“We have many years before we worry about kids,” Charlie adds.
‘I’m not getting any younger,” she tells him.
“Mom,” Charlie grumbles.
“We’ve looked into options, but it’s expensive,” I tell her.
“Do not worry about the cost. We will help you,” Robert states out of the blue.
Charlie and I look at each other. “Dad, that is generous but …”
Robert shakes his head. “If it’s only money standing in the way of you two having a family, then let’s get rid of that obstacle.”
I don’t know what to say.
“I would like to be married first before having kids,” Charlie tells him.
“Okay then, get married,” Robert states.
I blink at him and at Charlie, who looks as shocked as me.
“Yes. Come on, I want to be a bridesmaid,” Everly adds.
“Will you excuse me,” Charlie says, placing his napkin on the table and walking out of the restaurant.
“Guys, you took it too far,” Faith adds.
“I was trying to be supportive,” Robert says.
“I’ll go find him,” I say, excusing myself from the table. I find Charlie pacing in the foyer of the hotel, raking his hand over his buzz cut. “Hey, are you okay?”
“That was a lot, D.”
“It was. But it’s kind of sweet that they are so happy for us,” I say, stopping his pacing, making him look at me.
“Just felt like they were forcing me to propose on this trip, and as magical as it is, this isn’t where I want to propose,” he states.
“Then don’t. If you have a plan, stick to it. This is our life. Our timeline.”
He nods. “I love you, D. I don’t want you to doubt that.”
“Never,” I say, cupping his face. “When the time is right, everything will fall into place.”
“Thank you. I just felt all this pressure and …”
“It’s okay. We’re okay. It was a lot, but they love you and are just so happy.”
“I know.” He sighs. “We haven’t been together since Lyle’s death and my accident.”
Oh.
Now I get it. “Well, then, let’s give them the best damn family holiday ever.
87
DERRICK
By the time we get back up to the penthouse, I’m full, a little tipsy, and weirdly floaty from all the emotion at dinner. Love declarations. Future talk. Baby talk. Marriage talk. It was … a lot.
