Chapter 85
S tepping into Dani’s childhood home, I’m greeted by two people who look to be exactly my age. They must have had her young. It’s jarring. Dani never talks about them. I don’t know what I expected. I guess two people in their mid-fifties.
“I’m Crystal.” Dani’s mom extends a hand. She’s a pretty blonde, a good sign for Dani’s future.
“Carl.” He shakes my hand firmly. With Dani’s talks about him going to rehab, I’d assumed he would have tattoos and look more weathered. He looks like a regular middle-class guy.
The evening progresses smoothly enough, but I can sense a subtle undercurrent of unease from them. I understand their concerns. After all, I am about their age. It’s a situation that warrants a deeper conversation, and I’m looking for an opportunity to speak with Dani’s dad alone.
Finally, the moment arrives as Dani and Crystal begin clearing the dinner table.
“Want to get some air?” I ask him. He nods, agreeing, albeit with a hint of reluctance.
Sliding the back door shut, he starts, “I’ll be blunt.” I like this guy already. “I don’t like that you’re about my age and dating my daughter.”
Appreciating his directness, I begin my campaign.
“Carl, I understand your concern. This isn’t a habit for me.
I’m not that guy chasing younger girls.” The tension on his face slightly eases.
I’m making progress. “She’s the most special person I’ve ever met.
What Dani and I have … It’s more than either of us anticipated. ”
There’s a pause, a moment of reflection for both of us, and then the words come out of me.
“I love your daughter, and I want to marry her.” Saying it aloud, especially to her father, makes it even more real.
I didn’t come here planning on saying that.
Now that it’s been said, I’m hoping for the best.
He studies me for a moment, his expression unreadable.
“She was a very happy child … until I’m sure you know.
” I nod. His face reminds me of Dani at this moment, likely a million thoughts racing in his mind before he decides what he’ll say aloud.
“Ever since, there is this deep anger in her, a distrust in the world, a cynicism.”
“I know,” I say, although I rarely see it from her. “With me, she’ll never have to worry about so much. She deserves the world, and I intend to give it to her.”
He sighs, the lines of worry on his face now deepening. “I don’t care about your money. I want to know that you will treat her right. She’s never been in a healthy relationship before. There was a …”
“Sorin,” I say, filling in the gap.
He nods. “We just want her to be happy, to be with someone who is good for her and good to her.”
“Always.”
“Don’t give her a reason to lean into that other part of herself.”
I look him directly in the eyes. “I will always be her biggest champion. Dani means everything to me.”
There’s a moment of silence as he absorbs my words. I hope I’ve conveyed the depth of my feelings for Dani and my intentions toward her.
Finally, he nods slowly. “Just … make sure you keep her happy.”
“I will,” I promise, feeling a sense of responsibility and honor in that promise. I wasn’t planning to have this be the conversation where I asked for her hand, but it happened, and Carl didn’t say no.