He looked at me and smiled. “I just want my little girl to be happy and well taken care of. I can see how happy she is with you. I’m glad she finally found someone worth a damn.”
We continued to play, and I thought maybe this was the best time to ask him. “Can I marry your daughter?”
He took a minute before responding with a yes, but he was tearing up. Was he happy for us? Did I do something wrong? “I’m sorry, sir. What did I do?”
“You did nothing.”
I couldn’t help but not believe him. About an hour later, he told me he was having health issues, but he hadn’t told Ella. Hedidn’t want her to worry, but he was glad that she had me. What kind of health issues? “Are you going to be okay?”
“I won’t live forever, but I’ll be fine for now.”
For some reason, I didn’t feel like he was telling me the truth. There was more going on than what he was telling me, but I didn’t want to pry. About an hour later, we were finally done playing golf. I never realized how long golf took. We had been gone a long time. I was ready to go home and see Ella and eat. I was hoping I made a good impression on Tommy. I believed I did since he gave me permission to ask Ella to marry me. Now I just needed to pick out a ring and decide on the proposal details. No big deal. I rolled my eyes while thinking to myself that I had a lot of things to do.
When we got home, Meredith was in the living room watching television, and Ella was upstairs taking a nap. I shook her to let her know I was home. She greeted me with a kiss, and I lay down next to her. “Was it as bad as you thought it would be?”
“I’m in bed, aren’t I?”
I felt bad because I knew she didn’t get along with her mom, but she wanted me to spend time with Tommy. At least we would all be together for the rest of their time here. I changed into some more comfortable clothes and headed downstairs. I knew dinner should be ready soon. It was almost seven. I talked with April, the chef, and found out dinner would be another half hour. My stomach was rumbling. We all met in the living room. You could feel the tension in the room. I wasn’t sure why. I looked at Ella to say something, anything.
“So, Dad, did you have fun today?”
“Oh yeah, you know I always enjoy playing golf.”
I could see she was acting awkward. What the hell was going on with her? She needed to pull it together. We couldn’t be this awkward all night. I hated awkwardness. I started a conversation with her parents about where they were going next.They had decided to go on another cruise. Apparently, they loved cruises. I would love to take Ella on a cruise. Holy crap. I could book us a cruise and propose. That was perfect. I pulled out my phone and checked the ships leaving soon from anywhere in the US. There was a ship leaving from Florida in a week. Screw it, I booked it. “So it looks like we are going on a cruise Friday.”
Ella’s face brightened, and she smiled. “What, really? No way!”
“Yup, already booked it. Just put in for time off on Monday!”
She was so excited. If there was one thing I knew, it was that shelovedto travel. Anywhere. Now I just needed to find the perfect ring. I texted Shawn.
Me: Hey, man, the proposal is happening next weekend. I’m taking her on a cruise Friday. I’ll be away for a couple of days, but I need help finding the perfect ring.
Shawn: I’ve never been engaged before so can’t help you there, but I’ll cover for you while you go. You deserve it. Have fun.
Immediately, I thought of Charlotte. She could help me pick out a ring. I didn’t have her number though. I would need to get it out of Ella’s phone without her knowing. We turned in for the night, and I waited for Ella to fall asleep. I grabbed her phone and got Charlotte’s number. I figured it was too late to call, so I sent a text.
Me: Hey, Charlotte, this is Alexander. I need your help to pick out an engagement ring. Let me know when you are free.
Charlotte: A what? Engagement ring? You are going to propose? OMG. I can’t believe it.
Me: Call Ella tomorrow and see if you can come visit. I’ll send my plane to NYC, and you can just fly on that since it’s such short notice.
Charlotte: Got it. See you tomorrow.
Chapter Thirty-Three
ELLA
I just didn’t want to get out of bed after the news I learned yesterday. I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to act like I didn’t know what was going on. Finally, Alexander made me get out of bed. He was saying I was a party pooper. “Get up, it’s Sunday. It’s a great day.” He was trying to be motivational this morning. I needed five cups of coffee and breakfast. I didn’t sleep very well. I tossed and turned most of the night.
I checked the time on my phone and found a text.
Charlotte: I want to come visit. Can I fly in today?
Me: Yes, I’m sure Alexander will let you use his plane. Let me ask.
Me: He will have it there around 3 p.m.