So I plan to propose to her.
Tonight.
It’s a risk, but it’s one I’m willing to take. I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to speak to her father since I arrived. I’m going to marry his daughter with or without his blessing. She’s mine, and nothing can stop me from being with her. But I want to be an honorable man and ask him about it first.
I want to make my intentions clear. Things have moved so fast and I guess Macy’s parents might not like that, but this is our life, our journey, our future. Asking for her father's blessing is a formality, but it’s still something I want to do.
It’s after dinner now, and Macy is with her mom in the kitchen. I’m left watching sports with Macy’s dad, Mac. I know now is my chance to ask him.
I lean forward in my seat.
“Sir, there’s something I’d like to ask you about Macy.”
Macy’s father turns off the TV and gives me his full attention. “Ask away. What would you like to know?”
I compose myself, clearing my throat. “I love your daughter very much…and it’s my intention to ask her to be my wife. But I always try to be a gentleman, and I wanted to ask you before I propose. I guess I’m traditional in that way. So my only question for you is…may I have your daughter’s hand in marriage?”
He looks so shocked that he doesn’t know what to say. Stunned into silence, I give him a minute to process what I’ve said.
“Do you promise to always take care of her?” he growls, suddenly on the defense. Which of course, I understand entirely. I just asked him the biggest question of his life. He needs to know he’s handing his daughter over to a good man. I nod.
“All I care about is her,” I respond. “My only goal in life is to give her a happy life and to keep her safe. I will be a good husband to her, and make sure she never needs for anything. I’ll be a good father to our children. Give her a home and a place where she can be happy and thrive. That much I can promise you.”
He narrows his eyes at me and I know he’s trying to gauge whether or not I’m serious. He must sense that I am because, after a moment, he nods slowly. He looks pleased with my response.
“You have my blessing,” he says with a curt nod. “I think you’re a good man, Tate. Make sure you prove me right.”
“I will,” I say. And I mean it. I’m going to dedicate the rest of my days to making Macy happy. I’m going to ensure she has the best life possible.
She’s the most important thing in the world to me, the start and the source of my endless happiness. From now on, all my efforts will be put into her, into our family.
Nothing else matters.
Macy and her mother return to the room and I feel my heart stutter. This is the perfect place to propose, where she’s surrounded by all the people she loves in the world.
Plus I don’t want to wait any longer. I want her to know exactly how I feel. I pat my pocket, feeling for the ring that I bought earlier this week. It’s a beautiful diamond ring with a simple round stone in the middle, but I know she’ll love it. It cost me a fortune, but she’s a hundred percent worth it. I’d give up all my money to make her happy, to see the joy on her face when I propose.
Now, I just have to hope that she says yes.
Macy smiles at me as she comes to sit beside me. “What are you guys talking about?”
I exchange a glance with her father and he nods at me, giving me permission. I’m so glad he gave it to me because nothing in the world would have stopped me from being with her, but his blessing is well received. And now, it’s time to put it to use.
“Something very important,” I say. And then, I hear Macy’s mother gasp as I slide out of my seat and get down on one knee. Macy’s face splits into a smile. She doesn’t look surprised in the slightest. She knows how strong my love for her is, and how far I want to take it. I want to take our love to the ends of the earth and back. I smile at her, showing her the beautiful diamond ring, and her eyes fill with happy tears.
“You already know how much you’ve changed my life,” I tell her. “That you make me the happiest man in the world. But now, I want to show you with actions. I want to be your husband, and the man you lean on when times get hard. I want to be the man who lifts you higher when you’re already soaring. I want to be with you through the good times and especially the bad times. You’re everything to me, Macy. And I can’t imagine my life without you anymore.”