“He was such a sweet man. I miss him.” She sips her tea. “Sadly, the man passed away, and the wife returned home in tears. She’d never worked and had three young children. And back then, her options were limited.”
“That poor woman.”
“My grandpa started paying her to use the car. And he’d watch the kids when she needed to go out. He helped her as much as he could. Then six months after the funeral, he proposed. Told her he’d help her and the kids.”
I cover my mouth, hoping that will hold back sobs. “What did she say?”
“She accepted. And they had a small ceremony. The sweetest part of the story is that they fell in love. I’m not sure if it happened for both of them right away, but they went on to have three more children, and one of those is my dad.” After glancing at her phone, she drinks more of her tea. “I just love that story because of the way their friendship turned into more.”
“Do you think lots of arranged marriages end up with people falling in love?”
“I don’t know, but I’d like to think so. I want to believe that.” She finishes the little bit left in her mug. “We should get together for lunch one weekend or maybe dinner one night. I’d stay longer, but I like to help Ava with dinner when I can.”
“Oh, of course. And I’d love to get together again. This has been helpful.”
Her story has me doubting my decision, but I have all night to alternate between yes and no.
Chapter 6
Parker
I’m staring at the ceiling, wishing I had more of a hint about her answer. Maybe I should have told her how I feel, how I’ve been enamored with her for years. But I’m trying not to sway her. Putting the offer out there gives her the option to turn me down without feeling like she’s breaking my heart.
My phone buzzes, and I snatch it off the nightstand.
Bluebonnet:Are you dating anyone?
Me:No
I could elaborate and explain that I wouldn’t have proposed if I had another romantic relationship, but right now, I think short and simple is better.
Bluebonnet:Were you before you asked?
Me:Nope
Holding the phone, I wait for another message, any hint about how she’ll answer.
Bluebonnet:Okay. Good night
Me:See you in the morning
So much for sleeping.
I roll out of bed and yank on a pair of jeans. Time to see what snacks Ava left in the kitchen. Driving seems silly, but I’d rather not deal with the creatures who are out and about this late.
There’s a light on in the mess hall, so someone else has the same idea.
Dag waves as I step through the door. “Hey. What has you up so late?” He reaches into the fridge and pulls out a foil-wrapped plate with his name scrawled on the top. “Want to know my reason?” His eyebrows danced mischievously.
“No. I really don’t.” I push past him and open the fridge.
He unwraps the plate and sticks it in the microwave. “Since I had a date, I asked Goldie to save me a plate. She’s the best.”
“Better put a paper towel over that. Don’t make more messes for Goldie.” I like Goldie, but her affection for Dag is something I don’t understand. She has more patience than any other person I’ve known or even read about.
“Yeah. But she’ll forgive me. Always does.” He checks the food, then puts it in again. Without anything covering it. “There was one time I thought she wouldn’t forgive me.”
“What did you do that time?” Getting irritated with Dag isn’t much better than staring at a dark ceiling, but I’ll stay until I finish my pie.
