CHAPTER SIX #5
I watch that compliment hit my girl. Her smile is so honest and beautiful, it shows that the little things, like praise from my mom, mean the most to her.
She couldn’t care less about the big gestures, but loves that I already know her coffee order and that she always gets her Mexican food with no beans and extra rice.
Well, except for one place where she’ll get their ranch beans.
I also know that she’s a sucker for anything lemon.
It’s the little things like that. I look at the table and see our parents all getting along.
I watch Dad look up and see Mom come back into the room.
The love in his eyes is all for her. That’s what everything is about.
I could make it to the World Cup, and that would be a dream come true.
I could be on a team that wins it all one season, and that would be a great achievement.
I could coach the high school team to the state championships, and that would be great for the entire school and community, but none of it compares to getting to choose to love Hanna for the rest of my life.
I think about what Dad said earlier, and it strikes me.
Hanna’s my favorite person. She’s the one I think about first when I want to tell someone something—whether good, bad, or indifferent—it all comes back to her.
Yeah. I’m gonna need to get the ring from Dad.
Hanna
I look over at Cade, and he’s got a slight smile on his face that’s been there since I served dessert. He’s definitely got something on his mind, but it doesn’t look to be bad. Mike speaks up and suggests that the guys all go out back and enjoy the evening’s fresh air.
Cade gives me a kiss on my temple and follows his dad out.
Dad follows them and Pops goes to the restroom.
I grab the last couple of dishes and bring them into the kitchen to rinse off and get the dishwasher running.
Mom and Cara are doctoring up their coffees, and last I overheard, they were talking about a YouTuber they both watch for tips to make their gardens more prolific.
As I put the last fork in the dishwasher and move to rinse the last couple of dishes, I feel someone walk up next to me, and I know it’s Pops. He lets out this sigh before I look over, and he looks at me for a moment before he speaks, like it pains him.
“You really do love him, don’t you?” I nod. Pops sighs again as he turns and leans against the counter. “I know he loves you. His family seems to be good people too.” I chuckle and glance at him as I rinse a dish.
“You don’t have to look so bummed about it, Pops.
You just said all good things about him.
” He gives me a slight smile. “Yeah, I do. Not only is it a sign you’re all grown up, but you’re going to go off and start your own life with him.
I know I’m not losing my princess, but things are changing, and you know how I am with change. ”
“You hate it.”
He nods and sighs. “But I’ll adjust in time. Your mom reminds me that I should be happy you found someone like him, that he’ll be good to you.” I close the dishwasher, wipe my hands, and give my dad a hug.
“You could never lose me. Yes, I’m probably moving out and gonna live with Cade, but you’re always going to be my pops. I’ll always need you.”
He hugs me back and kisses the top of my head. “I know, but now your dad and I have to share you with the man who’s taken the leading spot. I’m happy you picked so good, but you just gotta give me time to adjust.”
I know Dad is usually the one with the words of wisdom, but Pops has his moments, so I decide to ask him.
“I know you’ve told us kids about how you and Dad met Mom and talked her into going out with you both and everything, but was there one moment when you realized you had no choice because your heart already loved Mom? ”
Pops shakes his head. “Loving your mother has been a choice every day since the first day I met her. Love is a choice, and one that, if you found the right person, you know you’re going to make that choice every day for the rest of your life.
I’ve loved your mom from nearly the moment I met her, and I will love her till the gods see fit to take me from this earth because I choose to love her every day, just like she chooses me and your dad every day.
See, the person you marry—that person who you find a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love?
They’re the only person in life who, purely by choice, chooses to love you.
” I must show my confusion because he quickly explains what he means.
“Let’s take you and Cade, as much as it hurts me to say.
Mom, your dad, and I love you because you're ours. You’re our DNA, evidence of our love and commitment…
and blood, sweat, and tears raising you.
” That gets him a soft elbow to his gut, but he continues.
“Your brothers love you because you’re their sister and you’re blood and were raised together.
One day, if you have kids, they’ll love you because you brought them here and gave them life.
If Cade is the one for you, like he seems to be, then his love is different, and not only because it’s a romantic partner kind of love.
It’s because he will make a daily decision to choose you.
He’ll choose you over everyone, choose you on days that are easy as much as he chooses you on days that are hard.
True love is a choice, but if it really is true love, then it’s the easiest fucking decision you make. ”
I hug him again. “I do love him, and that’s only getting stronger each day we spend together. I’m glad you’re getting on board with it.” Pops sighs again before moving away from the counter.
“I am. At least you gave me a reason to watch a new sport. Your mom hasn’t complained once when I was watching one of his matches, so there’s that at least.” I roll my eyes because he would watch paint drying if it was considered a sport.
He pulls me into him and kisses the top of my head. “Let’s go join everyone. I’m pretty sure if left alone, your mom and Cara could plot and achieve world domination. I don’t think your dad, Mike, and I are equipped to prevent it either.” I simultaneously roll my eyes and laugh. I love my parents.