I want his blessing. My father means the world to me.
“I couldn’t have chosen better for you myself, sweet Izzy. He’s a good man. He doesn’t deserve you, but nobody does.”
“I love you so much, Dad.”
Patting my back, he sniffles. “I love you more.”
After that, I hug the rest of our small group. I even hug a few strangers. Why not? Once everything has calmed down, we sit down to eat the most delicious steak dinner I’ve ever had. More importantly, my dad got to eat real food. He cleaned his plate and helped Mom finish hers, and he never stopped smiling. For the first time since the accident, I have the feeling things are going to be okay, that life may go back to normal—or a new normal, anyway. And that, coupled with my future family, makes me the happiest woman in the world. Hands down.
37
Nash
She said yes.
I figured she would. The thing I was worried about was the proposal. I did my best to come up with something she would like. Sure, I could have hired someone to fly a plane and skywrite a proposal, or I could’ve taken her to France or something, but I know my girl, and family is where her heart lies. So, I did something simple. I asked everyone to be here with me, so that she had those that loved her most around her. I half expected Isaac to throw a curve ball and refuse to show up, but the fact I was going to make Isabelle my wife seemed to appease him. I knew Bruce was on board, but I still asked for his permission.
All he said was “About time.”
That man makes me smile. He reminds me of my father a little bit. I also informed him that he’s going to need to work hard to get back because “I want my wife working withme.”
It made him laugh, which was a relief. I wasn’t sure how he’d take it. “I’m gettin’ there, son,” he’d said. “They said I’m making good progress.” He also told me they’d already been playing around with different prosthetic arms for him, so part of his rehab has been learning to use them. “I’m hoping to be home in a couple of weeks. I’ll still have to do therapy, but not as intense as this has been, so we can drive to Emmetsville or even Iowa City if that’s necessary.”
“Good news, Bruce.” And it is. Not just for him, because it means I can marry my girl sooner rather than later. “No, that’s great news,” I added before we ended our call.
* * *
“So?”We’re in our suite at the hotel in Des Moines.
Isabelle stops unpacking her small bag and turns to look at me. “So? What?”
I know she’s teasing me. She’s had the biggest smile on her face ever since the proposal.
“When should we get married?”
“Oh.” She looks down at the bed, then back at me. “I think it takes a year to do all of the wedding planning.”
“A year?” I practically pass out at the thought. “That’s too long.”
Turning to me, she looks concerned. “Too long? Are you… is this about Ivy?”
“Huh?” What? “No. Ivy’s been dealt with. Or she will be next week.”
“You didn’t whack her, did you?”
“No.” I crack up with laughter. “Whack her?”
“You just said, ‘Ivy’s been dealt with.’ That sounds ominous.”
Reaching for her, I take her hand in mine. I sit first then pull her onto my lap. “She stopped by the farm today.”
“Again?”
“Yes. She was mad about me getting a lawyer.”
“You told her you were getting a lawyer.”
“I know.” I shrug. “I guess she didn’t believe me.”
