a small ring case.
“Oh!” Mom gasped.
“Is that what I think it is?” Dad said.
Hunter opened the box. A gold ring with a tiny, round diamond solitaire winked under the kitchen lights.
“You’re proposing overmeatloaf?” Mom exclaimed.
“Marry me, Britt,” Hunter said.
Daniel cleared his throat.
“If it’s okay with you, Mr. Branch,” Hunter quickly added.
“Daniel,” he repeated.
“Daniel.”
Dad turned to Britt and nodded. So did her mother.
Britt’s eyes filled. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”
His grin almost took her breath away and he slid the ring on her finger. It was a little loose, but she’d get it sized later. He leaned toward her as though he was going to give her a full kiss, then glanced at her parents. He kissed her cheek instead.
It would do... for now.
“Well,” Mom said, getting up from the table, still looking surprised. “I wasn’t expecting that tonight. But welcome to the family, Hunter.”
He stood, and Britt’s heart filled as they embraced. Then he shook Dad’s hand.
“Congratulations... son.” He smiled.
They all sat down, and Britt didn’t think she could be happier. Seeing her parents getting along so well, getting engaged, it all seemed like a dream.
Mom said, “Now that the surprises are over, who wants mashed potatoes—”
