Page 76 of Hearts Don't Lie
“Smartest woman I know.” Hardin grinned back at his son through his tears and ruffled his hair. “I need something besides granola bars. How about I make us some sandwiches?”
“Can we have milkshakes too?”
“Why not?”
Conversation turned to Mac while they ate their turkey-and-provolone sandwiches.
“What are your plans with Mom?”
“She’s got her book club tonight. Until eightish she said.”
Stowe let out an exasperated sigh. “Dad! No. What, like what do you, you know…”
Hardin frowned at Stowe, not following him.
“You said you have her now.”
Ah.Hardin flashed his son a grin. “My intentions.”
“Yes.”
“Interesting you should ask me that, because there was something I wanted to ask you. Something really important.”
From the look on his son’s face, Hardin had just confused him. “Are you paying attention, because I want you to give my question very serious consideration before you respond. Stowe?”
“Okay,” he said cautiously.
“Will you give me your blessing to ask your mom to marry me?”
Stowe’s plate clattered to the floor as he jettisoned from his seat on one foot. His smile was blinding. “Yes! We’re getting married! Yes!”
Hardin chuckled and shook his head. “You sure?”
“Dad, I’m so sure!When?”
“Hey, sit down before you reinjure yourself, or your mom is going to have my ass.” He growled, then corrected himself. “My butt.” His brows remained elevated until Stowe sat. “We’re going to keep this between us. I need your help, okay? I want to make this special for your mom.”
“She’s out at her book club tonight, so that’s perfect.”
“I’ll fill you in if you promise to nap.”
“That’s bribery!”
“It sure is,” Hardin said, thoroughly enjoying himself. “Deal?”
“Deal.”
Hardin ran his idea past Stowe, who made one suggestion. He moved Stowe’s nap time back on the condition of helping. As soon as Stowe had his list and was comfortable, Hardin ran the necessary errands.
