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"Sorry, I'm just so anxious and tense." I chuckle nervously.
"So, like I was saying, I love your granddaughter. And I know we're still young, and you probably think I'm being hasty, but I've always known she was the only girl for me. Even when I thought we'd never see each other again, I refused to move on. I knew if I couldn't have her, I didn't want anyone else." I take another big gulp of my drink as I can feel my mouth getting even drier and my palms sweating.
"Can we get another drink? Maybe water this time, though," Pops requests as the waiter walks past.
I know what comes next, and I don't want to wait any longer, so with my life on the line, I ask, "Would you give me the best gift in the world and find it in your heart to grant my every wish and give me your blessings to ask Isabella to be my wife?" Time stands still as I feel my heart beating out of my chest.
"Nate," Pops begins.Oh shit, this can’t be good.
"Before you answer, please think it over. I know you'll say we're too young, but we don't have to get married right away. School's almost over. We'll both be going to college or starting work soon, and I want her to know, regardless of where she wants to go, that I will always love and support her.
She has a beautiful future ahead of her, and I just want to be a part of it. I know it may seem sudden, but I’ve been thinking about this for a while now. I hope that one day, in the future, you’ll look at me like family. I will prove to you, I’m worthy of her. Just give me time to show you. Please — grant me your blessing, and I promise I will prove my worth," I beg, realizing now that somewhere during my ramble I must have started crying as my cheeks are all wet.
"Please give me your blessing, and I promise I'll prove my worth to you. I will treat her like not just a princess, but a queen. I'll make it my mission to be the man she deserves. I will show you that I deserve to be a part of your family one day," I plead with a shaky voice as the tears continue to stream down my face.
"I'm so sorry, Nate, but it's too late. Nana and I already know everything we need to know about your character," Pops exclaims, with a severe look on his face.
I can feel my heart breaking. I don't know how I'm going to move on from this. This feels like the worst day of my entire life, and man, have I endured some bad days. My face must show the despair I'm in because Nana quickly speaks up.
"Oh, George, this isn't the time for your foolishness," she states gruffly.
"Nathaniel, look at me," Nana begs sweetly.
"I don't think I can," I admit quietly.
She takes both my hands in hers. "Nathaniel Scott, you look at Nana now," she encourages lovingly.
Reluctantly, I look up, even though I can’t bear to see her eyes, which are so much like Bella’s.
"Nate, I'm sorry for joking with you, son. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just trying to tease you and give you a hard time. But I meant what I said. Even before that speech, Nana and I knew everything we needed to know about what kind of man you are," Pops reaffirms, patting me on the back.
"He's right. Nate, we've seen what a fine young man you are. We've seen how caring and responsible you are with Izzy and your friends. We've seen how well you take care of and protect the whole group. And you don't need to prove anything more to us or hope that ONE DAY you're going to be good enough to be a part of our family because you already are!" Nana states, taking me in her arms for a tight, emotional hug.
"That said," she adds reluctantly. "Now is not the right time for such big commitments. I understand why you want to commit, and I know that Izzy would probably be happy to make that same commitment. One day, you will make an amazing couple, and I will be as proud as punch standing up there and giving her away to you. But right now, you need to focus on yourselves and each other without all the added pressure of marriage."
I know my face must drop and show the devastation I'm feeling as she quickly adds, "We're not saying never; we're saying not now. Why don't you use it as a promise for now? Use a promise ring, you can still have that same commitment. You're still declaring to the world that you're going to get married one day. Just not today. Maybe five or ten years down the line, when you're both ready to make the huge commitment. It will mean so much more then."
"So can I propose one day? And you'll give me your blessings?"
"You'll have to talk to her parents, of course, but we're more than happy to give you our blessing to marry Isabella, one day. We'll even help you convince my daughter and her husband," Pops offers, joining the group hug.
"Thank you, thank you so much. I promise to make you both proud," I cry. I feel like I've been on the world's biggest emotional roller coaster.
"Have you bought a ring yet?" asks Nana as she finally releases me and sits back down.
"No, I didn't dare," I admit honestly.
"Then here," she says, opening her handkerchief and pulling out a small ring. "When I heard your father had passed away, I called the local funeral home to offer my condolences to you and your brother. But they told me that no one had been to pick up the body or collect his belongings, so I decided to go myself. He didn't have much with him except his wallet and keys.
When your brother came back to town, I found a number and called to offer him your father's things, but he told me to throw them straight in the trash can. I opened his wallet, hoping to find an address for you or another family member, and found a crumpled, worn photo of a young woman."
"That must have been my mother," I gasp. "I didn't even know he'd kept her picture."
"When I saw her picture, it was like a blast from the past. I couldn't believe my eyes," Nana adds, reaching across the table for a napkin to wipe the lone tear sliding down her cheek.
"Did you know my mother?" I practically squeal.
"Actually, I did. Although it wasn't until I saw the photo that I made the connection."
