AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Hunter’s face pales a bit, and I look at him with concern as we buckle up. “What is it?”
“I just realized I didn’t ask your dad for your hand in marriage.”
I laugh again. “I’m not a cow to be sold, Hunter.”
“I know, but it’s an old-time tradition.”
“If you give him the whiskey I suggested, he’ll be just fine.”
“Or I’m going to lose a hand for stealing his only daughter,” he says, only partially kidding. It makes me laugh again, and I love it.
“I promise no one has lost a hand in my family due to not asking for permission to wed. Now, if you step into the wrong room...” I trail off with laughter. People are intimidated by my family and I can see why, but to me they’re ordinary people.
Sure, we have more money than some countries, but we also have real emotions and real problems. Money solves a lot of woes in life, but it doesn’t give a person eternal life or pain-free days. Problems can happen to the rich and poor. Sometimes, those without worldly possessions are the happiest.
We chat as we fly across the country, and as we cruise over Seattle I smile. It will always be home for me no matter where I am. I love it, the familiar sights and sounds of the city, even the smells. We land, exit the plane, and I take a deep breath. Both Miami and Seattle are on the water on opposites sides of the continent, but they’re both special in their own way. This is the place I called home for most of my life and my heart will always be partially here.
Hunter’s pretty quiet as we ride to Gramps’s home where the family has gathered. I told them we’re visiting and everyone’s anxious to see how I’m doing. I haven’t told them about the engagement or getting my memories back. I want to surprise them. They already love Hunter, so I’m sure they’re expecting something.
The door opens as soon as we pull up and I smile as Gramps stands beside my mom and dad. Grams must be lying down. She’s doing that more and more these days. It scares me. I don’t want to lose her. I can’t imagine how devastated the family will be when that happens. Since there’s nothing I can do about it, I push it from my mind, refusing to accept the reality that people get old and die. It won’t happen in my family. I forbid it.
My mother is the first to grab me, much to Gramps’s chagrin. I laugh as I squeeze Mom back. “Welcome home, my darling girl,” she says, her voice filled with excitement.
“I haven’t been gone that long, Mom.”
“A day is too long,” she says. She means it. Our family likes to stay close.
“Welcome back, Hunter,” my dad says, shaking his hand.
“Thank you for having me,” Hunter says. These aren’t simply polite words. Hunter truly is a respectful man and knows how to treat family. It’s one more reason I love him so much. He fits in, no matter what situation we’re in together. We can be in the slums of Miami working a case or at an elite fundraiser, and he’ll make connections. I really am lucky to have found him.
My dad hugs me next. “It’s good to hug you. I’ve been worried.”
“I’m a big girl now, Dad. You don’t have to worry so much.”
It’s Gramps who first sees the ring. He grabs my hand from the back of my father’s back, and holds it up to the light.
“What is this?” he asks, his voice echoing through the entire estate.
I laugh. “Wow, Gramps, it took you a whole minute to figure it out,” I say through my giggles. My mom steps back and gazes at my hand.
“Are you two engaged?” Tears appear in my eyes.
“We sure are,” I say. “I’m not going to be an Anderson for much longer.”
Gramps’s smile falters. “You’realwaysan Anderson. You can just add the Sparks name to it,” he demands.
Hunter looks a bit shell-shocked. I’m sure he heard Gramps’s firm voice in the hospital while I was out, but that attention wasn’t focused on him at the time. Now it most certainly is. I guess I’m going to see what he’s made of tonight.
The door is suddenly crowded as a multitude of family come out to see what all of the fuss is about. When they figure out I’m engaged, chaos erupts as congratulations are thrown out and both Hunter and I are hugged repeatedly.
After a solid ten minutes my mother draws me back to her, tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re all grown up and getting married. I’m so proud of the young woman you are, and I like this man you’ve chosen. He’s a good one.”
“I’m so glad you see that, Mom. He’s wonderful and makes me feel like the most special person on this planet,” I tell her.
“Welcome to our family, Hunter,” my mother says as she embraces him. I’m not a hundred percent sure, but I think I see a sparkle in his eyes. It’s hard to stay stoic when receiving so much love from the Anderson clan.
“Are you always going to treat her like the princess she is?” my gramps asks Hunter.
