Page 295 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Seeing her like this, I don't think I've ever loved anyone more.

Dessert is blueberry pie and Mom insists everyone take enormous slices.

"I couldn't possibly finish all of this."

"You don't have to."

Mom smiles.

"But you'll try."

Halfway through dessert, Dad sets down his fork.

"Annette." She looks up. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

Mom immediately narrows her eyes.

"Richard..."

"What?"

"Behave."

"I am behaving."

He looks back at Annette. "What made you fall in love with my son?"

Silence.

My fork stops halfway to my mouth. "Dad..."

"What? I'm curious."

Mom pats my arm. "I am too."

Traitors.

Annette looks at me. Really looks at me. Then smiles.

"It wasn't one thing."

Dad waits.

"It was hundreds of little things."

She reaches over and slips her hand into mine.

“First, it was the way he looks at me, truly looks at me. But also…

The way he notices when someone is struggling before anyone else does.

The way he never walks past a person who needs help.

The way he carries everyone else's burdens without ever asking for anything in return."

She smiles softly.