“Well, maybe?”
“Oh boy, I bet I know what this is about.” My dad says as we walk into the house. “So what’s the big news, Jake?”
“Mom, Dad, I think you might want to sit down for this one.”
They both sit and look at me anxiously.
“You both know I’ve been seeing Jayden—well, as more than friends.”
“Yes,” my mother says.
“I’m gonna ask her to marry me.”
“Oh, Jake, that’s wonderful news. But don’t you think it is a little soon for a marriage proposal?”
“Mom, I’ve known her since seventh grade, and I think I’ve been in love with her since eighth grade. And I know she feels the same about me.”
“And what about the academy?”
“Oh, Dad, I’m gonna finish school. I just want to be engaged. We’ll get married after I graduate.”
“Well good, that makes me feel better. I’m proud of you, son, and would be honored to have Jayden as a part of our family.”
“Thanks, Dad. And, Mom?”
“Oh goodness, you know I love Jayden as if she were my own daughter. And once you two are married, she will be.”
“You guys are the best.”
The doorbell rings. I walk to the door and open it, hoping it’s Jayden. She jumps into my arms and squeals.
“You’re home!” She showers my face with kisses. “I’ve missed you so much!” When she finally realizes we are not alone, she pulls away. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Starr,” she says shyly, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think she’s embarrassed.
My parents giggle. “Hello, Jayden dear,” my mom says.
We walk into the family room and sit down. I spend the remainder of the afternoon telling them all about the academy, the long days and short nights. Most importantly, I tell them all I am learning and that I really love the air force. I was sure, but after being there and in the midst of military training, I know I made the right decision.
Later that night, after dinner, Jayden says, “Jake, I don’t think I can be a military wife.”
Her statement totally throws me for a loop, so I look at her curiously. I decide to tease her instead of addressing her silly concern. I know she will make an amazing military wife. “What makes you think you are going to be my wife?”
Her eyes go big, and a flush comes across her cheeks. “But, I mean… well, isn’t marriage the ultimate goal here?”
I wish I had it in me to play along with her a little longer, but those damn blue eyes look so sad, I just can’t. “I’m just teasing you, of course it is the ultimate goal.” I pull her in close and put my arm around her. “And I know without any doubt in my mind you will make an excellent military wife.”
“I’m not so sure,” she replies. She clears her throat. “I mean, all this talk about how your life is now. It’s so structured.” She looks up at me and shakes her head. “Jake, I’m not structured.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Jayden, as long as you have known me, have you ever considered me structured? I mean, until now.”
She shakes her head.
“When I first told you I was going to the academy, did you think I wouldn’t make it? That it would be too structured for me, and I would turn around and come home?”
She giggles. “That’s exactly what I wanted, at first. But then I realized that the academy was something that you wanted, something that would make you happy. When I realized that, I wanted you to succeed.”
I laugh even harder. “Sometimes your honesty can be brutal.”
“Sorry,” she says sheepishly.
